Amazon Prime Student 6-month Trial


Try Amazon Fresh


Illustration of Ottomans from Turkish Postcards from the 1950s of

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

Plate 12

Baş Çavuş	Kul Kethüdası (Kâhyası)	Kapıcı Başı	Orta Çavuşu
Basch Tschaousch	Kol Kiayassi	Capidji Baschi	Orta Tschaousch
Officier d'Ordonnance	Lieutenant Général	Chambellan	Fourrier de Régiment
Officer of Order	Lieutenant General	Chamberlain	Regimental Fourrier

The Başçavuş was ranked 9th after the Janissary Ağa, and commander of the 5th Bölük Orta. The functions of this officer consisted in presenting the requests to the Council of the Aga, to collect the decisions from them and to invite the janissaries to meet in the Court of the palace to receive their Eulufé (pay). He was responsible for punishments.
The Kul Kethüdası is equal 2nd in rank after the Janissary Ağa and commamder of the Bölük Ortas.
The Ak Ağa (aka Bâbü’s-saâde Ağası & Kapı Ağası), is the chief white eunuch. The Gate of Felicity (Bab-üs Saâdet) is the entrance into the third court, the Enderûn.
Source: État militaire ottoman depuis la fondation de l'Empire jusqu'a nos jours (1882) by A. Djevad Bey