After the carriages passed, two large covered vans arrived. They looked like the kind used to move furniture in the United States. The vans backed up to the entrance of the mosque and unloaded many items—rugs, chairs, chests, and other objects. These were carried inside, but no one could explain what they were for or why they were delivered at that particular moment Prayers Outside the Mosque.
Preparing the Mosque for the Sultan
Soon after, a group of servants in long white robes came out of the mosque. They carefully washed the marble steps and then dried them with cloths. After cleaning, they laid down a long carpet from the gate all the way to the mosque’s entrance. This was done so that the Sultan’s feet would never touch the bare ground. The carpet was held in place with brass rods.
Next, twelve carts full of sand arrived. The sand was spread over the road to absorb any moisture and to reduce the sound of carriage wheels.
The Arrival of the Sultan
Once everything was ready, the sound of a trumpet was heard in the distance. This was the signal that the Sultan had left the palace and was on his way. A white-robed muezzin, wearing a large turban, stepped onto the mosque’s balcony. He gave the traditional call to prayer, but this time his cry was louder and lasted longer than usual Private Guided Ephesus Tours.
Then came two rows of pashas and generals on horseback, wearing bright and impressive uniforms. They rode slowly around the curve in the road. When they reached the mosque, they separated and stood facing each other to form an aisle. This served as an additional guard of honor for the Sultan’s safety.
Military Leadership on Display
The general of the army followed. He was a serious-looking man with a high forehead, gray eyes, a Roman-style nose, and a graying beard. He rode a powerful horse and was surrounded by his staff. This role was once held by Osman Pasha, a hero of the Russo-Turkish War, who accompanied the Sultan every Friday until his death.
The Sultan Appears
Finally, the Sultan himself, Abdul Hamid, arrived in a low carriage pulled by two elegant white horses. A group of officers ran beside the carriage as a safety measure. Seated opposite the Sultan was the Minister of War—another level of protection. It is said that if anyone tried to attack the Sultan, the guards had orders to shoot the minister instantly, believing he may be involved or compromised in such a situation.
