Audience granted by the Sultan Mahmud I

After the meal, the Ambassador and his suite, dressed in fur-lined coats which they received as gifts, passed through the Door of Bliss which marks the domain reserved for the sovereign; they go through into the audience chamber. The ushers take them in holding each one under the shoulders, a tradition that both honours the foreign guests and keeps them under close watch. Sultan Mahmud I, completely still, is seated on his throne. Following the protocol, the Ambassador who makes the customary speech may only address the Grand Vizier and gives his credentials to the Vizier who takes them to the Grand Vizier, who then places them on the cushion near the Sultan. The Sultan, who up to then had only shown himself in profile, turns for a moment towards the Ambassador and says condescendingly: "Very well". The Ambassador makes a final bow and withdraws.