The death penalty was so common, that in the First Court, the Fountain of Execution was erected, where the executioner and his assistant washed their bloody hands after cutting their heads at the victims.
Explanation:
Since the mid-15th century, the "law of brotherhood" written by Muhammed II was in force in the Ottoman Empire. It was a "rulebook" outlining the terms of power. A brother who would gain the throne killed all other brothers and sisters, which was considered not only permissible but desirable, because it partly prevented the risk of rebellion and civil war.
Although not always enforced, Muhammed's law led to the deaths of more than 80 Ottomans of "blue blood" over a 150-year period.
The fountain was the most frightening symbol of the power the sultan had over his subjects.
Washington believed that it was necessary to strike a delicate balance between making the presidency powerful enough to function effectively in a national government, while also avoiding any image of establishing a monarchy or dictatorship.
