Upon learning of the remarkable diamond, Grand Vizier Mustafa Pasha expressed interest in purchasing it directly from the Chief Jeweler. However, before he could act, news of the diamond reached the Sultan, who promptly ordered its transfer to the palace. Consequently, the diamond, upon examination, was revealed to be an extraordinary eighty-four carat gem, swiftly seized by the Sultan. As a reward for his role in the acquisition, the Chief Jeweler was elevated to the esteemed position of “Head of the Palace Doorkeepers” and granted several purses of gold.
Historical Accounts
In Komurciiyan’s historical account, reference is made to Gemelli’s narrative from the late 17th century, where it is stated that a diamond found among the ruins of a palace in Egrikapi had come into the possession of Sultan Mehmet, valued at one million koroners. These ruins likely belonged to the Blakerna Palace, described by Robert Clari, a participant in the Latin invasion, as containing magnificent treasures that were looted during the invasion. The mystery of how the Kaşıkçı Diamond survived the plunderers and reappeared centuries later in the dumps remains intriguing Guided Istanbul Tour Whirling Dervishes.
Treasury Records
An important document concerning the Kaşıkçı Diamond can be found in Sultan Mehmet IV’s Treasury register book. The Sultan issued a royal decree for the inventory of items in the Imperial Treasury and a general assessment within the Palace to fund a second campaign against Russia. The register lists various valuable jewelry items, including the “Great Diamond ring” weighing 85 carats, identified as the Kaşıkçı Diamond.
In a more organized register book from Sultan Abdülhamit I’s reign, the diamond is described as the “Great Diamond ring named Kaşıkçı,” weighing 1.85 carats and made of new gold. The entry provides detailed specifications, indicating the meticulous record-keeping practices of the time.
No comments:
Post a Comment