Try Amazon Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks


Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry



Illustration of Ottomans from

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

Plate 12

Baş ÇavuşKul Kethüdası (Kâhyası)Kapıcı BaşıOrta 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

A version from a set of Turkish postcards made in the 1950s.

Previous: Janissary of the Guard Corps. Pay Officer of the 25th Battalion. Barrack Leader. Janissary standard bearer
    Next: Chasseur of the 33rd Battalion. Aşçıbaşı (ceremonial dress). Chasseur of the 33rd Battalion
Back to Ottoman Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers in Elbicei Atika. Muséee des Anciens Costumes Turcs de Constantinople, par Jean Brindesi.