Peik
(Messenger)
Originally, messengers or postal runners, the Peiks later became an important
part in a pompous ceremony at official processions. They always took up their
place at the Sultan's right hand side. They were fast athletic runners and could
travel great distances without rest. It took them, for example, two days to get
from Edirne to Istanbul on foot. They carried a khanjar - dagger in their girdles,
a hatchet in their right hands and a handkerchief full of sugar in their left.One
of their tasks was to inform the Sultan when the pilgrims had returned from Mecca.
The post was abolished in 1828.
Solak (Guardsmen)
The Janissary Corps had been divided into a number of squadrons and sections
and these were named Orta. There were 190 Ortas and, of these, the 60th, 61st,
62nd and 63rd were termed Solak (the Orta of Guardsmen in attendance on the
Sultan at processions). Their leader was the Chief Guardsman. On processions
and when crossing a bridge or going through a narrow canyon, the Chief Guardsman
held the bridle of the Sultan's horse in case it should shy. The Guardsmen wore
conical hats, loose robes and light, thin boots. Each wore a belt with a long
sword and carried a gun in his hands. The post was annulled in 1828.
