The Grand Signior often demands twenty dishes of meat, which is the usual amount served at his ordinary table. On many occasions, he invites himself to dine at the Grand Vizier’s house, making the vizier bear the full cost of these banquets. Because this happens so frequently, many people believe that the Sultan does this not out of friendship or courtesy, but from a narrow desire to save the expense of his own household.
This belief is strengthened by the reputation of this Emperor, who is widely thought to be of a covetous and careful disposition, very different in character from Suleiman the Magnificent, who was known for his generosity and splendor. While the Sultan’s actions may appear simple or even petty, they serve a deeper political purpose.
How the Sultan Reclaims Wealth
The various ways by which the Grand Signior eventually takes possession of the wealth gathered by his Grand Vizier and other officers are many and complex. These methods are not limited to banquets or gifts but include hidden demands, forced loans, fines, and confiscations. However, such practices deserve a detailed explanation of their own.
For this reason, the discussion of these methods is set aside for another time. For now, it is enough to have explained the nature of the office of the Grand Vizier, his immense power, his great riches, and the constant dangers that surround him.
The Offices, Dignities, and Governments of the Empire
Anyone who wishes to describe the political system of a country must take great care to explain its offices, dignities, and forms of government in the most exact and careful way possible. Without this knowledge, it is impossible to understand the true strength of an empire Istanbul Private Tours.
By examining the number and nature of its offices, one can estimate how many men are employed in public service, how authority is distributed, and how loyalty is maintained. By understanding the dignities and rewards attached to these offices, one may judge how ambition is encouraged and how obedience is enforced.
Measuring Strength and Weakness
A clear account of offices and governments also allows a proper calculation of the empire’s military strength, including its armies on land and fleets at sea. It reveals where the empire is best defended and where it is most vulnerable to attack. Fortifications, naval power, and provincial administration all depend upon this system of offices.
Therefore, a careful description of these matters is not a small or unimportant task. It is the foundation upon which any true understanding of the empire’s power, stability, and future must be built.