While I was in Turkey, I was warned many times that every letter I sent to a newspaper would likely be read by the Sultan himself. Many missionaries and other people who gave me information often asked me not to publish certain details. They feared the Sultan would recognize the source and take action.
One man, while telling me about a project, said, “Please write that the Sultan takes great interest in our work. It will help us a lot, and it won’t hurt you either. The Sultan is sure to read your letter, and he will be pleased.”
Buying Favor from the Press
The Sultan spends large amounts of money to influence newspapers, especially in Germany and France. This is because the Kaiser of Germany is the Sultan’s closest ally and strongest supporter. The Kaiser is happy when German newspapers speak positively about the Sultan and his policies Yildiz a Palace City.
Even though censorship in Turkey is very strict, the Sultan deeply believes in the power of the press. In 1886, he had the idea to start a major national newspaper. It would be printed in both Turkish and French and would serve Turkey as the London Times serves Britain.
He created a committee of five ministers and secretaries to plan the newspaper and estimate the cost. But when he saw how expensive it would be, he gave up the idea. The project was never started sofia day tours.
The Selamlik A Public Appearance
Every Friday, the Muslim holy day, the Sultan appears in public for a ceremony called the Selamlik. This is the only time most people ever see him, and even then, it is from a distance. According to Islamic law, the leader of the faith must perform public prayer at least once a week. Friday is the chosen day.
Whether the Sultan is sick or healthy, he must attend. If he absolutely could not go, his officials might dress up a dummy and place it in a closed carriage to pretend he had fulfilled his duty. The ritual must happen no matter what.
A Devout Leader
The Sultan has a small mosque within his palace. He prays there often and very regularly. If he hears the call to prayer while in a meeting, he will leave immediately to worship. No one is more careful about following religious rituals than he is.
In this way, the Sultan sets a strong religious example for his people. His devotion is clear, and he is very serious about his faith and duties.
