TURKOMANS BETWEEN TWO EMPIRES: THE ... - Bilkent University

directly from the Janissaries’ words, a prince who makes such a man his vizier and
advisor could not be suitable for the ruler-ship. 1547
Hoca Saadeddin also emphasizes Ahmed’s weak and unsuccessful governance
during the qizilbash revolt of Şahkulu in explaining the Janissaries’ discontent.
According to him, they said that “although there was a strong imperial army under his
command, Ahmed could not handle some barefooted Anatolian Turks. He did not
protect the honor of the saltanat but fled from a number of poor sackers. Being so, how
could he regard himself merited to the post of saltanat, which is a gift of God and
requires strong and vigorous personality? Those who are fond of relaxed and joyful life
cannot bear this heavy burden. Thus, leaving the Ottoman throne to Ahmed would lead
to the downfall of the empire. We do not agree upon the saltanat of any other prince but
Selim, who has already proved that he has the noble potency of the sultan-ship!” 1548
So, the Janissaries were fairly displeased when they learned about Ahmed’s
approach to Istanbul in order to take over the throne. The discontent of the Janissaries
was in such a degree that they wrote threatening letters to the members of the imperial
council (divan) to make them change from their decision. 1549
Ahmed sent a letter to the grand vizier Hersek-zāde Ahmed Pasha on his way
ordering to make necessary preparations for his enthronement. He must have been aware
of the disfavor of the Janissaries and other kuls because in his letter Ahmed specially
asks about their attitudes. 1550 Upon learning that Ahmed arrived in Maltepe and the
members of the divan were making necessary preparations to welcome the next
1547 SKB, pp. 91-92; YSF, pp. 32-3. Also see MNB, p. 434.
1548 HSE4, pp. 77-78. For similar ideas also see ANMH, p. 58.
1549 ULCY2, p. 119.
1550 ULCY2, p. 119.
453