The Sultan follows a very simple diet. He eats small amounts of plain food and never drinks wine or any kind of alcohol. However, he drinks large amounts of coffee, which has made his nerves worse over time. In the past, a servant carrying a coffee pot always followed him when he went for a walk. In the palace gardens, coffee stations were placed at different spots so he could stop and have a cup whenever he wanted.
On the advice of his doctors, he now limits himself to five or six cups of coffee a day. It is said that he has noticed an improvement in his health. He sleeps better and feels less nervous.
General Porter, the American ambassador to Paris, once shared a story about a dinner at the Yildiz Kiosk. He said the Sultan ate almost nothing except American corn bread and soup The Sultan Reads Everything.
Cooking with Caution
The Sultan’s meals are always prepared separately from those of his family and guests. A trusted cook prepares the food in a small room, similar to a laboratory, no larger than an average bathroom. An inspector watches the cook closely while he prepares each dish, to prevent any chance of poisoning.
All food meant for the Sultan is kept in a large safe. Only his private chef has the key. The Sultan’s diet mostly includes eggs and milk. He rarely eats meat, but usually has one or two kinds of vegetables at dinner.
Early Mornings and Daily Routine
Since the Sultan has trouble sleeping, he rarely goes to bed before midnight. He always wakes up early—by 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning. After waking, he puts on a silk robe, drinks a cup of coffee, smokes a few cigarettes, and reads his letters.
Around 7:00 a.m., he takes a bath. His breakfast includes eggs, rolls, and more coffee. Lunch is usually served at 1:00 p.m. and is very light—sometimes just a piece of bread and a glass of milk, or a small omelet.
Formal Dinners with Guests
Although he eats breakfast and lunch alone, his dinners are formal and elegant. They are served at 8:00 p.m. in a luxurious dining room. His younger sons, some of his secretaries, and two or three ministers usually join him. The grand chamberlain prepares a guest list for each dinner, which the Sultan must approve city tour sofia.
Dinners are served in the French style. Uniformed attendants serve the meal, and an orchestra plays from a balcony. As a tradition, every dish is first placed in front of the Sultan by the chief butler, though he never eats from them. His personal meals are brought directly from his private kitchen by his own attendant.
Family Gatherings in the Harem
Sometimes, the Sultan chooses to dine in the harem. There, his sisters, wives, and daughters welcome him with great ceremony and respect.
