152 honored by the glory of islam
the Alexander of the age, the one who spreads justice and faith, the one aided
with the victory of God, the sovereign who has recourse to God, his eminence
Ghazi Sultan Mehmed Han son of Sultan Ibrahim Khan, may God strengthen
him and confi rm victory over the enemies with the sword of jihad until the
Day of Judgment.”^47
Hasan Agha depicts the sultan in a way that counters modern historiog-raphy on his reign. Rather than characterizing him as a childish fool who had
no concern for affairs of state, the author of The Essence of History bases his
narrative on what he witnessed and the correspondence between the grand
vizier and the sultan to depict him as intimately involved in war and diplomacy.
The sultan waits impatiently for news from the front and offers advice for the
campaign. He appears especially concerned that his grand vizier exert himself
for jihad and ghaza and glorious conquests for Muslims while at the same time
recognizing that all assistance comes from God, thus demonstrating his piety.
Mehmed IV consistently tests Fazıl Ahmed Pasha to see how much he is striv-
ing in the name of the religion since the sultan entrusted him and the army
to God. Thus, for example, the author includes many of the written exchanges
between the sultan and his grand vizier during the 1 660s, including the cam-
paigns in central Europe undertaken prior to the renewed effort for Candia.
Thus during the Uyvar campaign in October 1 663, the grand vizier received an
imperial writ stating in part:
What state are you in now, and what is the condition of the soldiers
of Islam? It has been a very long time. I am waiting for joyful news.
By the grace of God, it is nearly November. You know how quickly
winter arrives in that region. Refl ect upon it accordingly and deny
yourself sleep and rest. Gird your loins. Being in the service of the
manifest religion, pay attention to exerting yourself in the matters
of ghaza and jihad. It is hoped that the eternal God and the Mus-
lim sovereign who does not fade will be made joyful with word of
numerous conquests.... You bear the honor of the sultanate.... Let
me see to what extent you exert effort for the auspicious, manifest
religion. I have entrusted you and the soldiers of Islam to God. May
the exalted God be your protector and one who watches over you. My
grand vizier, God willing after the conquest and subjugation, consult
with the ministers of my state and present to the imperial stirrup [the
sultan] the wise and reasonable plan. (32b)The sultan then proceeds to make notes on commissions, personnel changes,
and promotions, demonstrating a knowledge of precedent, procedure, and pro-
tocol. He was intimately involved in war readiness and wanted to keep control