Ottoman ambassadors were sometimes chosen for wealth over competence.

Evidence

The Sultan, Naima says, was deeply impressed by the wit and learning of the Mughal envoy, and was anxious to send someone of comparable quality to represent him in India, since “ambassadors are the honour of kings.” The Mufti, the vizier, and other advisors, however, persuaded the Sultan of the superior merits of an ambassador who would pay his own expenses, and he therefore nominated the ignorant but wealthy Dhu’l-Fikar. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 609 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Ottoman court chose ambassadors by cost-saving rather than merit — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans: Interpreting…, 609; An untutored Ottoman envoy humiliated himself against a cultured Mughal ambassador.

Broader Connections

• Ottoman court chose ambassadors by cost-saving rather than merit #corroborates (0.95) — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 609