From left to right (Choukhadar, Silakhtar Agha, Peik, Solak)
Originally, messengers or postal runners, the Peiks later became an important part in a pompous ceremony at official processions. They always took up their place at the Sultan's right hand side. They were fast athletic runners and could travel great distances without rest. It took them, for example, two days to get from Edirne to Istanbul on foot. They carried a khanjar - dagger in their girdles, a hatchet in their right hands and a handkerchief full of sugar in their left.One of their tasks was to inform the Sultan when the pilgrims had returned from Mecca. The post was abolished in 1828.
Solak (Guardsmen)
The Janissary Corps had been divided into a number
of squadrons and sections and these were named Orta. There were 190 Ortas
and, of these, the 60th, 61st, 62nd and 63rd were termed Solak (the Orta
of Guardsmen in attendance on the Sultan at processions). Their leader
was the Chief Guardsman. On processions and when crossing a bridge or
going through a narrow canyon, the Chief Guardsman held the bridle of
the Sultan's horse in case it should shy. The Guardsmen wore conical hats,
loose robes and light, thin boots. Each wore a belt with a long sword
and carried a gun in his hands. The post was annulled in 1828.