The Ceremonial Habit of the Grand Vizier in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

This remarkable pictorial documentation reflects the heights reached in the field of political sartorialism at the very start of the 18th century. This print was published by the eminent cartographer and engraver Thomas Jefferys and represents the “Ceremonial Habit” of the Grand Vizier—the absolute delegate of the Sultan, who was also the highest official in the state administration of the Ottomans.

It is a vivid display of authority and importance. The outfit includes the distinctive wide robes trimmed with expensive fur—ermine or sable—to emphasize the imposing stature of the politician. The highlight of this outfit was the special tall headdress called kallavi, made by wrapping a muslin cloth in the shape of a diagonal cone around the head.