Part 15

This province supplies 1,620 men, 110 of which are ziámets, the rest tímárs; with the jebellís they amount to 4,600 men. Their annual revenue is 1,500,000 aspres. Konia has 13 ziámets, 515 sanjaks; Kaisaria (Cæsarea) 12 ziámets, 200 tímárs; Níkdeh 13 ziámets, 255 tímárs; Begshehrí 12 ziámets, 244 tímárs; Akshehrí 9 ziámets, 22 tímárs; Kirkshehrí 4 ziámets, 13 tímárs; Akseráï 12 ziámets, 228 tímárs.

_The Province of Rúm or Sivás._

This has 3,130 swords or men, of which 109 are ziámets, the rest tímárs. The begs, záims, and tímariots with their jebellís amount to 9,000 men. Their annual revenue amounts to 3,087,327 aspres. Sivás has 48 ziámets, 928 tímárs.

_The Province of Mara’ish._

2,169 swords, of which 29 are ziámets, and the rest tímárs. The begs, záims, tímariots, and jebellís amount to 55,000 men. Their annual revenue amounts to 9,423,017 aspres. Mara’ish has 3 ziámets, 1,120 tímárs; Kars 2 ziámets, 656 tímárs; Eintáb 2 ziámets, 656 tímárs; Malatea 8 ziámets, 276 tímárs.

_The Province of Haleb (Aleppo)._

933 swords, of which 104 are ziámets, the rest tímárs; the whole number of troops with the jebellís is 2,500 men. Haleb 18 ziámets, 1,295 tímárs; Adna 11 ziámets, 190 tímárs; Kilís 17 ziámets, 295 tímárs; Ma’kra 9 ziámets, 890 tímárs; Azíz 2 ziámets, 190 tímárs; Balís 6 ziámets, 57 tímárs.

_The Province of Shám (Damascus)._

996 swords, of which 28 are ziámets and the rest tímárs; it has with the jebellís 1,600 men. Kuds-Sheríf (Jerusalem) 9 ziámets, 16 tímárs; Aajelún 4 ziámets, 21 tímárs; Lajún 9 ziámets, 26 tímárs; Safed 5 ziámets, 133 tímárs; Gaza 7 ziámets, 108 tímárs; Náblús 7 ziámets, 124 tímárs.

_The Province of Cyprus._

1,667 swords, of which 40 are ziámets, and the rest tímárs. The begs, záims, tímariots and jebellís amount to 4,500 men. Cyprus 9 ziámets, 38 tímárs; Aláíeh 9 ziámets, 152 tímárs; Tarsús 13 ziámets, 418 tímárs; Sís 2 ziámets, 52 tímárs; Ich-eïlí 16 ziámets, 602 tímárs.

_The Province of Tripoli (in Syria)._

614 swords, with the jebellís, 1,400 men. Tripoli 12 ziámets, 875 tímárs; Homs 9 ziámets, 91 tímárs; Jebellieh 9 ziámets, 91 tímárs; Salamieh 54 ziámets, 52 tímárs; Hama 27 ziámets, 171 tímárs.

_The Province of Rakka._

654 swords, with their jebellís, 1,400 men. Rakka 3 ziámets, 132 tímárs; Roha 9 ziámets, 291 tímárs; Birehjík 15 ziámets, 109 tímárs; A’na 6 ziámets, 129 tímárs.

_The Province of Trebizonde._

454 swords, with their jebellís, 8,150 men. Trebizonde 43 ziámets, 226 tímárs; Batúm 5 ziámets, 72 tímárs.

_The Province of Díárbekr._

730 swords, with their jebellís, 1,800 men. In the reign of Sultán Murád IV. this province provided 9,000 men. Amed has 9 ziámets, 1,129 tímárs; Kharpút 7 ziámets, 123 tímárs; Argháneh 9 ziámets, 123 tímárs; Sívrek 4 ziámets, 123 tímárs; Nesíben, 15 ziámets and tímárs; Berehjík 4 ziámets, 123 tímárs; Chermik 6 ziámets, 13 tímárs; Husnkeïf 45 ziámets and tímárs; Chabákchúr 5 ziámets, 30 tímárs; Jemeshgezek 2 ziámets, 7 tímárs; Sinjár 6 ziámets, 21 tímárs.

_The Province of Erzerúm._

5,279 swords, with the jebellís 8,000 men. Erzerúm 5 ziámets, 2,215 tímárs; Túrtúm 5 ziámets, 49 tímárs; Bámerwán 4 ziámets, 92 tímárs; Keïfí 8 ziámets, 229 tímárs; Malázgír 9 ziámets, 281 tímárs; Khanís 2 ziámets, 425 tímárs; Tekmán 1 ziámet, 253 tímárs; Kara-hisár 4 ziámets, 94 tímárs.

_The Province of Childer._

650 swords, with the jebellís, 8,000 men. Oultí 3 ziámets, 132 tímárs; Erdehán 8 ziámets, 45 tímárs; Ezerbúj 4 ziámets, 49 tímárs; Hajrek 2 ziámets, 12 tímárs; Kharnús 13 ziámets, 35 tímárs; Pústú 1 ziámet, 18 tímárs; Benek 8 ziámets, 54 tímárs; Básín 9 ziámets, 14 tímárs; Alúrí 9 ziámets, 10 tímárs; Oustjeh 8 ziámets, 17 tímárs; Cháklik 33 tímárs; Jetla 13 ziámets, 14 tímárs; Ispír 1 ziámet, 4 tímárs; Petek 3 ziámets, 98 tímárs.

_The Province of Wán._

Regulars and jebellís 1,300 men. Wán has 48 ziámets, 45 tímárs; Shevergír 47 ziámets, 33 tímárs; Júbánlú 2 ziámets, 26 tímárs; Wedáleh 7 ziámets, 21 tímárs; Kala’ Báyazíd 4 ziámets, 125 tímárs; Arjísh 14 ziámets, 86 tímárs; Aduljeváz 9 ziámets, 101 tímárs; Kúrládek 7 ziámets, 67 tímárs.

In the reign of Sultán Soleïmán the feudal force of Rúmeïlí amounted to 91,600 men. On so firm a foundation had he established the Ottoman empire, that when he made war in Europe he required not the troops of Asia; and when he took the field in Asia, he had no occasion for the forces of Europe. His victorious wars in Germany and Persia, were carried on solely with his regular troops. His whole army having been numbered amounted to 500,000 men. Of these there were 40,000 janissaries and 20,000 cavalry or sipáhís, who with their servants amounted to 40,000 men. After the conquest of Yánova, Mohammed IV. increased the army by 3,000 men, and after the conquest of Uivár by 8,000 men. Keríd (Candia) also, having been conquered and divided into ziámets and timárs, gave 100,000 rayás and 20,000 troops.

In the year 1060 (A.D. 1649) during the reign of Sultán Mohammed IV. my noble lord Melek Ahmed Páshá being grand vezír, a royal firmán was issued to review the whole of the Ottoman army. Every soul receiving pay in the seven climates was registered, and the result was 566,000 serving men, the annual pay of whom amounted to 43,700 purses, and with the pay of the troops in Egypt to 90,040 purses (45,020,000 piastres): thus the army far exceeded that of Soleïmán’s time.

Section X.

_The order of the Diván._

Before the time of Sultán Soleïmán there was no regular diván. He held a grand diván on four days during the week, composed of the seven vezírs of the cupola, the two judges of the army, the Aghá of the Janissaries and of the six bodies of cavalry. The Chávush-báshí (marshal of the court); and the Kapíjílár Kehiyásí (chief chamberlain) were required to attend on such days with their silver staffs of office. The grand vezír gave judgment on all law-suits; and the Kapúdán Páshá, seated without the cupola, decided all matters relating to the navy. On Wednesdays the chief of the eunuchs decided causes relating to Mecca and Medina. It was Sultán Soleïmán who established the regular dress of the diván. The vezírs and the Kapúdán Páshá wore the turban called the _selímí_, and so did the Aghá of the Janissaries provided he were a vezír. The Chávúsh-báshí (marshal), the Kapíjílár Ketkhodásí (the chief chamberlain), the Mir-alem (the standard-bearer of the state), the Chakirjí-báshí (superintendent of the household), the Mír Akhor (master of the horse), the Cháshnígír-báshí (comptroller of the kitchen), and the Mutaferrika-báshí (chief of the couriers) wore the _mujavera_, or high round turban, and Khaláts of atlas or satin called _oust_. The generals of the Janissaries and Sipáhís, the Chávushes of the diván, and the seventy heads of the offices of the treasury, all stood in their places dressed in their _mujavera_ and _oust_ ready to transact business. On these days the Janissaries were served by the Aghá with 3,000 dishes of wheat broth, which if they would not touch, the emperor at once knew that they were dissatisfied. On such occasions he repaired to the Adálet Koshkí (kiosk of equity), where he in person decided some of their most important questions. In the evening they all sat down to a sumptuous repast, which was served by the Zulflí-báltají to the vezírs, and by the tent-pitchers to the rest of the company. After the repast the seven vezírs, the Kapúdán Páshá and the Aghá of the Janissaries with the two great judges were introduced by the gate of the Harem, to the presence of the emperor. They then returned to the diván, where the Chávush-báshí taking the seal of the grand vezír, sealed the treasure, and then returned it to the vezír.

_The conquests and victories of Soleïmán._

His first conquest was the defeat of the Circassian governor of Syria, Ján Yazdí Ghazálí Khán, whose rebellious head Ferhád Páshá severed from its body, and sent to the Sublime Porte in 927 (A.D. 1520). The conquest of Yemen and death of Iskender the rebel 927 (1520). The reduction of Belgrade and Tekúrlen, of Slankement and Kópanik in the same year. The conquest of Rodos (Rhodes) in 928 (1521); of the fortresses of Iskaradín, Helka, Eiligí, the island of Injírlí, the fortress of Takhtalú, Istankoi (Cos), Bodrúm (Halicarnassus), in the same year. The victory of Mohacz, followed by the fall of Waradin, Oïlúk, Koprik, Eïlúk, Dimúrjeh, Irek, Gargofja, Lúkán, Sútan, Lakwár, Wárdúd, Rácheh, Essek, Bude and Pest, in the year 932 (1525). The siege of Kizil Alma (the Red Apple or the capital of Germany), and in the following year the release of Yánush (John Zapolia) by Yehiyá Páshá Zádeh. The conquest of Sokolofja, Kapúlieh, Shíla, Balwár, Lotofjí, Túsh, Zákán, Kaniza, Kaporník, Balashka Chopanija, Shárwár, Nimetogur, Kemendwár, Egersek, Moshter, and Moshtí in 939 (1532). Conquest of the eastern provinces of Irák, Kazwín, Karákán, Baghdád, Eriván, Sultánieh, Tabríz, and Hamadán, in 941 (1534). Wán, Adeljúváz, Arjísh, Akhlát, Bárgerí, Amik, Khúsháb, Sultán, Sabádán, Jerem-bidkár, Rúsíní, Hella, and Tenúr, in 941 (1534), Tabríz in the same year. An expedition into Georgia and Appulia; with the conquest of Kilís in Bosnia, in the year 943 (1536). The conquest of Uivárin, Nadín, Sín, Kádín, Oporja, and the expedition against Korfuz (Corfu) in the same year. The conquest of Poshega, and the defeat of Sorkújí John near Essek in 944 (1537). The expedition into Moldavia, the conquest of Yássí, Bassra, and Bosnia, in 945 (1538). The relief of Nureh in Hersek, the conquest of Yemen and Aden, the naval expedition against India and Díú; and the conquest of Abyssinia in the same year, by the Eunuch Soleïmán Páshá. Bude twice before besieged was now reduced, and Gházi Soleïmán Páshá made governor, and Khair-ad-dín Efendí first judge. The conquest of Stuhlweissenburg, Lippova, Grán, Tátá, Pápá, Vesperim, Poláta, and Chargha in 950 (1543).

The death of the prince Mohammed happened in the same year. The capture of Vishegráde near Grán, Khutwán, Shamtorna, Walifa in Bosnia, and of the castle of Cerigo in 951 (1544). In 954 (1547) Alkás Mirzá, the governor of Shírván and brother of Sháh Thamás took refuge at the court of Soleïmán; and in the following year the towns of Kóm, Káshán and Ispahán, were sacked by the emperors expedition. The conquest of Pechevi (Five Churches) Pechkerek, Arát, Jenád (Cianad) Temesvár; the battle of Khádem Alí Páshá in the plains of Segedin. Temesvár was conquered in 959 (1551) by the second vezír, Ahmed Páshá; the conquest of Solnuk; and the siege of Erla raised in the same year. The expedition against Nakhcheván; the death of the prince Jehángír whilst in winter quarters at Haleb (Aleppo) in 960 (1552). The conquest of Sheherzúl and Zálim, with the castles belonging to it. The conquest of Kapúshwár, Farúbeneh, and the Crimea. The victory of Malkúch Beg at Kilís in Bosnia in 961 (1553). The contest between the princes Selím and Báyazíd in the plains of Kóníya, in which Báyazíd was defeated and took refuge with the Sháh of Persia, who gave him up, after which he was put to death with his children at Sivás, 966 (1558). Expedition against Siget, during the siege of which Pertev Páshá conquered, on the Transylvanian side, the castles of Gúla, Yanova, and Dilághosh. Ten days previous to these victories the Emperor Soleïmán bade farewell to his transitory kingdom and removed to his never fading dominions. This event happened during the siege of Siget, but the vezír Asif concealed his illness and death so well for seventy days that even the pages of the Khás óda were ignorant of it. On this account it is said that Soleïmán conquered the towns of Siget, Gúla, and Kómár after his death. Thus died Soleïmán after a reign of forty-eight years, having attained the highest glory. His conquests extended over all the seven climates; and he had the Khotba read for him in 2,060 different mosques. His first victory was in Syria over the Circassian Khán Yezdí Ghazálí, and his last that at Siget: he died seven days before the reduction of this fortress. His death, which happened at nine o’clock on Wednesday the 22d of Sefer, was kept concealed till the arrival of his son Selím from Magnesia. His body was carried to Constantinople and buried before the Mihráb of the mosque which bears his name.

_The Reign of Sultán Selím II._

Sultán Selím the son of Sultán Soleïmán Khán was born in 931, and ascended the throne in 974 (1566). He was an amiable monarch, took much delight in the conversation of poets and learned men, and indulged in pleasure and gaiety. His vezírs were,—the grand vezírs Sokollí Mohammed Páshá, Ahmed Páshá (the conqueror of Temisvár), Piáleh Páshá, (the Kapúdán Páshá), Zál Mahmúd Páshá, Láleh Mustafá Páshá, and Tútúnsez Husain Páshá. These were vezírs endowed with the wisdom of Aristotle.

The Mír-mírán, or Begler-begs, who adorned his reign were,—Kapúdán Alí Páshá, Súfi Alí Páshá, Yetúr Husain Páshá, Mahmúd Páshá, Mohammed Páshá the son of Láleh Mustafa Páshá, Abd-ur-rahmán Páshá, Dávud Páshá, Rús Hasan Páshá, Murád Pashá, Khádem Ja’fer Páshá, Dervísh Alí Páshá, Arab Ahmed Páshá.

_Defterdárs and Nishánjís._

Murád Chelebí, Dervísh Chelebí the son of Bábá the painter, Lálá-zádeh, Mohammed Chelebí, Memí Chelebí, Abd-ul-ghafúr Chelebí, Moharrem Chelebi: Fírúz-beg the Nishánjí (lord privy seal), Mohammed Chelebí, nephew of the late Nishánjí Jelál-zádeh Beg.

The most distinguished of the Ulemá in his reign were,—Yehíá Efendí from Beshiktásh; Mevlena Mohammed Ben Abd-ul-waháb; Mevlena Musalih-ud-din; Mevlena Ja’fer Efendí; Mevlená Ata-allah Efendí; Mevlena Mohammed Chelebí; Ahmed Chelebí; Abd-ul-kerím Ben Mohammed, the son of the Shaikh-ul-Islám (grand muftí) Abú-sa’úd.

_Physicians._

Mevlená Hakím Sinán, Hakím Othmán Efendí, Mevlená Hakím Isá, Hakím Is’hák, Hakím Bder-ud-dín Mohammed Ben Mohammed Kásúní, Tabíb Ahmed Chelebí.

_Mesháiekh or Learned Men._

The Sheïkh Ala-ud-dín (may God sanctify his secret state!) was of Akseráï in Karamánia, and celebrated for his proficiency in the Ilm Jefer, or cabalistic art, Sheikh Abd ul Kerím, Sheikh Arif billah Mahmúd Chelebí, Sheikh Abú Sa’íd, Sheikh Hakím Chelebí, Sheikh Ya’kúb Kermání, Serkhosh Bálí Efendí, Sheikh Ramazán Efendí, surnamed Beheshtí, and Sheikh Mohammed Bergeví, who died in 981 (1573).

_Conquests &c. in the reign of Sultán Selím II._

The tribe of Alián of Basra having rebelled was subjugated in 975 (1567). The expedition to Azhderhán (Astrachan) in 977 (1569). The conquest of Dasht Kipchák in 976 (1568). The conquest of Yemen and Aden, a second time, by Sinán in 977. Arrival of the Moors banished from Spain 978 (1570). Conquest of Cyprus with all its fortresses by Lálá Kara Mustafa Páshá, in the same year. Of Tunis and the African coast, by Kilij Alí Páshá in 977 (1569). Defeat of the grand imperial fleet at Lepanto in 979 (1571). Flight of Tátár Khán to Moscow. Renovation of Mekka in the same year. The recovery of Bosnia from the infidels in 982 (1574).

Sultán Selím died on the 18th of Sha’bán 982. He left many monuments of his grandeur, but none of them can be compared to the mosque which he erected at Adrianople: in truth there is not one equal to it even in Islámbol. He was succeeded by his own son Sultán Murád III., who ascended the throne in 982 (1574). His sons were the princes,—Mustafa, Osmán, Báyazíd, Selím, Jehángír, Abdullah, Abd-ur-rahmán, Hasan, Ahmed, Ya’kúb, A’lem-sháh, Yúsuf, Husain, Korkúd, Alí, Is’hak, Omar, Ala-ad-dín Dávud Khán. He had also twenty-four fair daughters, in all one hundred and twenty-seven children, who were killed after his death and buried beside him at Ayá Sofiá. May God have mercy upon them all! Sultán Murád built the Koshk called Sinán Páshá’s Koshk in 992 (1584).

_Conquests &c. in the Reign of Murád._

Lálá Kara Mustafa Páshá’s grand battle on the plain of Childer, 983 (1575), followed by the fall of the fortresses of Childer, Tomek, Khartín, Dákhil, Tiflís, Shebkí, Demir Kapú or Derbend, and the reduction of the province of Shirván, which was given to Ozdemir Zádeh Osmán Páshá. All these conquests were achieved in 991 (1583). The first royal expedition was in 990. The defeat of Imám Kúlí Khán in 991. In the same year the government of Magnesia was given to the Prince Mahmúd Khán, and in the following year Mohammed Gheráï, Khán of the Crimea, was deposed and put to death. In 992 the castle of Tabríz was rebuilt, the fortress of Ganja was taken, and the expedition against Baghdád under Jegháleh Zádeh. The conquest of Despúl, Nahávund, and Guhardán, in 995 (1586). The grand battle of Khádem Ja’fer Páshá, in the neighbourhood of Tabríz, 997 (1586). A peace concluded with the Sháh (of Persia), who sent one of his sons as a hostage, 1000 (1591). Capture of Bihka, and a new fortress built upon the Save in the same year; also the defeat of the grand army in Bosnia, and the conquest of Besperin and Polata. Defeat of the Mussulmán army near Istúlíní (Stuhlweissenburg). Conquest of Tátá and Set-Martín (Saint Martin). Commencement of the siege of Raab (which was reduced some time after by Sinán Páshá), in 1003 (1594), when Sultán Mohammed Khán III. ascended the throne (being on a Friday the 16th of Jemází ul evvel). In 1002 Sultán Murád Khán, resigned the reins of government and joined the divine clemency. May God have mercy upon him!

Sultán Mohammed Khán son of Sultán Murád Khán was born at Magnesia in 976. The principal events and conquests of his reign are the following: In 1004 (1595) the Tátár Khán arrived in Walachia and subdued the rayás. In the same year Ja’fer Páshá delivered Temisvár from the infidels. In the following year Egra (Erla) was taken, and the army of the infidels routed in the plain of Shatúsh near Erla. In 1006 the infidels recover Yánuk (Raab). Wárad besieged by Satúrjí Hasan Páshá in 1007 (1698). Yemishjí Páshá was deposed and killed, and Jegháleh Zádeh died after having been defeated by the Persians in 1011 (1602). In the following year the Persians took possession of Ganja and Shirwán; and Mohammed died on the 18th of Rajab. He built a mausoleum for himself in Islámból, and left numerous monuments in other towns of the empire, particularly at Mecca and Medina. The sending of two ship-loads of corn from Egypt to Mecca and Medina annually originated with him.

Sultán Ahmed Khán I., was born at Magnesia in 998 (1589). He was a fair child of four years, when he ascended the throne on the 18th of Rajab 1012 (1603). I, the humble writer of these pages, Evliya the son of Dervísh Mohammed, was born in the reign of this Sultán on the 10th of Moharrem 1020 (1611). Six years after my birth, the building of the new mosque (of Ahmed) was commenced, and in the same year the Sultán undertook the expedition to Adrianople: God be praised that I came into the world during the reign of so illustrious a monarch.

_Sons of Sultán Ahmed._

Othmán; Mohammed, who was murdered by his brother Othmán, in the expedition to Hotín. Othmán was however unsuccessful and was also slain; thus was verified the sacred text, “as you give so shall you receive”. Murád, afterwards the fourth Sultán of that name; Báyazíd, Soleïmán; these two were both strangled whilst Sultán Murád IV. was engaged in the expedition to Eriván. Ibrahím was the youngest son of Sultán Ahmed. May God extend his mercy to them all!

_Grand Vezírs of Sultán Ahmed._

Yávuz Alí Páshá, was promoted from the government of Egypt to the rank of grand vezír. Mohammed Páshá, called also Sháhín Oghlí. Dervísh Páshá. Ghází Khoajeh Páshá; who exterminated the rebels in Anadolí. Nasúh Páshá. Dámád Mohammed Páshá was twice grand vezír, as was also Khalíl Páshá.

_Vezírs of the Kubba (Cupola)._

Káïmmakám Kásim Páshá. Khádem Ahmed Páshá. Háfiz Sárikjí Mustafá Páshá. Súfí Sinán Páshá. Khezr Páshá. Gúrjí Khádem Mohammed Páshá, who was made grand vezír in the time of Sultán Mustafa. Etmekjí Zádeh Ahmed Páshá. Kúrd Páshá. Gúzeljeh Mahmúd Páshá. Jegháleh Zádeh Sinán Páshá. Jegháleh Zádeh Mahmúd Páshá, son of Sinán Páshá.

_Celebrated Divines._

Mollá Mustafa Efendí, was Shaikh ul Islám, when the Sultán ascended the throne. Mollá Sana’allah Efendí. Mollá Mohammed Efendí, son of Sa’d-ud-dín Efendí, known by the name of Chelebí Muftí. Mollá Shaikh ul Islám Asa’d Efendí. Mollá Mustafa Efendí, tutor to the Sultán. Mollá Káf Zádeh Efendí. Mollá Yehíá Efendí. Mollá Dámád Efendí. Mollá Kemál Efendí, better known by the name of Tásh Koprí Zádeh. Mollá Kehiyá Mustafá Efendí. Mollá Bostán Zádeh Mohammed Efendí. Mollá Husain Efendí. Mollá Ghaní Zádeh Mohammed Efendí.

_Masháiekh or Learned Men._

Mahmúd of Uskudár (Scutari). Abdulmajíd of Sívás. Omar, known better by the name of Tarjumán Shaikh (interpreter). Shaikh Emír Ishtipí. Ibrahím, otherwise Jerráh Páshá, a disciple of the last-mentioned; Mussaleh ud-dín Nakshbendí, the Imám or chaplain of the Sultán.

_Conquests &c. of the reign of Sultán Ahmed._

The grand vezír dies at Belgrade, and Bochkái appears in Hungary in the year 1012 (1604). Conquest of Osterghún (Gran); and Bochkái and Serkhúsh Ibrahim Páshá extend their depredations to the very walls of Vienna. Engagement between the rebels in Anadólí and Nasúh Páshá; the Káïm-makám Mustafa Páshá is executed. The grand vezír Sufí Sinán Páshá is deposed, 1014 (1605). Nasúh Páshá is appointed to conduct the expedition against Aleppo; Koja Mohammed Páshá is appointed to lead the expedition against the Persians and is afterwards created grand vezír. Murád Páshá, Dervísh Páshá, Bostánjí Ferhád Páshá, and Jelálí Murád Páshá, are all alternately made vezírs; and the execution of Dervísh Páshá, in 1015 (1606). Kapújí Murád Páshá is appointed commander of the forces sent to Haleb against Jánpúlád Zádeh; the country about Brúsa is laid waste by the rebel Kalender Oghlí; capture of Haleb by Murád Páshá; defeat of Kalender Oghlí; and the appearance of the rebel Múmjí, 1016 (1607). Yúsuf Páshá killed at Uskudár (Scutari) by the rebels; and the grand vezír sacks Tabríz and seventy other Persian towns 1019 (1610). Death of Murád Páshá at Chulenk near Díárbekr; Nasúh Páshá is made commander-in-chief in 1021 (1612). Betlen is installed king of Transylvania, which country is taken possession of, and 200,000 prisoners are carried off, besides immense plunder. In the same year the illustrious emperor undertook a journey to Adrianople. The cossacks of the black sea plunder and burn Sinope, and Nasúh Páshá being suspected is put to death, 1023 (1614). Mahmúd Páshá, his successor, returns without success from the siege of Eriván, in 1024 (1616). In 1026 (1616) Khalíl Páshá is created grand vezír, and the illustrious Sultán Ahmed dies in the month of Zilkadeh. During his auspicious reign Islámból enjoyed the greatest tranquility. One of his grandest monuments is the mosque which he built in the At-maidán (Hipodrome), which we are now about to describe and thus resume the description of the imperial mosques with which we commenced. It is situated on an elevated spot, its Kibla side being near the Chateldí gate, and commanding a view of the sea. Sultán Ahmed purchased five vezírs’ palaces which stood on this spot, pulled them down, and with the blessed Mahmúd Efendí, of Scutari, and our teacher Evliya Efendí, laid the foundations of this mosque. The Sultán himself took a quantity of earth, and threw it upon the foundation. Evliya Efendí performed the functions of the Imám of the foundation-ceremony; Mahmúd Efendí those of the Kází (judge); Kalender Páshá those of the Mo’tamid (counsellor); and Kemán-kesh Alí Páshá those of the Názir (inspector). In three years they commenced the dome.

_Description of the Mosque of Sultán Ahmed._