The banquet for the commanders and officers of the imperial cavalry units

 

86a

 

85b

In this scene, Levni depicts the banquet given in the big guest tent for the commanders and officers of the imperial cavalry units, the secretaries of the Spahi and Armorer corps, the Cavalry secretary and his subordinates, and other officers. Although protocol required that guests attending these banquets dress as they would if they were going to appear in court, the grand vizier allowed the commanders to show up in everyday garb as a favor to them. In addition to this banquet, there was another given for corps sergeants in another tent. In (85b) we see the first and third-ranking tables. The grand vizier is seated at the first with the sheikulislam (in white) at his right and Governor Ali Pasha of Raqqa at his left. The other diners at this table were the commanders of the Spahi and Armorer corps and the Cavalry secretary. The master of the Exchequer presides over the third-ranking table in the foreground and was accompanied by the stewards and secretaries of the lesser regiments. The second-ranking table in (86a) is presided over jointly by Sword-bearer İbrahim Agha and Tevkii Mustafa Pasha, who are dining along with officers from the four lower regiments. The guests at the fourth table are the subordinates of the Cavalry secretary.


Images index

Return to Surname-i Vehbi index

Return to Kanyak's Doghouse