Ripley's Believe It Or Not – “Silly Statement”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Ripley's Believe It Or Not Narrator & Historian
Episode Theme:
A fascinating look at a bizarre historical decision made by a government leader, and how unusual reasoning can shape the course of history.

Episode Overview

This “1 Minute Episode” of Ripley’s Believe It or Not takes listeners back to the early 18th century, highlighting an extraordinary and almost unbelievable moment in history centered around Baltaji Muhammad Pasha—Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire. The episode explores themes of morality, leadership, and unexpected decisions made at the highest levels, all wrapped up in Ripley’s trademark delivery of strange-but-true tales.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dueling: Sinful on Multiple Counts

• Topic: Dueling’s prohibition by the Church
• Insight:
  • Modern audiences may see dueling as an outdated practice, but the show explains its status both legally and morally.
  • Quote:

    “Today dueling is against the law. However did you know that it's forbidden by the Catholic Church because it involves a double sin, the desire to kill and the willingness to die.”
    — Ripley's Believe It or Not Historian [00:43]

  • Interpretation:
    • The Church condemns not only the act of killing but also the act of seeking one’s own death—a philosophical complexity in religious doctrine.

2. A Government Leader’s Unbelievable Excuse

• Topic: The Grand Vizier’s "silliest statement"
• Story:
  • Baltaji Muhammad Pasha, in 1711, led a powerful Ottoman (Turkish) army that successfully encircled the forces of Tsar Peter the Great and the Russian army near the Pruth River (in modern-day Moldova, Romania).
  • Despite overwhelming power and the opportunity for victory, Pasha inexplicably allowed the Russian enemy to escape.
• Memorable Moment:
  • When pressed for his rationale, he reportedly said:

    “If I took the Tsar prisoner, who would rule Russia?”
    — Attributed to Baltaji Muhammad Pasha, as retold by Ripley's Believe It or Not Historian [00:56–01:32]

  • Analysis:
    • This is presented as one of “the silliest statements ever uttered by a head of government,” showcasing both the unpredictability (and, perhaps, absurdity) of leadership decisions in history.
  • Ripley’s Tagline:

    “Believe it or not.” [01:34]

Notable Quotes

• On the Church’s stance on dueling:

  “It's forbidden by the Catholic Church because it involves a double sin, the desire to kill and the willingness to die.”
  — Ripley's Believe It or Not Historian [00:43]

• On the Grand Vizier’s infamous decision:

  “If I took the Tsar prisoner, who would rule Russia, believe it or not.”
  — Ripley's Believe It or Not Historian [01:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:30] Opening: “Truth is stranger than fiction. This is proof. This is Ripley, Believe It or Not.”
• [00:43] Dueling and the Church’s prohibition explained
• [00:55] Lead-in to the “silliest statement” segment
• [00:56–01:32] Tale of the Turkish Grand Vizier and Tsar Peter the Great
• [01:34] Closing “Believe It Or Not” tagline

Summary Style & Tone

The show maintains a dramatic, old-time radio delivery—straightforward but tinged with curiosity and a hint of incredulity at the more ridiculous turns of history. Fans of historical oddities and ironic leadership moments will appreciate the concise, punchy storytelling that Ripley’s is famous for.