Honored by the Glory of Islam. Conversion and Conquest in Ottoman Europe

the failed final jihad 217

Then the decree was again presented to the grand vizier. He took it, kissed it,

and put it in his breast as the halberdiers shouted and cheered. Soon after, the

Ottoman forces held a military procession in the entrenchment with generals,

soldiers, and the military band, proof to the secretary of imperial protocol of

the sincerely religious grand vizier’s unconditional submission to God and the

approaching magnifi cent victory.^26

Throughout July the narrative of The Events of Vienna maintains its con-

fi dent tone, although elements of doubt make a subtle entrance. The author

begins to pray that the attacks of the Habsburgs fail, the strength of the besieg-

ing forces increase, and the battle plans be successful. Yet it was learned by the

end of the month that the defenders of the citadel had bulletproof armor. At

the beginning of August, the author tried to keep his spirits up, claiming that

the Ottoman side was continually conquering more land, and not timid step by

step, but freely. The infi dels understood, he thought, what a catastrophe they

faced. But he noted that because of this they defended themselves with all their

might. At the end of the fi rst week of August, the author’s tone turns pleading,

asking God to allow the Ottomans to conquer the citadel quickly. As Kara Mus-

tafa Pasha ceased sleeping, desperately waiting for victory, the author contin-

ued to fervently pray for the misery of the infi dels and victory of the Muslims.

In early August, the tone of the narrative improves as its author learns that the

Habsburg ambassador claims if only he had given up the fortress of Yanık his

side would not have to face such devastation. For the author it was too late, for

God had set on fi re the sparkling fl ames of divine wrath. Now God knew no

pity, and no compassion.^27 The days of the Viennese defenders were numbered.

The chronicler gains confi dence, convinced that God was on the Ottoman side.

Yet by the end of the month, he had cause for concern once more.

The campaign was waged for the dynasty and religion, but soon word ar-

rived that the former head of the dynasty was no more. The chief eunuch of

the harem sent news, along with a gold sword and diamond-covered dagger, of

the valide sultan’s death in Edirne.^28 When Hatice Turhan died, she ended a re-

markable period of over four decades on the Ottoman political stage. According

to a historian writing after Mehmed IV’s reign had ended, when they realized

the extent of their loss, recognized how she had represented the dynasty, and

understood her role in keeping the dynasty afl oat, the public mourned: “Alas,

woe to us, the greatest pillar of the dynasty has gone.”^29 The valide sultan was

buried in her immense tomb in Istanbul across from the imperial mosque she

built. It is the largest royal tomb complex in the city. God’s names are writ-

ten in large, white, cursive calligraphic letters on a navy blue tile background

above the lower windows on the mausoleum’s exterior. Suitable for the tomb

endowed by a pious Muslim, “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good