Part 1

Transcriber's note:

Errors and inconsistencies in accented words, mostly related to Arabic and Turkish names, have been taken care as much as possible, without attempting however to make a major revision and overhaul of the original text.

ANNALS OF THE TURKISH EMPIRE, FROM 1591 TO 1659 OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA.

BY NAIMA.

TRANSLATED FROM THE TURKISH, BY CHARLES FRASER.

LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE ORIENTAL TRANSLATION FUND OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. SOLD BY JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET; AND PARBURY, ALLEN, & CO., LEADENHALL STREET.

M.DCCC.XXXII.

LONDON: Printed by J. L. COX and SON, Great Queen Street, Lincoln’s-Inn Fields.

TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.

History, it has been well observed, is, of all other branches of human knowledge, the most attractive, and best rewards the efforts of research. Even the history of the most ignorant and barbarous nations that have ever peopled the globe, may furnish something, either in their modes of government, in their forms of religion, or in their manners, customs, and laws, which is calculated to amuse or instruct. The knowledge of the springs and motives of human actions, and of their consequent effects, whether auspicious or inauspicious, and which operate more or less powerfully on the destinies of the human race, is, by this channel, conveyed to our minds with a distinctness, perspicuity, and force which cannot, by any possibility, be gained in any other way.

By the investigation of history we become acquainted with points of character of the utmost importance, and arrive at the conviction that good and evil are, in some way or other, combined and interwoven in the affairs of life: and we may often, without difficulty, trace the happiness or misery of millions of human beings to the act of a single individual; and perceive that impressions have thereby been made that stamp, for ages, the moral and intellectual character of mankind.

Without adverting to the rise and downfall of the Roman Empire, out of the dismemberment of which have arisen the principal States of Europe, we would merely refer, at present, to the rise, progress, and establishment of Mohammedanism, the followers of which conquered, sword in hand, the whole of the rich and fertile provinces possessed by that empire in the East.

To trace the rise, progress, and final establishment of the Mohammedan power, from its commencement under Mohammed Mustafa, the prophet of Islamism, and its successive triumphs under the Khalifs, his immediate successors, would be to detail a series of revolutions and successions of dynasties, the most eventful and extensive, the most disastrous and appalling, that have ever taken place on the theatre of our world.

On this department of deep and lasting interest, though it be amply fitted to remunerate the labour of investigation, it is not our intention, did we possess the vanity to conceive ourselves competent for the task, to enter. Moreover, it is unnecessary; because this department of history, in regard at least to its great and leading features, has already been fully and accurately traced and brought within our reach by others, whose talents and means of information rendered them qualified for the undertaking, and whose services, in this respect, can hardly be too much valued.

Our real purpose in offering these few general remarks, is with the view of introducing to the reader’s notice the learned and laborious Turkish annalist, NAIMA, who favoured his countrymen with a connected narrative of the most important and interesting events which had transpired within the Turkish dominions for the space of seventy years. In this he has given a detailed account of all the wars, offensive and defensive, foreign and domestic, in which the Turks had been engaged during that period, besides other incidents of importance, and negociations and treaties, friendly and commercial, with foreign powers. The importance and value of this author’s labours induce us to recommend to the reader’s perusal the annexed volume of Translation, which contains within its pages the first twenty-eight years of the above Narrative or History, or about one-fourth of the whole work. We shall reserve for a succeeding paragraph, our remarks on this work, and in the meantime proceed to observe in general, that the foundation of the Turkish power seems to have begun with the accession of Osmán or Othman I. to the rank of emír of the Oguzian tribe of Tátárs in room of Ortogrul, his father, the last sultán of Iconium, who died A.D. 1299. Osmán, at the head of this warlike horde, in the course of a very few years conquered and possessed himself of several of the provinces of Asia Minor, assumed the title of Sultán in 1300, and fixed his residence in Yení-Sheher, a city of Anatolia. Orkhan, his son and successor, acquired possession of Brúsa, Nice, and Nicomedia in Bithynia, by force of arms; the first of which the Osmánlí Sultáns made for a time their capital. In short, such was the success which attended the Ottoman arms, that, in the course of fifty or sixty years, they overwhelmed, and subjugated to their sway, the whole of the Roman empire in the east; absorbed the whole strength and energy of Moslem dominion; and became, and continue to be to this day, the chief bulwark of Islám and of Mohammedan despotism.

Naima commences his history of the Turkish empire with the year of the Hijrah or Hejeret 1000 (A.D. 1591), and brings it down to the year 1070 of the same era. This work was probably intended by its author to form the supplement or continuation of the history composed by Sa’d-úd-dín, which commences with the origin of the Turkish power, and brings down the narrative of events to 926 (A.D. 1526).

Naima’s Annals consist of two large volumes folio, which were printed at Constantinople in the year of the Hijrah 1147, being the twelfth printed work which issued from the imperial press of Constantinople. In six years afterwards, Ráshid’s History, and the Annals of Chelebí Zádeh, followed, having issued from the same press, and are a continuation of Naima.

Of Naima himself we have not been able to collect any certain information; nor do we know at what period he lived: but we conjecture he must have been contemporary, or nearly so, with Kátib Chelebí,[1] author of the Fezliké, to which work Naima sometimes refers. As a narrator of facts, however, we think, from what we have read of him, we have just cause to accuse him of partiality and occasional exaggeration, into which the historian ought never to be betrayed. But where, we would venture to ask, is there one of this class of writers who stands entirely acquitted of these defects? To a Turk, however, the Annals of Naima possess that same sort of importance which we, in similar circumstances, are accustomed to attach to a work of the like nature amongst ourselves. The Turk, we have no doubt, will consider, as sound doctrine, the defects to which we have referred, and that too without hesitation and without enquiry; because they are entirely congenial to his creed and modes of thinking.

Of the annexed translation we have only one word to say, and that is, that we have exercised all possible care to translate honestly and fairly, and this being all we undertook to accomplish, we leave it to speak for itself.

THE TRANSLATOR.

_Edinburgh, May 24th 1832._

N.B.—In the following work the system of Sir William Jones, in the orthography of Oriental words, has been used as far as the nature of the Turkish language would permit. The accented vowels have the same sounds as in Italian; and the unaccented, the short sounds, as _a_ in _bat_, _i_ in _lily_, &c. The consonants have the sound usually given them in our own language.

AUTHOR’S PREFACE.

IN THE NAME OF THE MOST MERCIFUL AND MOST GRACIOUS GOD!

The thousandth year of the Hijrah commenced on the first of Moharrem—which is also the Sabbath-day (Saturday)—and is the three hundred and fifty-fourth thousand four hundred and ninety-ninth day of the Prophet’s flight.

This year of happy omen, connected with antecedent time, makes the 184693d year, and the 5350th of the Jewish era; but, according to Melek’l-mowid’s mode of reckoning, is the 7216th year. The thousandth year of the Hijrah is the 4974th from Noah’s flood, but which, according to the calculations of astronomers, falls short of that period by a space of 270 years: and the 2807th of the supreme conjunction; the 2338th of the era of Nebuchadnossar; the 1901st of the era of Alexander; the 1590th of the Christian era; the 1360th of the Copts; the 959th of the Yezdijerd (the ancient Persian era); the 533rd of Jellali (the modern Persian era); and the 167th year of the middle or intermediate supreme conjunction.

Writers of defective intelligence have introduced a multitude of opinions into their writings, which go on to say, among other things, that when the thousandth year of the Hijrah was once over, the day of the resurrection would immediately arrive, or if it should not then arrive, it would, most certainly, not extend beyond thirty lunar years (_i. e._ the intercalary and other years of that period of time). In this particular they not only assumed weak and ill-founded premises, but, as might be expected, have written incorrectly on the subject. Witness, for instance, their speculations concerning the completion of the moon’s revolutions, whence they affirm, that the Prophet (on whom be blessing and peace) should not remain in his grave till the thousand years expired, and other similar records, which, however, are at once at variance with true philosophy and sound theology. Several writers not attending to these things have, through ignorance or carelessness, given currency in their writings to statements which are utterly without foundation, and therefore contrary to the received canon.

CONTENTS.

Page

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1000 OF THE HIJRAH.

The Grand Vezír, Ferhád Páshá, deposed, and the Vezírship conferred on Síávush Páshá 1

The Militia of Tabríz 2

The Muftí Effendí, Bostánízádeh, deposed, and Zekeríá Effendí appointed in his stead 3

Disturbance on the Confines of Bosnia and Hungary—Movements of the Infidels 4

News from the East 5

Concerning learned Men 5

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1001, H.

The Spáhís create a Disturbance in the Diván 11

The Grand Vezír, Síávush Páshá, deposed 12

A Rupture betwixt the Ottomans and the Austrians 13

The Grand Vezír, Sinán Páshá, determines on carrying the War into Hungary 16

The Enemy advances to Belgrade 19

Felk falls into the hands of the Enemy 20

The Faithless are chastised 22

The base and ignoble Infidels besiege Khutván 23

The Siege of Osterghún 24

The Request of the Prime Minister—The Succour of the magnificent Emperor 27

Yanuk laid siege to 29

The Moslem Warriors begin an Assault 30

EVENTS OF THE YEARS 1005, H.

The Conquest of Yanuk 31

Komran laid siege to 33

Concerning the bad Management of the Commander-in-Chief; his Error and Failure in some other Matters 35

The Waiwoda of Moldavia rebels 36

Concerning the Insurrection occasioned by Michael, Waiwoda of Valachia 37

Death of Sultán Murád III. 39

The late Emperor’s Age—The time of his Reign—Some of his virtues and good deeds described 41

Vezírs contemporary with Sultán Murád Khán 42

Learned Men contemporary with Sultán Murád Khán 44

Reverend Doctors contemporary with Murád Khán 46

Facts relative to the new Emperor, Sultán Mohammed Khán III. 48

Insurrection of the Valachians and Moldavians 49

Ferhád Páshá makes preparations for War 50

The Spáhís raise a Tumult 51

Ferhád Páshá prepares to set out for Valachia 53

Continuation of Ferhád’s Affairs 55

Ferhád arrives on the Banks of the Danube 55

Ferhád is deposed—Sinán Páshá raised to the Premiership 56

Sinán Páshá’s Operations in Valachia 59

A Council held—A Fortress built 61

Concerning the Enemy’s Operations on the Frontiers 61

The Moslem Army advances to Osterghún, and is defeated 62

The apostate Michael gains a Victory 63

The Fortress of Yerkok taken 65

Osterghún delivered up to the Enemy 66

Vishégrade is taken by the Enemy 66

The Grand Vezír deposed—Lálá Mohammed Páshá made Grand Vezír 66

Sinán Páshá is made Grand Vezír a fifth time 67

Sinán Páshá’s Counsel to the Emperor 68

Sinán Páshá’s Death—Ibrahím Páshá is made Grand Vezír 69

Strife and Contention between Sa’d-úd-dín Effendí and the Muftí 69

The Emperor of the Moslems prepares to set out for the Seat of War 71

A Council held 73

Agria besieged 74

The Moslems are threatened by another immense Host of Infidels 77

Jafer Páshá sent with a body of Troops to surprise the Enemy 79

The Orthodox Army advances to meet the Enemy 82

The Battle of the First Day 84

The Battle of the Second Day—The Defeat of the Enemy 85

The Premiership conferred on Jaghaleh Zádeh Sinán Páshá 91

The Fugitives punished 92

The conquering Moslems return to Agria 93

The Emperor returns to Constantinople 94

Jaghaleh, the Grand Vezír, deposed—Ibrahím is re-appointed 94

Concerning Fateh Gheráí 97

New Appearances of Hostilities 99

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1006, H.

A Council held—The Army marches on Wáj 102

The Grand Vezír, Ibrahím Páshá, deposed—Khádem Hasan Páshá succeeds to the Premiership 106

Jeráh Mohammed Páshá raised to the Premiership 109

The Enemy gains advantage at Yanuk by stratagem 109

The Moslems determine on attacking Warad 112

State of Affairs in Bassra 114

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1007, H.

Account of the late Expedition, continued from last Year 115

Warad besieged 119

Concerning the Fall of Besperim, Polata, Tata, and the Siege of Buda 125

Khádem Háfiz Ahmed Páshá routed at Nicopolis by the odious Michael 127

The Grand Vezírship conferred a third time on Ibrahím Páshá 129

Satúrjí Mohammed Páshá murdered—Etmekjí Zádeh imprisoned 131

Strange Conduct of the new Grand Vezír, Ibrahím Páshá 133

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1008, H.

Account of Ibrahím Páshá’s further Operations 136

The French Soldiers stationed at Papa join the Osmánlís 140

Laudable Qualities of Ibrahím Páshá 142

Concerning Abulhelím 144

The State of Yemen (Arabia-felix) 146

Ibrahím Páshá’s Movements against Kaniza 146

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1009, H.

Kaniza taken 153

Hájí Ibrahím Páshá defeated by Kara Yazíjí (Scrivano) 157

The odious Michael’s Troops defeated 159

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1010, H.

The Grand Vezír Ibrahím Páshá’s death—Yemishjí Hasan Páshá succeeds him in the Premiership 160

Concerning Tarnákjí Hasan Páshá going to Kaniza 164

The Enemy return to lay siege to Kaniza 165

The Grand Vezír and Commander-in-Chief, Yemishjí Hasan Páshá, marches against the Enemy 166

Kaniza is besieged 168

Arrival of the Arch-Duke Mathias 179

Some further Account of the Affairs relative to Kaniza—The Arrival of the Commander-in-Chief at Sigetwar 197

State of Matters in the East—Concerning Scrivano 199

Some other Events of this Year—Karah Yázijí dies in the Mountains of Jánbeg 200

Concerning the rebel Delí Hasan, the Brother of Karah Yázijí—Hasan Páshá, the Commander-in-Chief, falls a Martyr 201

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1011, H.

Hasan Páshá recovers Alba Julia 202

The Commander-in-Chief conducts an Expedition into Transylvania 204

Pest taken—Buda is besieged 206

Ghází Gheráí Khán arrives with a Tátár Army 210

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1012, H.

Advantage gained by the Rebel Delí Hasan—Mahmúd Páshá is appointed in the room of Khosrú Páshá 211

Several changes take place 212

Concerning Ghaznafer Aghá and Osmán Aghá, ághá of the Palace 212

Yemishjí Hasan Páshá returns to Constantinople 213

Mahmúd Páshá reports these Proceedings to the Emperor, who refuses to sanction the Deed of the Muftí 215

Poiráz Osmán and other Rebels executed 221

Other Affairs of this Period 226

Concerning the Operations of the new Commander-in-Chief, Mohammed Páshá 229

The Grand Vezír Yemishjí Hasan Páshá deposed—Dies a violent death 234

Kásim Páshá is made Governor of Constantinople 239

The Commencement of a Rupture with Persia 240

The Sháh of Persia marches upon Tabríz 242

The Capture of Nakhcheván 248

Death of Sultán Mohammed Khán, son of Murád Khán 249

Of learned Men 251

Concerning Grand Vezírs and other Great Men 251

Concerning the Ulemá, or higher order of Ecclesiastics 253

Of the Mesháiekh, or Priests 254

The Arrival of the Fleet—Concerning the Grand Vezír, Yávuz Alí Páshá 258

Alí Páshá, Grand Vezír, is appointed Commander-in-Chief over the Troops employed against Hungary, and Jeghala Zádeh is appointed to the command in the East 259

A variety of Changes in the Ecclesiastical and Military Establishments 260

Some further Account of Delí Hasan (Brother of Scrivano) 262

Continuation of the Account of the War carried on against the Heretics—The Sháh reduces Reván 263

The Sháh conquers Shirwán 264

Kars is besieged—Other Acts of Hostility by the Red Heads 265

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1013, H.

The Grand Vezír, Alí Páshá, sets out for Belgrade 267

Lálá Mohammed Páshá succeeds Alí Páshá in all his Offices 274

The Infidels abandon Pest 275

The Fortress of Wáj conquered 276

Osterghún is laid siege to 276

Concerning Botchkai 279

A Battle fought between the Germans and Hungarians 281

Concerning the Defeat of Kásim Páshá 283

Sárukjí Mustafa Páshá is made Deputy of Constantinople—Other Promotions take place 285

Sárukjí Mustafa is murdered—Súfí Sinán succeeds him 286

The Emperor goes to hunt—Sultán Osmán Khán is born 287

The Grand Vezír, Lálá Mohammed Páshá, returns to Constantinople 287

Continuation of the Affairs in the East 288

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1014, H.

Osterghún set fire to 293

The City and Fortress taken 294

Progress of Botchkai 295

Botchkai pays a Visit to the Commanding General 296

Peace is proposed by the Archduke Mathias 298

Concerning Jeghala Zádeh’s Operations on the Confines of Persia 300

A Battle between Ibrahím Páshá and the Croatians 306

Mohammed Páshá, the son of Sinán Páshá, killed 306

The Emperor, whilst at Adrianople, hears further intelligence as to the state of the Rebellion in Anatolia 307

An Overture made to Túyel 312

The Grand Vezír, Mohammed Páshá, is recalled to Constantinople 312

A Commotion among the Janissaries and Spáhís 313

The Commander-in-Chief arrives at Constantinople 314

Delí Hasan killed at Temisvar 315

Concerning the Grand Vezír, Lálá Mohammed Páshá—His death—Dervísh Páshá raised to the Vezírship 317

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1015, H.

Dervísh Páshá is murdered—Murád Páshá is made Grand Vezír 326

The Cause of his Death more particularly related 327

Peace concluded with Austria 330

Concerning Nesúh Páshá 330

Death of Botchkai 335

Other Events of the current Year 335

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1016, H.

The Grand Vezír, Murád Páshá, returns to Court 336

Murád Páshá gains a Victory over the Rebels 338

Ebn Kalander goes to Ancora 340

Murád Páshá winters at Aleppo—Troops are sent to Baghdád 345

Jánbulát Oghlí seeks refuge in Constantinople—Kalander commits new Depredations 347