Illustrated Treatise on the Maritime Kingdoms: Volume 48

The Atlantic Ocean: North Africa

Page 3

Even if a King was assassinated, his descendants were still established as the sovereign of the nation's Islamic faith, and no one dared to challenge this. This is the same as the record regarding the Seljuk state in the Chronicles of the Western Regions.

Regarding the establishment of officials: there is one called the Grand Vizier Grand Vizier: transcribed as "Élánwēisà" (額蘭威薩); the Sultan's chief minister and absolute representative who inspects the authenticity of goods within the city. Six members are appointed to this rank, and they are usually transferred from the positions of Pasha. There is the Kazasker Kazasker: transcribed as "Jiāní'āsījiā" (加尼阿斯加); a supreme military judge who reviews the government troops. One called the Reis Efendi Reis Efendi: transcribed as "Lìyīsīfēiní" (利依斯分尼); the head of the chancery manages internal and external affairs. One called the Defterdar Efendi Defterdar Efendi: transcribed as "Tèfùnàyīfēiní" (特付那依分尼); the chief treasurer manages the national treasury. One called the Tersane Efendi original: "Zhílǐmíyīfēiní" (直里彌依分尼); likely a transcription of the official overseeing the naval arsenal oversees the naval forces and government troops. Those called Pashas Pasha: transcribed as "Bāzhá" (巴札); high-ranking governors or generals lead the soldiers. One called the Mullah Mullah: transcribed as "Mó'ěrnà" (磨爾那); a religious scholar or judge manages Islamic affairs and oversees the libraries of the religious schools.

One called the Mufti Mufti: transcribed as "Máfùdǐ" (麻富底); the supreme legal authority and interpreter of Islamic law manages the laws and regulations and is the most noble person in the country. In the King's presence, he may wear a sword; his ceremonial status is only slightly different from that of the King himself. When the King's son receives the Grand Vizier, he steps forward three paces to meet him; when receiving the Mufti, he steps forward seven paces The number of paces indicates the relative social and political standing of the official. The establishment or repeal of laws and decrees are all determined through his consultation. Regarding those who commit crimes or violate the legal code, there have traditionally been none [who escape his jurisdiction].