Dilsiz
Dilsiz ( Ottoman دلسز 'Without a tongue' ) was the designation of the “ deaf and dumb ” servants in the “interior” ( enderûn ) of the Sultan's Palace in the Ottoman Empire . The synonymous Persian name bīzabān was also used. The Dilsiz performed guard duties, messenger and page duty, especially tasks that required secrecy. This also included executions.
For the first time Dilsiz were used by Mehmed the Conqueror . The Dilsiz had a special uniform, received payment and a pension, and were under the command of a "Colonel Deaf and Mute " ( Başdilsiz ). Besides Dilsiz were at the time of Mustafa II. Also "dwarfs" ( cüce ) used as servants. Initially the Dilsiz were only in the service of the Sultan, later they were also employed as servants of the Grand Viziers . They used sign language to communicate with one another and with their masters. Many of the Dilsiz were able to read and write.
See also
literature
- B. Lewis: Dilsiz . In: Encyclopaedia of Islam . New Edition