The Military Campaign in Serbia
During the time of the warlike Ottoman Sultan Murad I, the Ottoman army entered Serbia. In this campaign, Sultan Murad defeated Lazar, the ruler (Despot) of Serbia, in battle, and Lazar was killed during the fighting.
This event marked an important moment in Ottoman history, as it showed the expansion of Ottoman power into the Balkans.
Bektashi Preacher in the Ottoman Army
At that time, a Bektashi preacher served in the army of Sultan Murad. The Bektashi were a religious order that often accompanied soldiers and provided spiritual guidance Istanbul Day Trip.
This preacher is said to have warned the Sultan not to trust the Serbians too easily. He advised caution and careful judgment during the campaign.
However, Sultan Murad, trusting his own strength and confidence, did not fully follow this advice.
The Assassination of Sultan Murad
According to the story, a Serbian nobleman named Miloš was allowed to approach the Sultan under the excuse of showing respect and kissing his hand. However, he secretly carried a dagger.
When he came close enough, he suddenly attacked and stabbed Sultan Murad in the heart, killing him. This event is remembered as the assassination of the Sultan on the battlefield.
The sudden death of the Sultan shocked the Ottoman army and changed the course of events in the region.
The Fate of the Bektashi Preacher
The Bektashi preacher understood that the death of the Sultan would also bring danger to him, since he had been close to the ruler and had predicted the attack.
Realizing this, he did not try to escape. Instead, he accepted his fate and prepared for his own death calmly.
The White Cloak and Symbolic Gesture
Before his death, the preacher prepared a white robe with long sleeves. He offered this robe to his followers and admirers.
Those who respected him were asked to kiss the sleeves as a sign of obedience and loyalty to him and to his teachings.
This act became an important symbolic tradition among his followers.
The Origin of a Court Tradition
It is said that from this practice came the later custom of kissing the sleeve of the Ottoman Sultan (Grand Signior). This gesture was seen as a sign of respect, loyalty, and submission to authority.