When the sultan wends his steps from the Mabeyn to the Harem, the black gentlemen on guard at the door of the ladies’ apartments, proceed immediately to announce his majesty’s approach to the Haznadar-Ousta, or the lady treasuress.
This personage, is a very important character in the royal household; being the keeper of all the jewels and other treasures, and the mistress of ceremonies; she is, in a word—
“That dame who keeps up discipline among
The general ranks, so that none stir or talk
Without her sanction on their she-parades:
Her title is, the mother of the maids.”
There is always one of these Haznadars attached to the harems of the wealthy; and the individual who fills this office, has been the nurse of the head of the family in infancy; so that this “mother of the maids” feels almost a maternal interest in his majesty’s happiness.
The Haznadar-Ousta immediately proceeds to the salon, where she awaits the entrance of the sultan, who, after receiving her salutations, in the course of conversation, inquires after the health of one of the Kaduns, which is taken as an indication that her company is desired by his majesty.
This Kadun now enters the royal presence alone, or perhaps with one of her children, while her train of attendants remain within call. Like all other Orientals, the Padishah delights in the company of his children, and they are often seen in public with him, or in the royal Mabeyn. His first-born was a daughter, and lately married to Aali-Ghalib Pasha, the son of Reshid.
The children of the sultan precede their mother in rank, for they are of royal blood, while she is but a slave.