As he came into sight a chorus would loudly
chant Long live our Sultan! Then
the Nakibülesraf (elected head of
the descendants of the Prophet) would recite
a prayer, and the chorus would repeat their
shouts of praise as the sultan took his seat
on the throne. The chief black eunuch and chief
armourer would stand behind him and the ceremony
would begin. One by one, in accordance with
their rank in protocol, those assembled would
approach the throne and offer their congratulations.
First came the sultans teacher, then members
of the Crimean Khans family, high officials
of the palace, the grand vezir and other vezirs,
seyhülislam, chief justices, high-ranking
college professors, agha of the janissaries,
and commanders of the royal guard regiments.
Strict rules of protocol governed the way in
which each presented his congratulations, and
whether he kissed the ground before the sultans
feet, the hem of his robe, or the edge of the
throne, or took his hand.