Yenicheri
Aghasi (Commander-in-Chief of the Janissaries)
He was the leader of the Janissary Corps, responsible for everything to do with
the Corps, on a par with today's Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He lived
in the Palace known as Agha Kapousou and took part in the meetings of the Divan
(Council of State). He was the msot important of all the Aghas and wore a special
robe when coming to Divan. At times he took the place of the Vizier and then he
entered the presence of the Sultan by bowing and kissing the skirt of his coat
twice. He helped the Sultan to dismount from his horse and was responsible for
law and order within the city of Istanbul. He was also in charge of putting out
fires. The Commander-in-Chief was paid daily fees of 500 akches, plus an annual
salary of 90,000 akches. Promotion for the Commander-in-Chief was to be made Governor
General or Grand Vizier but if he was demoted he was made Sandjak-Bey (Governor
General of a Sandjak or subdivision of a province). Once every three years, the
Commander-in-Chief was given a horse from the stable of the Sultan. The post was
dissolved with the rest of the Janissary Corps in 1826.
Reis Effendi (Sailing
Captain)
This was the old title used for captains of sailing vessels. From the 17th century
onwards the title Captain was used instead of Reis.
