ghazi mehmed iv and candia 153
of the military registers. At the end of the decree he again presses his repre-
sentative to prove how much he is striving in the name of the religion.
When the sultan learned of the conquest of the citadel, he sent anotherwrit to his grand vizier. In it he expressed how ecstatic and joyous the news of
the defeat of “the infi dels of Hell” made him. He congratulates the successful
ghazis and mujahids and sends the grand vizier a jeweled aigrette, an “enemy-
destroying saber of the master of the conspicuous conjunction” with a jeweled
hilt, and a fur with silver brocade and kaftan:
By the grace of God, the Opener of all ways, the citadel of Uyvar was
conquered and made captive. Praise and glory were given to God, the
granter of munifi cence when my imperial stirrup was inspired by
joy with the glad tidings that in accordance with my imperial heart’s
desire the infi dels destined for Hell were hopelessly abandoned and
punished. These illustrious conquests cheered my noble disposition
and illuminated my gracious mind with joy. Humble yourself as a
supplicant in entreaty to His eminence the Eternal Creator. Moreover,
very many illustrious conquests have occurred. May bowed-headed
infi dels destined for Hell never be protected from the fl ames of Hell.
I give benefactions to honor you and my stone-leveling and earth-
moving ghazi and mujahid servants of the victorious campaign for
my auspicious religion and dynasty. (38b)After listing the favors he bestowed upon his grand vizier, the sultan then urged
his men to exert themselves in a way worthy of Islam, the Ottoman dynasty,
and the honor of the sultanate to repair the conquered citadel and make it part
of the Ottoman bulwark in central Europe.
In the spring of 1 664, another letter from the sultan to his representa-tive demonstrates that he closely followed the unfolding military campaign
in central Europe, that he was aware of its fl uctuating fortunes, and that he
was cognizant of the intrigues of enemies and allies (64b–65a). This writ, read
aloud to all ministers and military commanders, urges Fazıl Ahmed Pasha to
not only plan the campaign well, but to act following the path of godliness, to
take great pains exerting every effort to avenge the enemies of Islam and the
Ottoman dynasty. The letter stresses that his ghazi and mujahid servants who
give life and soul should know that the sultan prays to God to be their helper
and guide, and that they are not merely on a military campaign, but are serving
the religion as well. They are the troops of the monotheists who will destroy
the polytheists abandoned by God. Those who undertake ghaza and jihad will
obtain a blessing and their conquests will make God, the sultan, and Muslims
joyful and glad.