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Illustration of Ottomans from

Elbicei Atika. Musée des Anciens Costumes Turcs de Constantinople, par Jean Brindesi

Plate 21

Baş ÇuhadarSilahtar AğasıSolakPeyk
Bachi-Tchohadar Silahtar-Aga Solak Peik
1er Valet de Chambre du Sultan Porte-Glaive Gardes d'honneur Gardes d'honneur
1st Valet of the Sultan Sword Bearer (Left-handed)
Archer bodyguard to the Sultan
Messenger/Guard of Honour



The Çuhadar Ağa, or Master of the wardrobe. On great festivals, he follows the Sultan to the Mosque, and throws handfuls of new silver coins to the people.
The Silahtar Ağa or Sword-bearer, chief of the first four companies or chambers, as well as of the Zülüflü Baltacıs, can be considered as the Grand-Master of the Sultan’s household. He follows him, carrying the imperial sabre suspended behind his left shoulder; but on great solemnities he keeps it leaning on his right shoulder.
Source: Tableau général de l'Empire othoman par M. de Mouradgea d'Ohsson, c.1787

A version from a set of Turkish postcards made in the 1950s.

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