Note 624 — Chapter VI · THE RULING INSTITUTION: AS GOVERNMENT
Reading edition
In the time of Mohammed II a procession was formed by the members of the Divan, the men of the lowest rank in front, and the grand vizier last. On reaching the door of the hall, the lesser officials stopped and separated into two lines, between which the grand vizier advanced. The greater officials followed, so that the hall was entered in the order of rank. See Hammer, Geschichte, ii. 225.