Mehmed Pasha Gurji

Mehmed Pasha Gurji (1536–1626), Statesman of Ottoman Empire and Kay makam (Acting Grand Vizier), Grand Vizier. At a young age he was sold into slavery in Turkey; there he found himself at the Court of Grand Vizier Semiz Ali Pasha. Soon he was upgraded first to the status of chief of the slaves at the royal Court, later – to the position of the supervisor of Pasha’s harem. The new job helped him to become the closest associate of Sultan Suleiman I. In 1604 he was promoted to the rank of Third Vizier and soon he was appointed Vali (ruler) of Egypt. In 1610 was bestowed the title of Kaymakam; in 1622, during the rule of Sultan Mustafa I, he was promoted to the rank of Grand Vizier. During his term at the post of Grand Vizier, Mehmed Pasha Gurji introduced proper order in the Ottoman Empire, stabilized the money rate and curbed the raids of the Cossacks of Zaporozhye. On request of certain officials of royal Court and Janissaries, who detested his activities, Mehmed Pasha was transferred to Rhodes Island but after the 14-year-old Sultan Murad IV ascended the throne, he was recalled and appointed to the post of Second Vizier. In 1625 he was assigned to discharge the duties of Acting Grand Vizier. The period coincided with the armed revolt of Georgians, headed by Giorgi Saakadze. In 1625 Georgian delegation arrived in Istanbul to plead for help in their fight against Iranian invaders. Since the Sultan was a teenager, naturally, the Georgians appealed to Mehmed Pasha. Judging by the deed, signed by Murad IV, the request of Georgian delegation was honored.

Janissaries revolted against Mehmed Pasha and demanded his death penalty. As a result, the 90-year-old Vizier was put to death. According to the Ottoman and European sources, Mehmed Pasha Gurji was reputed as ‘an intelligent, resolute and worthy Vizier’