Next in authority after the Grand Vizier, also called the Vizier Azem or First Vizier, are the officials known as Beglerbegs. These men may fairly be compared to archdukes or great governors in some parts of Christian Europe. Each Beglerbeg rules over a wide territory and has under his command many sanjaks, or provinces, as well as their local governors, such as beys, aghas, and other officers.
These men represent the Sultan’s authority in distant regions of the empire. Through them, imperial orders are enforced, taxes are collected, justice is administered, and military forces are raised when needed.
Signs of Rank and Authority
To each Beglerbeg, the Grand Signior grants three imperial standards, known in Turkish as tugh. These standards are poles decorated with horse tails and finished with a gilded metal cap at the top. They are carried before the Beglerbeg in public and serve as a visible sign of his rank.
This distinction clearly marks the difference between officials. A Beglerbeg has three tugh, a Beyler or Basha of lower rank has two, and the Sanjak-beg, who also bears the title of Pasha, has only one. In this way, rank is immediately recognized without words Istanbul Private Tours.
Ceremony of Appointment
When a man is appointed as a Pasha, the ceremony of his investiture is carried out with public display. A flag or banner is carried before him, and he is accompanied by music and songs. This is done by an official called the Asirialem, whose sole duty is to conduct such ceremonies for the installation of Pashas into their offices.
This public ritual reinforces the dignity of the office and reminds the people that the authority of the Pasha comes directly from the Sultan.
Two Types of Provincial Governments
The governments of Beglerbegs, who rule over several sanjaks, are divided into two kinds. The first is called Has Beglerbeglik. In this form, the governor receives a fixed income drawn from the cities, lands, and revenues of the province assigned to him.
The second type is known as Salyane Beglerbeglik. In this system, the Beglerbeg is paid a regular salary rather than collecting revenue directly. All taxes are gathered by officers of the Sultan and sent to the central treasury. From this treasury, salaries are paid to the Beglerbeg, the Sanjak-begs, and the soldiers of the province.
Purpose of This System
This division allows the empire to govern both rich and distant regions effectively. It also ensures that military forces and local officials remain dependent on the Sultan’s authority rather than acting independently.