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Rikab Solak

Illustration 034 from:

Costumes Orientaux
Recueil de costumes et vêtements de l'Empire ottoman au 18e siècle
Collection of costumes and clothing of the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century
Owned by Joseph Gabriel Monnier

Rikiap sobaï : l'homme chargé de marcher à côté du cheval du sultan
the man in charge of walking beside the sultan's horse

The commanders of the 14th, 49th, 66th and 67th ortas of the Janissary Corps (the haseki aghas) had this duty. Later, 12 people were chosen from among Solaks and Peyks, and they were assigned to walk on both sides of the sultan's horse on ceremonial days. On the day of the ceremony, rikap solaks would wear a red fez over which a silver-embroidered cap and a silver holder with white and coloured feathers in it. A kalendra made of black and white feathers was added to this part called zivana. Since these people are responsible for the flamboyant and beautiful ceremony, their clothes are meticulous. Rikab solaks were chosen from among the most senior solaks.
Source: Osmanlı kıyafet albümleri (1770-1810) by Nurdan Küçükhasköylü


See the 'Sultan riding in procession' in Canning's Album