The grand vizier sat Turkish fashion in the middle of a long sofa which extended round three sides of the hall. On his right sat the other viziers (unless one or more happened to be absent on a special mission), and beyond them, on the sofa at the end of the room, the _Nishanji_. On the grand vizier’s left were the two _Kaziaskers_, and beyond them the _Defterdars_.[625] The _Beylerbeys_ of Anatolia and Greece, and, after Barbarossa’s appointment, the _Kapudan Pasha_, sat beyond the viziers on the right. The _Agha_ of the Janissaries also had a place, and the chief interpreter was often needed. Other generals and high officials might be summoned; heads, officials, and clerks of bureaus were at hand; and _Chaushes_, _Kapuji-bashis_, and _Kapujis_ were in readiness to be sent on errands and missions. Before the grand vizier, when judicial business was being considered, stood the _Teskerejis_, or masters of petitions. On the floor at his left sat the _Reis Effendi_. The _Kapujilar-kiayasi_, or grand chamberlain of the household, was present; and the _Chaush-bashi_, as grand marshal of the court, here bearing the additional title of _Bey_ of the Divan, saw that all went according to rule. After greetings and other formalities the business was taken up in order of importance.[626] Great questions, like proposals of ambassadors, the condition of the provinces, and the possibility or desirability of war were discussed briefly by the viziers, the others present being called upon to speak if their views were desired. The grand vizier either declared the decision on such matters, subject to the sultan’s approval, or reserved the decision for the master.[627] Lesser matters were decided by the viziers individually, or were referred by them to the other great officials present, or to an official in attendance outside. Much of the time there was no general deliberation, but several affairs might be considered by different members of the Divan simultaneously. Lawsuits were presented to the grand vizier by the masters of petitions, and the parties might appear to plead their own cases, bringing witnesses. The grand vizier turned over many cases to the _Kaziaskers_. All business was done with despatch, and a large amount was accomplished. Decisions were briefly formulated, without discussion of the reasons for action. The _Reis Effendi_ and lesser secretaries and clerks wrote down carefully all that was decided upon. After the sultan had signified his approval at the close of a Divan, the decisions were irrevocable.