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152-515: During his reign, his grand vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha exerted significant control over state governance. The conquest of Cyprus and Tunis were notable achievements during his reign but setbacks occurred in the Battle of Lepanto and the failed capture of Astrakhan as part of the war with Russia . Selim was born on 28 May 1524 in Constantinople during the reign of his father, Suleiman

304-612: A Yugoslav novelist His life also interested the Yugoslav writer Meša Selimović . There were numerous Serbian , Croatian and Bosnian legends about the bridge's construction. According to one, Mehmed Paşa built the bridge in his son's name. Another is the tale of its architect Rade, which is described in "Bridge on the Drina". Sokollu Mehmed Pasha is often credited as the mastermind of the Ottoman Empire's last great push into

456-440: A Yugoslav novelist His life also interested the Yugoslav writer Meša Selimović . There were numerous Serbian , Croatian and Bosnian legends about the bridge's construction. According to one, Mehmed Paşa built the bridge in his son's name. Another is the tale of its architect Rade, which is described in "Bridge on the Drina". Sokollu Mehmed Pasha is often credited as the mastermind of the Ottoman Empire's last great push into

608-516: A bond of mutual understanding between Istanbul and Aceh. Immediately after the expedition to Sumatra, the Ottoman Empire suffered a major rebellion from one of their most important settlements. An uprising led by Zaydi Imam in Yemen created substantial uncertainty in the region which Sokollu had to give imminent priority before taking any further action in Aceh. While the insurrection in Yemen started in

760-413: A bond of mutual understanding between Istanbul and Aceh. Immediately after the expedition to Sumatra, the Ottoman Empire suffered a major rebellion from one of their most important settlements. An uprising led by Zaydi Imam in Yemen created substantial uncertainty in the region which Sokollu had to give imminent priority before taking any further action in Aceh. While the insurrection in Yemen started in

912-493: A contingent led by Péter Petrovics , killing more than 2,500 of them, near Csanád . The Sultan immediately ordered Sokollu Mehmed Pasha to move into Hungary , so he assembled an army of 90,000 soldiers and fifty-four cannons and also summoned the pashas of Smederevo , Vidin and Nicopolis . When his forces reached Slankamen in Syrmia , George Martinuzzi begged Mehmed not to attack Transylvania, arguing that it had remained in

1064-441: A contingent led by Péter Petrovics , killing more than 2,500 of them, near Csanád . The Sultan immediately ordered Sokollu Mehmed Pasha to move into Hungary , so he assembled an army of 90,000 soldiers and fifty-four cannons and also summoned the pashas of Smederevo , Vidin and Nicopolis . When his forces reached Slankamen in Syrmia , George Martinuzzi begged Mehmed not to attack Transylvania, arguing that it had remained in

1216-877: A generous monarch, fond of pleasure and entertainment and of drink councils, and who enjoyed the presence of scholars, poets and musicians around him. However, it is stated that he did not appear much in public, and that his father often went to Friday prayer and out among the public; Selim neglected this and spent his time in the palace. Selim had a Haseki and legal wife, and at least seven others concubines. Selim had at least eight sons: Selim had at least four daughters: [REDACTED] Media related to Selim II at Wikimedia Commons Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Sokollu Mehmed Pasha ( Ottoman Turkish : صوقوللى محمد پاشا , romanized :  Sokollu Mehmet Paşa ; Serbian Cyrillic : Мехмед-паша Соколовић , romanized :  Mehmed-paša Sokolović ; pronounced [měxmet pâʃa sokǒːloʋitɕ] ; 1505 – 11 October 1579)

1368-524: A letter in which Arslan had insulted him, and on 3 August, when Arslan reported to Mehmed's tent with 15 heavily armed horsemen, Sokollu Mehmed criticized Arslan for his conduct, accused him of treason and stripped him of his post, giving it instead to his nephew Sokollu Mustafa . The Sultan arrived with Sokollu Mehmed's sons, Kurt Bey and Hasan Bey, at Pécs . Finally, the large Ottoman force, which numbered between 100,000 and 300,000 soldiers and 300 cannons, laid siege to Szigetvár . The Battle of Szigetvár

1520-524: A letter in which Arslan had insulted him, and on 3 August, when Arslan reported to Mehmed's tent with 15 heavily armed horsemen, Sokollu Mehmed criticized Arslan for his conduct, accused him of treason and stripped him of his post, giving it instead to his nephew Sokollu Mustafa . The Sultan arrived with Sokollu Mehmed's sons, Kurt Bey and Hasan Bey, at Pécs . Finally, the large Ottoman force, which numbered between 100,000 and 300,000 soldiers and 300 cannons, laid siege to Szigetvár . The Battle of Szigetvár

1672-521: A man claiming to be Şehzade Mustafa. He organised his followers like the Ottoman administration, redistributing taxes and gaining support. Bayezid, aware of the situation, prepared militarily and initiated negotiations. Suleiman sent Sokullu Mehmed Pasha to suppress the uprising. Bayezid's envoy convinced the pretender's chief vizier to defect, leading to the leader's capture and execution in Constantinople on 31 July 1555. Rumors suggested Bayezid orchestrated

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1824-677: A more formal and effective take-over of the Empire. Selim returned to Belgrade, and Mehmed ordered the army to march towards the town. Forty days after the Sultan's death, in October 1566, the army set out for Belgrade. At the fourth stop on the way to Belgrade, forty-eight days after Suleiman's death, Sokollu Mehmed announced the Sultan's death ceremonially, during the traditional reading of the Koran . Sokollu Mehmed had Suleiman's body embalmed and ordered

1976-465: A more formal and effective take-over of the Empire. Selim returned to Belgrade, and Mehmed ordered the army to march towards the town. Forty days after the Sultan's death, in October 1566, the army set out for Belgrade. At the fourth stop on the way to Belgrade, forty-eight days after Suleiman's death, Sokollu Mehmed announced the Sultan's death ceremonially, during the traditional reading of the Koran . Sokollu Mehmed had Suleiman's body embalmed and ordered

2128-452: A new era of Ottoman–Safavid relations. Throughout these diplomatic efforts, Suleiman bestowed numerous gifts on Tahmasp and agreed to pay him for handing over Bayezid—400,000 gold coins were given to Tahmasp. Finally, on 25 September 1561, Tahmasp handed over Bayezid and his four sons, who were subsequently executed near Qazvin by the Ottoman executioner, Ali Aqa Chavush Bashi, using the garroting method. In early 1562, Selim had been appointed as

2280-660: A part of the Holy Crown of Hungary. Despite this, the Transylvanian prince continued to be an Ottoman vassal. In essence, the Principality of Transylvania existed in a dual dependency, with its sovereignty constrained by both the sultan and the Habsburg kings of Hungary. In 1569, Selim made an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Astrakhan . One of the most ambitious endeavours during his reign, albeit left unfinished,

2432-492: A peace treaty with Emperor Maximilian II, whereby the Emperor agreed to pay an annual "honorary present" of 30,000 ducats. One of Sokollu's greatest responsibilities was planning an Ottoman invasion of Sumatra in 1567. Historical records from the time show that Sokollu played an active role in the strategic execution of the invasion and that he was extremely detailed in the logistics. Later on, Sokollu would also participate in

2584-437: A peace treaty with Emperor Maximilian II, whereby the Emperor agreed to pay an annual "honorary present" of 30,000 ducats. One of Sokollu's greatest responsibilities was planning an Ottoman invasion of Sumatra in 1567. Historical records from the time show that Sokollu played an active role in the strategic execution of the invasion and that he was extremely detailed in the logistics. Later on, Sokollu would also participate in

2736-493: A request for a new ceremony in Belgrade. On 2 October, three days later, the sultan left Istanbul. In order to safeguard the process of enthronement and accession, the astute grand vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha maintained the secrecy of Suleiman's death until Selim arrived at the army in Belgrade. In Belgrade, a throne was positioned between two tuğs (horsehair battle standards) in front of the imperial tent. The allegiance ceremony

2888-493: A sister, who married the older brother of Hüseyin Pasha Boljanić , as well as at least one uncle. However, details about his family and relations are disputed on two major counts. One is his relationship to Makarije Sokolović . Traditionally identified as his brother, today some historians consider him to have been either a nephew or distant relative. The second is the matter of Mehmed's uncle. By some accounts, his uncle

3040-430: A sister, who married the older brother of Hüseyin Pasha Boljanić , as well as at least one uncle. However, details about his family and relations are disputed on two major counts. One is his relationship to Makarije Sokolović . Traditionally identified as his brother, today some historians consider him to have been either a nephew or distant relative. The second is the matter of Mehmed's uncle. By some accounts, his uncle

3192-422: A strong interest in literature, and wrote poems under the pen name Selimi . During his time as the governor of Kütahya, he actively engaged with poetry, surrounding himself with poets, including notable figures like Turak Çelebi. Among his associates, Nigari not only served as a confidante but also played roles as an entertainer and portraitist for the sultan. He is reputed in the sources of the period to have been

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3344-652: Is buried at his complex, Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Külliyesi at the back of Eyüp Mosque , in Istanbul, at the Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Türbe built by famous architect Mimar Sinan for him c. 1572. His wife Ismihan (or Esma Han) is buried near him and in the little garden of the Türbe are buried the family and descendants of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. After his death Sultan Murad III changed grand vezirs ten times in sixteen years. These frequent changes in government were part of

3496-477: Is buried at his complex, Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Külliyesi at the back of Eyüp Mosque , in Istanbul, at the Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Türbe built by famous architect Mimar Sinan for him c. 1572. His wife Ismihan (or Esma Han) is buried near him and in the little garden of the Türbe are buried the family and descendants of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. After his death Sultan Murad III changed grand vezirs ten times in sixteen years. These frequent changes in government were part of

3648-414: Is especially remembered for his bridges. Mecca and Constantinople alone contained a number of his mosques . The Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the complex built at Kadirga district of İstanbul by architect Mimar Sinan is considered to be the most beautiful of the smaller mosques in İstanbul. It is known for its unusually fine ordering of medrese over the entry stairs, its lofty elegant interior,

3800-414: Is especially remembered for his bridges. Mecca and Constantinople alone contained a number of his mosques . The Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the complex built at Kadirga district of İstanbul by architect Mimar Sinan is considered to be the most beautiful of the smaller mosques in İstanbul. It is known for its unusually fine ordering of medrese over the entry stairs, its lofty elegant interior,

3952-578: The Battle of Lepanto . Sokollu Mehmed Pasha immediately ensured that Piyale Pasha and Uluç Ali Reis , the new Grand Admiral, were provided with all the necessary means and resources to rebuild the Empire's shattered fleet. By July 1572 the Ottoman fleet already numbered 250 fully equipped warships "including eight of the largest capital ships ever seen in the Mediterranean". It is reported in Turkish chronicles that Sokollu Mehmed Pasha had said to

4104-460: The Battle of Lepanto . Sokollu Mehmed Pasha immediately ensured that Piyale Pasha and Uluç Ali Reis , the new Grand Admiral, were provided with all the necessary means and resources to rebuild the Empire's shattered fleet. By July 1572 the Ottoman fleet already numbered 250 fully equipped warships "including eight of the largest capital ships ever seen in the Mediterranean". It is reported in Turkish chronicles that Sokollu Mehmed Pasha had said to

4256-607: The Serbian Orthodox Church . Later that same year, Sokollu Mehmed issued an edict ( firman ) declaring the restoration of the Serbian Patriarchate of Peć , with Makarije Sokolović as Serbian Patriarch Makarije I. The edict also guaranteed the rights and religious freedom of all inhabitants of the Ottoman Empire. When the former Grand Vizier Ahmet Pasha was deposed and hanged, he was replaced by Rüstem Pasha , who had numerous enemies. One of them

4408-461: The Serbian Orthodox Church . Later that same year, Sokollu Mehmed issued an edict ( firman ) declaring the restoration of the Serbian Patriarchate of Peć , with Makarije Sokolović as Serbian Patriarch Makarije I. The edict also guaranteed the rights and religious freedom of all inhabitants of the Ottoman Empire. When the former Grand Vizier Ahmet Pasha was deposed and hanged, he was replaced by Rüstem Pasha , who had numerous enemies. One of them

4560-515: The Volga and Don by a canal, and in the summer of 1569 a large force of janissaries and cavalry was sent to lay siege to Astrakhan and begin the canal works, while an Ottoman fleet besieged Azov . However, a sortie of the garrison of Astrakhan drove back the besiegers. A Russian army of 15,000 men attacked and scattered the workmen and the Tatar force sent for their protection, and the Ottoman fleet

4712-413: The Volga and Don by a canal, and in the summer of 1569 a large force of janissaries and cavalry was sent to lay siege to Astrakhan and begin the canal works, while an Ottoman fleet besieged Azov . However, a sortie of the garrison of Astrakhan drove back the besiegers. A Russian army of 15,000 men attacked and scattered the workmen and the Tatar force sent for their protection, and the Ottoman fleet

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4864-471: The 1548–49 military campaign against the Safavids, Selim was dispatched to Edirne, acting as a substitute for the sultan during the campaign. In 1553, he accompanied his father against the Safavids and kept Suleiman's company throughout most of the campaign. During this campaign, his elder half-brother, Mustafa was executed on their father’s orders. In 1555 a rebellion erupted in northeastern Bulgaria, led by

5016-586: The French ambassador noted Suleiman's strategic display of vitality upon returning to Constantinople, countering speculations about succession plans. The dynamics shifted decisively after Hürrem's death in April 1558, known for mediating between her sons. Suleiman aimed to secure the cooperation of his sons, Selim and Bayezid, in a plan to reassign them to new, distant governorates. The proposal involved moving Selim from Manisa to Konya and relocating Bayezid from Kütahya to

5168-790: The Grand Vizier every year. On 30 August 1574, Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha installed his nephew Antonije Sokolović , then the Metropolitan of Hum , as the new Eastern Orthodox Archbishop of Ohrid . On 23 October the same year, upon the death of Patriarch Makarije, Antonije became the new Serbian Patriarch . Antonije died soon, in 1575, and was replaced by yet another one of Mehmed's nephews, Gerasim Sokolović . When Sultan Selim II died, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha again kept this secret until Selim's oldest son Murad arrived from his governor's post in Manisa . Sokollu Mehmed Pasha acknowledged

5320-617: The Grand Vizier every year. On 30 August 1574, Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha installed his nephew Antonije Sokolović , then the Metropolitan of Hum , as the new Eastern Orthodox Archbishop of Ohrid . On 23 October the same year, upon the death of Patriarch Makarije, Antonije became the new Serbian Patriarch . Antonije died soon, in 1575, and was replaced by yet another one of Mehmed's nephews, Gerasim Sokolović . When Sultan Selim II died, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha again kept this secret until Selim's oldest son Murad arrived from his governor's post in Manisa . Sokollu Mehmed Pasha acknowledged

5472-525: The Indian Ocean, it also opened the possibility to promote one of his favorite projects: and attempt to build a canal from the Mediterranean to Suez. He instructed the governor of Egypt to send architects engineers to assess the possibility of this canal, with the purpose of allowing a better connection from Muslims attempting to visit the Holy Cities. Sokollu also was concerned about Muslims from

5624-404: The Indian Ocean, it also opened the possibility to promote one of his favorite projects: and attempt to build a canal from the Mediterranean to Suez. He instructed the governor of Egypt to send architects engineers to assess the possibility of this canal, with the purpose of allowing a better connection from Muslims attempting to visit the Holy Cities. Sokollu also was concerned about Muslims from

5776-869: The Indian Ocean. Aside from his political achievements, Sokollu was also very interested in the arts and sciences, which led to several important contributions. For example, he often funded paintings by renowned Veronese artists as well as imported glassware from Italian artisans. He also worked together with prominent Ottoman geographers and historians of his time, including Feridun Ahmed Beg , Sipahazade Mahmed , and Kutbeddin Mekki . Other elements of his architectural legacy include: Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Sokollu Mehmed Pasha ( Ottoman Turkish : صوقوللى محمد پاشا , romanized :  Sokollu Mehmet Paşa ; Serbian Cyrillic : Мехмед-паша Соколовић , romanized :  Mehmed-paša Sokolović ; pronounced [měxmet pâʃa sokǒːloʋitɕ] ; 1505 – 11 October 1579)

5928-504: The Magnificent . His mother was Hürrem Sultan , an Orthodox priest's daughter, who was the current Sultan's concubine at the time. In 1533 or 1534, his mother, Hürrem, was freed and became Suleiman's legal wife. He had four brothers, Şehzade Mehmed , Şehzade Bayezid , Şehzade Abdullah and Şehzade Cihangir , and a sister Mihrimah Sultan . In June–July 1530, a three week celebration was organised in Constantinople that centered around

6080-744: The Mediterranean and ravaged the coasts of Sicily and southern Italy and in 1574 it captured Tunis from the Hafsids, who for some time had been supported by Spanish troops, thus restoring Ottoman domination in the Western Mediterranean. On 3 March 1573, the Venetian Republic signed a new peace treaty with the Ottomans under Mehmed Pasha, thereby bringing the Holy League to an end, accepting the loss of Cyprus and increasing

6232-432: The Mediterranean and ravaged the coasts of Sicily and southern Italy and in 1574 it captured Tunis from the Hafsids, who for some time had been supported by Spanish troops, thus restoring Ottoman domination in the Western Mediterranean. On 3 March 1573, the Venetian Republic signed a new peace treaty with the Ottomans under Mehmed Pasha, thereby bringing the Holy League to an end, accepting the loss of Cyprus and increasing

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6384-569: The Shah handed over Bayezid and his four sons, who were subsequently executed. In 1561, Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha died and was succeeded by the Second Vizier, Semiz Ali Pasha . Sokollu Mehmed Pasha in turn became Second Vizier, while Pertev Pasha became Third Vizier. On 17 August 1562, Sokollu Mehmed married Sultan Suleiman's granddaughter – Prince Selim's daughter – Ismihan Sultan (some sources read her name as Esma Han Sultan) . Mehmed spent

6536-455: The Shah handed over Bayezid and his four sons, who were subsequently executed. In 1561, Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha died and was succeeded by the Second Vizier, Semiz Ali Pasha . Sokollu Mehmed Pasha in turn became Second Vizier, while Pertev Pasha became Third Vizier. On 17 August 1562, Sokollu Mehmed married Sultan Suleiman's granddaughter – Prince Selim's daughter – Ismihan Sultan (some sources read her name as Esma Han Sultan) . Mehmed spent

6688-536: The Sufi hostel (tekke or zawiyya) within its courtyard chambers. Selim expanded upon his father's mosque by adding the Madrasa Salimiyya in 1566–67. Subsequently, this complex became the starting point for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Selim favoured Edirne over Istanbul, demonstrating his affection for the former Ottoman capital, especially relishing visits and hunting sessions in the city. And so he undertook

6840-549: The Sultan made him the Third Vizier in 1555 and he was given a place in the Imperial Council ( Divan ). His position as Governor-General of Rumelia was given to a Herzegovinian Janissary agha , Pertev Pasha, an old companion of Mehmed's from when they had both served under Iskender Çelebi . Almost immediately Sokollu Mehmed had to quell a rebellion around Salonica , led by Mustafa Bey, who pretended to be

6992-421: The Sultan made him the Third Vizier in 1555 and he was given a place in the Imperial Council ( Divan ). His position as Governor-General of Rumelia was given to a Herzegovinian Janissary agha , Pertev Pasha, an old companion of Mehmed's from when they had both served under Iskender Çelebi . Almost immediately Sokollu Mehmed had to quell a rebellion around Salonica , led by Mustafa Bey, who pretended to be

7144-496: The Sultan to promise to send handsome gifts and higher wages to the janissaries. The next morning, each janissary was given standard pay of 40 ducats and an additional 20 ducats as an accession bonus. Soon, the other branches of the military, the sipahis and mercenaries, demanded higher wages as well. Mehmed arrested and replaced their aghas at once, finally stopping all dissent . Two years after Selim's accession, on 17 February 1568, Sokollu Mehmed succeeded in concluding at Edirne

7296-496: The Sultan to promise to send handsome gifts and higher wages to the janissaries. The next morning, each janissary was given standard pay of 40 ducats and an additional 20 ducats as an accession bonus. Soon, the other branches of the military, the sipahis and mercenaries, demanded higher wages as well. Mehmed arrested and replaced their aghas at once, finally stopping all dissent . Two years after Selim's accession, on 17 February 1568, Sokollu Mehmed succeeded in concluding at Edirne

7448-746: The Sultan's death executed, and announced that Suleiman was too sick to perform his duties and that he would be healing in Szigetvár, while he would be acting on the Sultan's behalf . Sokollu Mehmed rewarded those involved in the capture of Szigetvár and increased the soldiers' wages. He sent a part of the army to capture Babócsa . The Tartars , however, spread the news of the Sultan's death, and Sokollu Mustafa Bey wrote to Prince Selim about his father's death. Selim marched immediately towards Srem . Upon his arrival in Vukovar , Sokollu Mehmed wrote him that it would be best if he went to Belgrade to greet his army for

7600-635: The Sultan's death executed, and announced that Suleiman was too sick to perform his duties and that he would be healing in Szigetvár, while he would be acting on the Sultan's behalf . Sokollu Mehmed rewarded those involved in the capture of Szigetvár and increased the soldiers' wages. He sent a part of the army to capture Babócsa . The Tartars , however, spread the news of the Sultan's death, and Sokollu Mustafa Bey wrote to Prince Selim about his father's death. Selim marched immediately towards Srem . Upon his arrival in Vukovar , Sokollu Mehmed wrote him that it would be best if he went to Belgrade to greet his army for

7752-491: The Sultan's late son Mustafa. Sokollu Mehmed took 4,000 horsemen and 3,000 janissaries and quelled the rebellion. Mustafa Bey was hanged. Mehmed's brother, Topuzli-Makarije, became a monk of the Serb Chilandar Monastery on Mount Athos . Makarije Sokolović paid a visit to his brother's palace in Constantinople in 1557, where the two brothers discussed the possibility of re-establishing the autocephaly of

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7904-414: The Sultan's late son Mustafa. Sokollu Mehmed took 4,000 horsemen and 3,000 janissaries and quelled the rebellion. Mustafa Bey was hanged. Mehmed's brother, Topuzli-Makarije, became a monk of the Serb Chilandar Monastery on Mount Athos . Makarije Sokolović paid a visit to his brother's palace in Constantinople in 1557, where the two brothers discussed the possibility of re-establishing the autocephaly of

8056-575: The Sultan's preoccupation with Hungary and started making armed incursions into Ottoman territory. Sokollu Mehmed was dispatched to spend the winter of 1553/1554 in Tokat to take charge of the final stages of the war against Persia. In June 1554, Mehmed Pasha and the Rumelian troops joined the Sultan's army and took part in the Safavid Campaign (1554–55) . Impressed by Sokollu Mehmed's skills,

8208-402: The Sultan's preoccupation with Hungary and started making armed incursions into Ottoman territory. Sokollu Mehmed was dispatched to spend the winter of 1553/1554 in Tokat to take charge of the final stages of the war against Persia. In June 1554, Mehmed Pasha and the Rumelian troops joined the Sultan's army and took part in the Safavid Campaign (1554–55) . Impressed by Sokollu Mehmed's skills,

8360-477: The Sultan's wrath, and he dispatched Sokollu Mehmed's forces to besiege Szigetvár , while Suleiman remained in Harsang . The commander of Budin , Arslan Pasha, lost the cities of Várpalota , Veszprém and Tata . The Sultan sent a platoon of fifteen troopers to bring him Arslan Pasha's head, but Arslan had already left his forces three days earlier and was on his way to the Sultan. The Sultan showed Sokollu Mehmed

8512-423: The Sultan's wrath, and he dispatched Sokollu Mehmed's forces to besiege Szigetvár , while Suleiman remained in Harsang . The commander of Budin , Arslan Pasha, lost the cities of Várpalota , Veszprém and Tata . The Sultan sent a platoon of fifteen troopers to bring him Arslan Pasha's head, but Arslan had already left his forces three days earlier and was on his way to the Sultan. The Sultan showed Sokollu Mehmed

8664-538: The Venetian Ambassador "By conquering Cyprus we have cut off one of your arms; at Lepanto by defeating our navy you have only shaved off our beard. However, you know that a cut-off arm cannot be replaced but shaved-off beard grows thicker." Indeed, the Holy League ships had to retire to ports and Ottoman naval supremacy in the Mediterranean was restored. The new Ottoman Navy that started a naval expedition in summer of 1573 under Uluç Ali Reis found no rivals in

8816-467: The Venetian Ambassador "By conquering Cyprus we have cut off one of your arms; at Lepanto by defeating our navy you have only shaved off our beard. However, you know that a cut-off arm cannot be replaced but shaved-off beard grows thicker." Indeed, the Holy League ships had to retire to ports and Ottoman naval supremacy in the Mediterranean was restored. The new Ottoman Navy that started a naval expedition in summer of 1573 under Uluç Ali Reis found no rivals in

8968-470: The army to proceed to meet the new Sultan in Belgrade. After three marches, the army arrived in Sremska Mitrovica . Mehmed reminded Selim to send gifts to the viziers, pashas and the army, but Selim's advisors convinced the new Sultan not to do so. Sokollu Mehmed went to Belgrade and swore allegiance to Selim II as his Sultan, and Selim confirmed him as his Grand Vizier. Expecting a mutiny among

9120-403: The army to proceed to meet the new Sultan in Belgrade. After three marches, the army arrived in Sremska Mitrovica . Mehmed reminded Selim to send gifts to the viziers, pashas and the army, but Selim's advisors convinced the new Sultan not to do so. Sokollu Mehmed went to Belgrade and swore allegiance to Selim II as his Sultan, and Selim confirmed him as his Grand Vizier. Expecting a mutiny among

9272-681: The arsenal of the naval fleet. Mehmed became Beylerbey (Governor-General) of Rumelia in 1551, headquartered in Sofia . While he was visiting the area of his birth, his mother recognized him by the birthmark on his face and embraced her child for the first time in more than thirty years. After the death of John Zápolya , king of Hungary as an Ottoman vassal, in 1540, Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor looked to annex Zápolya's lands (the Eastern Hungarian Kingdom ). The Hungarian diet had elected infant John Sigismund Zápolya ,

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9424-552: The arsenal of the naval fleet. Mehmed became Beylerbey (Governor-General) of Rumelia in 1551, headquartered in Sofia . While he was visiting the area of his birth, his mother recognized him by the birthmark on his face and embraced her child for the first time in more than thirty years. After the death of John Zápolya , king of Hungary as an Ottoman vassal, in 1540, Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor looked to annex Zápolya's lands (the Eastern Hungarian Kingdom ). The Hungarian diet had elected infant John Sigismund Zápolya ,

9576-454: The assassin was a janissary in disguise in employment of Safiye Sultan, the wife of Murad III. Also, some sources claim that Sokollu Mehmed was a target of Hashshashin agent, as he was opposed to war with Persia where this order was stationed, which was not in their interest, although this is a very controversial claim as this order was destroyed by Mongols long time before. In 1579, he was succeeded as grand vizier by Semiz Ahmed Pasha. He

9728-454: The assassin was a janissary in disguise in employment of Safiye Sultan, the wife of Murad III. Also, some sources claim that Sokollu Mehmed was a target of Hashshashin agent, as he was opposed to war with Persia where this order was stationed, which was not in their interest, although this is a very controversial claim as this order was destroyed by Mongols long time before. In 1579, he was succeeded as grand vizier by Semiz Ahmed Pasha. He

9880-736: The attack, assumed a defensive stance with augmented forces, ultimately prevailing in the engagement on May 30 and 31. In July 1559, Bayezid embarked on an eastern march from Amasya, accompanied by ten thousand men and four of his sons. By the autumn of the same year, he reached Yerevan, a Safavid town, receiving great respect from its governor. Subsequently, in October, he arrived in Qazvin, where Shah Tahmasp I welcomed him initially with enthusiasm, hosting elaborate parties in his honor. However, in April 1560, on Sultan Suleiman's request, Tahmasp imprisoned Bayezid. Both Suleiman and Selim dispatched envoys to Persia to persuade Shah Tahmasp to execute Bayezid. Over

10032-490: The circumcision of Selim, and his elder brothers Mustafa , and Mehmed . The princes were circumcised on 27 June 1530. The festivities ranged from displays of captured enemy items to simulated battles, featuring performances by jugglers and strongmen, as well as reenactments of recent conflicts. Suleiman played a crucial role, observing everything from a loggia in the Hippodrome, while Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha actively oversaw

10184-475: The cities previously taken by Telli Hasan Pasha restored to him. When negotiations failed, Maximilian declared war and Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha ordered his nephew, Sokollu Mustafa Bey of Bosnia, to advance against Maximilian. Sokollu Mustafa managed to capture the cities of Krupa and Dvor na Uni . The Sultan immediately declared war against the Holy Roman Empire, and Sokollu Mehmed began

10336-407: The cities previously taken by Telli Hasan Pasha restored to him. When negotiations failed, Maximilian declared war and Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha ordered his nephew, Sokollu Mustafa Bey of Bosnia, to advance against Maximilian. Sokollu Mustafa managed to capture the cities of Krupa and Dvor na Uni . The Sultan immediately declared war against the Holy Roman Empire, and Sokollu Mehmed began

10488-489: The construction of a significant mosque here. The mosque which is known as Selimiye Mosque, is the largest of all Ottoman mosques, was erected between 1569 and 1575 under the supervision of Sultan Selim's chief architect, Mimar Sinan. He also undertook a significant renovation of the Hagia Sophia Mosque from 1572 to 1574 under the guidance of Sinan. This restoration included repairing the buttresses, substituting

10640-423: The empire, he established a reliable network of proteges. Contemporary accounts highlight Sokollu's virtual sovereignty during Selim's reign, with the grand vizier effectively managing the empire. Selim's limited involvement in governance can be attributed not only to Sokollu's dominant role but also to a significant shift in the empire's political landscape. The emergence of the court and favourites system, along with

10792-418: The expedition as a commander. According to these historical records, between November and December 1567 Sokollu and his expedition took sail to Aceh with fifteen fully armed war galleys and two transport galleys. Upon a seemingly friendly arrival to Aceh, the sultan of Sumatra requested that all the members of the expedition follow his orders. The sultan later offered his loyalty to the Ottoman Empire and forged

10944-418: The expedition as a commander. According to these historical records, between November and December 1567 Sokollu and his expedition took sail to Aceh with fifteen fully armed war galleys and two transport galleys. Upon a seemingly friendly arrival to Aceh, the sultan of Sumatra requested that all the members of the expedition follow his orders. The sultan later offered his loyalty to the Ottoman Empire and forged

11096-407: The first hooded fountain, ogival arches of the arcades, and especially, the fine and well preserved Iznik tiles. His most renowned endowment is the eleven-arched Višegrad bridge in his hometown of Višegrad . The construction and history of the bridge is the topic of the novel The Bridge on the Drina (Serbian: Na Drini ćuprija - На Дрини ћуприја ), written by Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić ,

11248-407: The first hooded fountain, ogival arches of the arcades, and especially, the fine and well preserved Iznik tiles. His most renowned endowment is the eleven-arched Višegrad bridge in his hometown of Višegrad . The construction and history of the bridge is the topic of the novel The Bridge on the Drina (Serbian: Na Drini ćuprija - На Дрини ћуприја ), written by Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić ,

11400-654: The following years in peace, governing and administering the realm. In 1563, Mehmed's nephew, Sokollu Mustafa Bey , became sanjakbey of the Sanjak of Bosnia . In June 1565, Grand Vizier Semiz Ali Pasha died. Sultan Suleiman had much confidence in Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and promoted him to this position. In late 1565 and early 1566, tensions between the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II and Sultan Suleiman grew. Maximilian wanted

11552-442: The following years in peace, governing and administering the realm. In 1563, Mehmed's nephew, Sokollu Mustafa Bey , became sanjakbey of the Sanjak of Bosnia . In June 1565, Grand Vizier Semiz Ali Pasha died. Sultan Suleiman had much confidence in Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and promoted him to this position. In late 1565 and early 1566, tensions between the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II and Sultan Suleiman grew. Maximilian wanted

11704-449: The general instability in the Ottoman government that followed the death of Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, evidence of a decline in the empire that he had at its pinnacle while he was in office. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha has left numerous architecturally well known buildings in Constantinople and throughout Ottoman territories. Foundations of his buildings are spread over Edirne , Halep , Medina , Bečkerek , Belgrade and alongside Bosnia, where he

11856-449: The general instability in the Ottoman government that followed the death of Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, evidence of a decline in the empire that he had at its pinnacle while he was in office. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha has left numerous architecturally well known buildings in Constantinople and throughout Ottoman territories. Foundations of his buildings are spread over Edirne , Halep , Medina , Bečkerek , Belgrade and alongside Bosnia, where he

12008-458: The governor of Kütahya, and following Bayezid's death, his last years as a prince were spent peacefully in his court in Kütahya. Selim ascended the throne on 29 September 1566, following the death of his father on 6 September. Initially, his enthronement ceremony occurred in Istanbul, despite the presence of viziers and the military in Szigetvár, Hungary. The ceremony went unrecognised, leading to

12160-645: The head of the Sultan's squires . In these positions he became very close to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and learned from him. As a soldier, Mehmed excelled at the Battle of Mohács and the first Siege of Vienna . In 1546 the Kapudan Pasha Hayreddin Barbarossa died and Mehmed was appointed his successor. In this capacity he was present at the naval expedition against Trablus (present-day Tripoli in Libya ). During his five years in this position, Mehmed Pasha greatly strengthened

12312-504: The head of the Sultan's squires . In these positions he became very close to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and learned from him. As a soldier, Mehmed excelled at the Battle of Mohács and the first Siege of Vienna . In 1546 the Kapudan Pasha Hayreddin Barbarossa died and Mehmed was appointed his successor. In this capacity he was present at the naval expedition against Trablus (present-day Tripoli in Libya ). During his five years in this position, Mehmed Pasha greatly strengthened

12464-608: The janissaries had increased; they used their power to gain more benefits for their personal lives instead of improving the state. Janissaries were now able to marry and were allowed to enrol their sons in the Corps. In 1568, the treaty of Edirne was concluded, after which the Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor , Maximilian II recognised recent Ottoman conquests in Hungary and continued paying an annual tribute to

12616-609: The main part of his army and 50 cannons. Mehmed demanded surrender, but the city's commander, István Losonci, replied with a recommendation for Mehmed's return to Rumelia. Mehmed besieged the city until 28 October but could not seize it. Retreating to Belgrade , he initiated peace negotiations with the Monk-Viceroy. Martinuzzi was assassinated on 17 December 1551, and peace talks ended. Sokollu Mehmed renewed his military campaign in 1552, seizing Temesvár (see Siege of Temesvár (1552) ), Hollókő , Buják , Rétság , Balassagyarmat ,

12768-548: The main part of his army and 50 cannons. Mehmed demanded surrender, but the city's commander, István Losonci, replied with a recommendation for Mehmed's return to Rumelia. Mehmed besieged the city until 28 October but could not seize it. Retreating to Belgrade , he initiated peace negotiations with the Monk-Viceroy. Martinuzzi was assassinated on 17 December 1551, and peace talks ended. Sokollu Mehmed renewed his military campaign in 1552, seizing Temesvár (see Siege of Temesvár (1552) ), Hollókő , Buják , Rétság , Balassagyarmat ,

12920-415: The military in the capital, Sokollu Mehmed had Suleiman's body sent to Constantinople to restore order amongst the janissaries and other officials, who now demanded more compensation for their past efforts. In Belgrade, Sultan Selim II called a council, as even some of his closest officials were openly mocking him . Sokollu Mehmed assured him that he would manage everything effectively, and distributed gifts to

13072-415: The military in the capital, Sokollu Mehmed had Suleiman's body sent to Constantinople to restore order amongst the janissaries and other officials, who now demanded more compensation for their past efforts. In Belgrade, Sultan Selim II called a council, as even some of his closest officials were openly mocking him . Sokollu Mehmed assured him that he would manage everything effectively, and distributed gifts to

13224-402: The new Sultan, Murad III , and remained Grand Vizier, but now he had to cope with the rising political influence of the palace women, first with Sultan's mother Nurbanu Sultan and then his wife, of Albanian origin, Safiye Sultan . Murad III gradually soured on Sokollu Mehmed's overwhelming power within the Empire, and the Grand Vizier's influence declined. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was involved in

13376-402: The new Sultan, Murad III , and remained Grand Vizier, but now he had to cope with the rising political influence of the palace women, first with Sultan's mother Nurbanu Sultan and then his wife, of Albanian origin, Safiye Sultan . Murad III gradually soured on Sokollu Mehmed's overwhelming power within the Empire, and the Grand Vizier's influence declined. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was involved in

13528-487: The next one and a half years, embassies shuttled between Istanbul and Qazvin. The last Ottoman embassy, arriving on 16 July 1561, had the formal task of attempting to return Bayezid to Istanbul. This delegation included figures like Hüsrev Pasha, Sinan Pasha, Ali Aqa Chavush Bashi, and two hundred officials. Suleiman's letter accompanying the embassy expressed his willingness to reconfirm the Treaty of Amasya (1555) and foster

13680-584: The northeast, Crimea and Anatolia, who had to cross the Black Sea in order to visit the Holy Cities. Thus, he took actions for the construction of an open canal between the Don and the Volga in the north. Mehmed Pasha had little success against Russia , and the first encounter between the Ottoman Empire and her future northern rival presaged the disaster to come. A plan had been devised at Constantinople for connecting

13832-426: The northeast, Crimea and Anatolia, who had to cross the Black Sea in order to visit the Holy Cities. Thus, he took actions for the construction of an open canal between the Don and the Volga in the north. Mehmed Pasha had little success against Russia , and the first encounter between the Ottoman Empire and her future northern rival presaged the disaster to come. A plan had been devised at Constantinople for connecting

13984-505: The order Mehmed's wife Ismihan Sultan (or Esma Han Sultan), the famous architect Mimar Sinan built the Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Mosque , which an authoritative guide to Constantinople states to be "The most beautiful of the smaller mosques in Istanbul, a minor masterpiece by Sinan". During the rule of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha as Grand Vizier, the Ottoman navy and army took Cyprus in 1571 from Venice . The administration of Cyprus

14136-437: The order Mehmed's wife Ismihan Sultan (or Esma Han Sultan), the famous architect Mimar Sinan built the Sokollu Mehmed Paşa Mosque , which an authoritative guide to Constantinople states to be "The most beautiful of the smaller mosques in Istanbul, a minor masterpiece by Sinan". During the rule of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha as Grand Vizier, the Ottoman navy and army took Cyprus in 1571 from Venice . The administration of Cyprus

14288-564: The possession of the Sultan. Mehmed rejected negotiation proposals, led Ottoman forces into Transylvania and soon captured 16 cities, including Bečej , Becskerek , Csanád and Lippa . In this campaign, Sokollu won over to his side local Serb-manned garrisons by pointing out to his common ethnicity with them. Martinuzzi responded by raising a rebellion in Transylvania, mustering one soldier from every household. Mehmed had to fall back and once again laid siege to Temesvár on 14 October with

14440-503: The possession of the Sultan. Mehmed rejected negotiation proposals, led Ottoman forces into Transylvania and soon captured 16 cities, including Bečej , Becskerek , Csanád and Lippa . In this campaign, Sokollu won over to his side local Serb-manned garrisons by pointing out to his common ethnicity with them. Martinuzzi responded by raising a rebellion in Transylvania, mustering one soldier from every household. Mehmed had to fall back and once again laid siege to Temesvár on 14 October with

14592-486: The preparations for the army's advance. The Grand Vizier went ahead, preparing for the arrival of the Sultan, who was leading the main part of the Ottoman forces. After 50 days, they arrived in Belgrade. Passing through Zemun , one part of the army crossed Varaždin and struck Egar before proceeding towards Vienna . Nikola Šubić Zrinski (Miklós Zrínyi) had defeated the sanjakbey Tirhal Mohammed , executing him and his son, and capturing 17,000 ducats . This incurred

14744-486: The preparations for the army's advance. The Grand Vizier went ahead, preparing for the arrival of the Sultan, who was leading the main part of the Ottoman forces. After 50 days, they arrived in Belgrade. Passing through Zemun , one part of the army crossed Varaždin and struck Egar before proceeding towards Vienna . Nikola Šubić Zrinski (Miklós Zrínyi) had defeated the sanjakbey Tirhal Mohammed , executing him and his son, and capturing 17,000 ducats . This incurred

14896-542: The proceedings and presented extravagant gifts to the sultan and the princes. In May 1537, he and his brother Mehmed joined their father on his campaign to Corfu . This marked the inaugural military campaign of his sons. Their presence in a military campaign conveyed a message of dynastic continuity. In 1540, the sultan took him and Mehmed with him to spend the winter in Edirne . In June 1541, he and Mehmed once again accompanied their father on his campaign to Buda . In 1542, he

15048-475: The ranks of the Ottoman imperial system, eventually holding positions as commander of the imperial guard (1543–1546), High Admiral of the Fleet (1546–1551), Governor-General of Rumelia (1551–1555), Third Vizier (1555–1561), Second Vizier (1561–1565), and as Grand Vizier (1565–1579, for a total of 14 years, three months, 17 days) under three sultans: Suleiman the Magnificent , Selim II , and Murad III . He

15200-423: The ranks of the Ottoman imperial system, eventually holding positions as commander of the imperial guard (1543–1546), High Admiral of the Fleet (1546–1551), Governor-General of Rumelia (1551–1555), Third Vizier (1555–1561), Second Vizier (1561–1565), and as Grand Vizier (1565–1579, for a total of 14 years, three months, 17 days) under three sultans: Suleiman the Magnificent , Selim II , and Murad III . He

15352-590: The recovery of the fortress of Tunis from Spain in 1574, shortly before Selim's death, marked a notable naval success. Suleiman had left a lasting legacy in Damascus by commissioning the construction of the impressive Takiyya al-Sulaimaniyya mosque along the Barada River, situated outside the city walls. Designed in 1554 by the renowned architect Sinan, it was commonly referred to as the Takiyya, acknowledging

15504-422: The remote town of Amasya. Both brothers' sons were also granted governorships in smaller counties adjacent to their fathers' assignments. In September, Suleiman reassigned his sons, sending Selim to Konya and Bayezid to Amasya. In mid-April 1559, Bayezid and his army departed Amasya and advanced toward Ankara. Despite conveying to his father his desire to return to Kütahya, it became evident that his true intention

15656-437: The revolt, but Suleiman's desire to punish him was hindered by his wife Hürrem. Tensions over succession continued, with Bayezid and Selim in rivalry. Strategic maneuvers, including Bayezid's relocation to Germiyan, maintained equilibrium in their positions, both poised to return to the capital upon news of their father's fate. Suleiman's persistent health concerns prompted efforts to dispel rumors of imminent death. In June 1557,

15808-507: The rule of Governor Mahmud Pasha, a compatriot of Sokollu, who managed to produce large economic gains in the region at the expense of the wellbeing of the population. After Mahmud's wrongdoings in Yemen had been revealed, Sokollu decided to appoint Koja Sinan, who was assigned the responsibilities to appease the turmoils in Yemen. Although the rebellions in Yemen once again forced Sokollu to postpone any further military action in Sumatra and

15960-452: The rule of Governor Mahmud Pasha, a compatriot of Sokollu, who managed to produce large economic gains in the region at the expense of the wellbeing of the population. After Mahmud's wrongdoings in Yemen had been revealed, Sokollu decided to appoint Koja Sinan, who was assigned the responsibilities to appease the turmoils in Yemen. Although the rebellions in Yemen once again forced Sokollu to postpone any further military action in Sumatra and

16112-401: The same year, the Holy League, comprising papal, Venetian, and Spanish fleets, retaliated for the capture of Cyprus in the decisive Battle of Lepanto , a significant Christian stronghold. The Ottoman navy suffered a devastating defeat, leading to a year-long reconstruction effort, yet the loss of skilled naval personnel continued to impact the state throughout Selim's reign. Despite this setback,

16264-403: The sedentarization of the sultanate, marked Selim's reign and later became defining aspects of power struggles among his successors. Beginning with Selim, the sultans also abstained from participating in military campaigns, spending most of their time in the palace. Over time during his reign, the janissaries began to increase their power at the expense of the sultan. "Acession money" demanded by

16416-501: The siege of Szigetvár, was sent to Belgrade, away from Constantinople. Mehmed's faithful Arab friend, the Governor-General of Cyprus, was lynched by mutinous soldiers. Mehmed's greatest rivals, Hamid Efendi and Piyale Pasha, arranged the execution of the Grand Vizier's Greek protege, Michael Kantakouzenos . On 10 October 1578, Sokollu Mustafa Pasha , Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's nephew and beylerbey (governor-general) of Budin ,

16568-434: The siege of Szigetvár, was sent to Belgrade, away from Constantinople. Mehmed's faithful Arab friend, the Governor-General of Cyprus, was lynched by mutinous soldiers. Mehmed's greatest rivals, Hamid Efendi and Piyale Pasha, arranged the execution of the Grand Vizier's Greek protege, Michael Kantakouzenos . On 10 October 1578, Sokollu Mustafa Pasha , Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's nephew and beylerbey (governor-general) of Budin ,

16720-504: The soldiers dispatched to the region hindered the canal's completion. During his reign, naval campaigns unfolded in the Mediterranean. In 1571, the Ottomans seized Cyprus from the Venetians, transforming it into a new province alongside neighboring regions in mainland Anatolia. Initially, the island's harsh climate deterred migration, but under state pressure, a considerable number of Turkish settlers eventually established themselves. In

16872-516: The son of Zápolya and Isabella Jagiellon , as King of Hungary, which broke the Treaty of Nagyvárad , and Ferdinand I invaded Hungary. Queen Isabella struggled to rule Hungary for her son. Frater George Martinuzzi , appointed by John as regent, opposed her (he would later be created a Cardinal as reward for his accomplishments in this conflict). Ferdinand I sent mercenary leader ( condottiero ) Bartolomeo Castoldo with more than 7,000 mercenaries who beat

17024-464: The son of Zápolya and Isabella Jagiellon , as King of Hungary, which broke the Treaty of Nagyvárad , and Ferdinand I invaded Hungary. Queen Isabella struggled to rule Hungary for her son. Frater George Martinuzzi , appointed by John as regent, opposed her (he would later be created a Cardinal as reward for his accomplishments in this conflict). Ferdinand I sent mercenary leader ( condottiero ) Bartolomeo Castoldo with more than 7,000 mercenaries who beat

17176-404: The standard Grand Vizier's wage of 20 ducats every day. His wealth increased greatly through gifts and taxes of Ottoman officials: anyone who became a vizier had to pay Mehmed Pasha 50,000-60,000 ducats, and every Governor-General had to pay 15,000-20,000 or even sometimes 30,000-40,000 ducats upon ascending to the office. The provincial governor of Egypt at Cairo alone dispatched 100,000 ducats to

17328-404: The standard Grand Vizier's wage of 20 ducats every day. His wealth increased greatly through gifts and taxes of Ottoman officials: anyone who became a vizier had to pay Mehmed Pasha 50,000-60,000 ducats, and every Governor-General had to pay 15,000-20,000 or even sometimes 30,000-40,000 ducats upon ascending to the office. The provincial governor of Egypt at Cairo alone dispatched 100,000 ducats to

17480-571: The succession disputes of the Polish Crown in 1576 and 1577, but this did not reach greater measures. Sokollu Mehmed signed numerous treaties of friendship with Venice, Florence , Spain, England and Switzerland . He also managed to force a number of European states to pay tribute: Austria paid 9,000 ducats; Transylvania 3,000; Wallachia 7,000; Moldavia 3,000. Eventually, even Venice had to pay him 4,000 ducats annually. This altogether gave him an annual income of 31,000 gold ducats. Mehmed

17632-510: The succession disputes of the Polish Crown in 1576 and 1577, but this did not reach greater measures. Sokollu Mehmed signed numerous treaties of friendship with Venice, Florence , Spain, England and Switzerland . He also managed to force a number of European states to pay tribute: Austria paid 9,000 ducats; Transylvania 3,000; Wallachia 7,000; Moldavia 3,000. Eventually, even Venice had to pay him 4,000 ducats annually. This altogether gave him an annual income of 31,000 gold ducats. Mehmed

17784-547: The sultan. The longstanding Transylvanian issue, a source of conflicts between the Habsburgs and Ottomans, found resolution in the treaty of Speyer during the imperial diet in 1570. In this treaty, John Sigismund Zápolya relinquished his title as the elected king of Hungary, adopting the titles of prince of Transylvania and the adjacent parts of Hungary. Maximilian acknowledged these changes, and John Sigismund accepted Maximilian's suzerainty over his principality, which remained

17936-467: The summer of 1567, it was not taking seriously by the Ottoman regime until later in the year, when most of the major cities in the region came under fire by the rebellious factions. It is believed that the cause of the dissatisfaction in Yemen was the intensified Ottoman involvement in the region as a prelude for an expansion in the Indian Ocean. The unhappiness in the Ottoman Yemen also went back to

18088-404: The summer of 1567, it was not taking seriously by the Ottoman regime until later in the year, when most of the major cities in the region came under fire by the rebellious factions. It is believed that the cause of the dissatisfaction in Yemen was the intensified Ottoman involvement in the region as a prelude for an expansion in the Indian Ocean. The unhappiness in the Ottoman Yemen also went back to

18240-472: The tribute payments. He also extended for eight more years the peace treaty with the Holy Roman Empire and maintained good relations with France , Poland-Lithuania and Russia. He was preparing for a fresh attack on Venice when the Sultan's death on 12 December 1574 cut short his plans. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's wealth reached its peak around 1573, when the value of his personal property (cash, goods, accounts, objects) amounted to 18 million ducats. Mehmed received

18392-472: The tribute payments. He also extended for eight more years the peace treaty with the Holy Roman Empire and maintained good relations with France , Poland-Lithuania and Russia. He was preparing for a fresh attack on Venice when the Sultan's death on 12 December 1574 cut short his plans. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's wealth reached its peak around 1573, when the value of his personal property (cash, goods, accounts, objects) amounted to 18 million ducats. Mehmed received

18544-413: The troops, rewarding them handsomely to regain their loyalty . On the fifth day of their stay in Belgrade, the Sultan, Sokollu Mehmed and the army departed for Constantinople. Before they managed to return to the Empire's capital, a mutiny broke out and the road to the city was blocked, and Sokollu Mehmed and Ahmed Pasha had to bribe their way into the city. Order was restored after Sokollu Mehmed convinced

18696-413: The troops, rewarding them handsomely to regain their loyalty . On the fifth day of their stay in Belgrade, the Sultan, Sokollu Mehmed and the army departed for Constantinople. Before they managed to return to the Empire's capital, a mutiny broke out and the road to the city was blocked, and Sokollu Mehmed and Ahmed Pasha had to bribe their way into the city. Order was restored after Sokollu Mehmed convinced

18848-530: The whole of Banat and Szolnok . Sokollu Mehmed's forces then joined with those of Ahmet Pasha advancing towards Eger . Mehmed's army assembled on the Hill of Egid but could not take the city itself . In 1532, Sultan Suleiman had declared war on Safavid Persia following two decades of peace after the climactic Battle of Chaldiran , when the Persian Shah Tahmasp wanted to take advantage of

19000-407: The whole of Banat and Szolnok . Sokollu Mehmed's forces then joined with those of Ahmet Pasha advancing towards Eger . Mehmed's army assembled on the Hill of Egid but could not take the city itself . In 1532, Sultan Suleiman had declared war on Safavid Persia following two decades of peace after the climactic Battle of Chaldiran , when the Persian Shah Tahmasp wanted to take advantage of

19152-495: The wooden minaret with a brick one, and introducing two new minarets. Furthermore, adjacent structures were demolished to create the characteristic courtyard of the imperial mosque. Selim died after slipping and falling on a marble floor while inebriated at the age of fifty on 15 December 1574. He was buried in his tomb in Hagia Sophia Mosque, Istanbul. Selim was known for being a generous supporter of poets and had

19304-608: Was Lala Mustafa , who instigated the Sultan's third son, Bayezid, then Beylerbey of Karaman , to raise a rebellion against his brother and heir-apparent Selim . Sokollu Mehmed mustered an army and went to Konya , where he decisively defeated Bayezid's forces in May 1559. Bayezid fled to Persia. Sokollu Mehmed remained in Asia and spent the winter negotiating with the Persian Shah regarding Bayezid's extradition. After long negotiations,

19456-447: Was Lala Mustafa , who instigated the Sultan's third son, Bayezid, then Beylerbey of Karaman , to raise a rebellion against his brother and heir-apparent Selim . Sokollu Mehmed mustered an army and went to Konya , where he decisively defeated Bayezid's forces in May 1559. Bayezid fled to Persia. Sokollu Mehmed remained in Asia and spent the winter negotiating with the Persian Shah regarding Bayezid's extradition. After long negotiations,

19608-607: Was a monk at the Mileševa monastery who had his two nephews, Bajica and Makarije (taken to be brothers according to this view), educated there. Other sources suggest that his uncle converted to Islam early. Though Sokollu had embraced Islam, he remembered his family and Serbian Orthodox roots. He would appoint his relatives (both Muslim and Christian) to important positions, including Sokollu Mustafa Pasha , Makarije Sokolović , Ferhad Pasha Sokolović , Sinan-beg Boljanić , Sokolluzade Lala Mehmed Pasha and Lala Mustafa Pasha . He

19760-557: Was a monk at the Mileševa monastery who had his two nephews, Bajica and Makarije (taken to be brothers according to this view), educated there. Other sources suggest that his uncle converted to Islam early. Though Sokollu had embraced Islam, he remembered his family and Serbian Orthodox roots. He would appoint his relatives (both Muslim and Christian) to important positions, including Sokollu Mustafa Pasha , Makarije Sokolović , Ferhad Pasha Sokolović , Sinan-beg Boljanić , Sokolluzade Lala Mehmed Pasha and Lala Mustafa Pasha . He

19912-537: Was an Ottoman statesman of Serb origin most notable for being the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire . Born in Ottoman Herzegovina into an Orthodox Christian family, Mehmed was recruited as a young boy as part of so called "blood tax" to serve as a janissary to the Ottoman devşirme system of recruiting Christian boys to be raised as officers or administrators for the state. He rose through

20064-407: Was an Ottoman statesman of Serb origin most notable for being the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire . Born in Ottoman Herzegovina into an Orthodox Christian family, Mehmed was recruited as a young boy as part of so called "blood tax" to serve as a janissary to the Ottoman devşirme system of recruiting Christian boys to be raised as officers or administrators for the state. He rose through

20216-455: Was an Ottoman victory, with heavy losses on both sides. Both commanders died during the battle: while Zrinsky was killed in the final charge, Suleiman the Magnificent died in his tent from natural causes, before the Turks achieved victory. According to Robert William Fraser, more than 10,000 large cannonballs where shot into the fortress during the siege. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha had all witnesses to

20368-403: Was an Ottoman victory, with heavy losses on both sides. Both commanders died during the battle: while Zrinsky was killed in the final charge, Suleiman the Magnificent died in his tent from natural causes, before the Turks achieved victory. According to Robert William Fraser, more than 10,000 large cannonballs where shot into the fortress during the siege. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha had all witnesses to

20520-519: Was appointed governor of the province of Karaman, after which he went to Konya. Following Mehmed's unexpected demise in November 1543, the role of district governorship of Saruhan was assumed by Selim in the spring of 1544. During the summer of 1544, a gathering of family members occurred in Bursa, uniting Selim, his parents Suleiman and Hürrem, his sister Mihrimah, and Mihrimah's husband Rüstem Pasha . In

20672-409: Was assassinated (some sources put it as September 30, 1578 ). On the anniversary of this day, on 10 October 1579, Sokollu Mehmed had his servant Hasan Bey read to him about the Battle of Kosovo . On 11 October 1579, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was assassinated. Ending his near 15-year rule serving as the sultan sole legal representative in the administration of state affairs. There are some who claim that

20824-409: Was assassinated (some sources put it as September 30, 1578 ). On the anniversary of this day, on 10 October 1579, Sokollu Mehmed had his servant Hasan Bey read to him about the Battle of Kosovo . On 11 October 1579, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was assassinated. Ending his near 15-year rule serving as the sultan sole legal representative in the administration of state affairs. There are some who claim that

20976-637: Was assassinated in 1579, ending his near 15-years of service to several Sultans , as sole legal representative in the administration of state affairs. Although Sokullu was Muslim, he remembered his Serbian Orthodox roots and his family. He persuaded the Sultan to restore the Serbian Patriarchate of Peć as a "gesture of reconciliation". He appointed members of his family (both Muslim and Christian) to important positions in Ottoman Empire, including Sokollu Mustafa Pasha , Makarije Sokolović , Ferhad Pasha Sokolović , Sinan-beg Boljanić , Sokolluzade Lala Mehmed Pasha and Lala Mustafa Pasha . Sokollu's birth name

21128-637: Was assassinated in 1579, ending his near 15-years of service to several Sultans , as sole legal representative in the administration of state affairs. Although Sokullu was Muslim, he remembered his Serbian Orthodox roots and his family. He persuaded the Sultan to restore the Serbian Patriarchate of Peć as a "gesture of reconciliation". He appointed members of his family (both Muslim and Christian) to important positions in Ottoman Empire, including Sokollu Mustafa Pasha , Makarije Sokolović , Ferhad Pasha Sokolović , Sinan-beg Boljanić , Sokolluzade Lala Mehmed Pasha and Lala Mustafa Pasha . Sokollu's birth name

21280-722: Was destroyed by a storm. Early in 1570 the ambassadors of Ivan the Terrible concluded at Constantinople a treaty which restored friendly relations between the Sultan and the Tsar . Although the government was weakening, Sokollu Mehmed Paşa managed to expand the borders of the Ottoman Empire greatly. In 1570 he dispatched Sinan Pasha to conquer Arabia . Sinan Pasha solemnly declared the reign of Sultan Selim II in Mecca upon finishing his military campaign in Hejaz and Yemen . In 1571–1572, on

21432-514: Was destroyed by a storm. Early in 1570 the ambassadors of Ivan the Terrible concluded at Constantinople a treaty which restored friendly relations between the Sultan and the Tsar . Although the government was weakening, Sokollu Mehmed Paşa managed to expand the borders of the Ottoman Empire greatly. In 1570 he dispatched Sinan Pasha to conquer Arabia . Sinan Pasha solemnly declared the reign of Sultan Selim II in Mecca upon finishing his military campaign in Hejaz and Yemen . In 1571–1572, on

21584-640: Was given to Mehmed's old friend, the Arab Ahmed Pasha. The invasion of Cyprus led to the formation of a so-called Holy League , comprising the Pope , Spain with Naples and Sicily , the Republic of Venice , Genoa , Tuscany , and the Knights of Malta . On 7 October 1571, the coalition's fleet under the command of Don Juan of Austria decisively defeated the Ottoman fleet under Müezzinzade Ali Pasha in

21736-415: Was given to Mehmed's old friend, the Arab Ahmed Pasha. The invasion of Cyprus led to the formation of a so-called Holy League , comprising the Pope , Spain with Naples and Sicily , the Republic of Venice , Genoa , Tuscany , and the Knights of Malta . On 7 October 1571, the coalition's fleet under the command of Don Juan of Austria decisively defeated the Ottoman fleet under Müezzinzade Ali Pasha in

21888-430: Was initially known to be opposed to the war with Persia , which began in 1578, but was overruled upon eventually, amongst the reasons being the constant urgings by Sokollu Mehmed to take advantage of the Ottomans neighboring rival. Sultan Murad III time afterwards, began to limit his Grand Vizier's powers by slowly removing his allies from high offices. The state secretary Feridun, an old companion of Sokollu mehmed's since

22040-430: Was initially known to be opposed to the war with Persia , which began in 1578, but was overruled upon eventually, amongst the reasons being the constant urgings by Sokollu Mehmed to take advantage of the Ottomans neighboring rival. Sultan Murad III time afterwards, began to limit his Grand Vizier's powers by slowly removing his allies from high offices. The state secretary Feridun, an old companion of Sokollu mehmed's since

22192-409: Was probably Bajica , and he was of ethnic Serb origin. He was said to be born into a modest shepherd family, adherent to the Serbian Orthodox Church , in or near Sokolovići (tr. Sokol ) in the vicinity of modern-day Rudo . "Sokollu" is a demonym , derived from his place of birth, whereas the suffix -lu means "from" in Turkish. His father was named Dimitrije. He had two brothers and

22344-409: Was probably Bajica , and he was of ethnic Serb origin. He was said to be born into a modest shepherd family, adherent to the Serbian Orthodox Church , in or near Sokolovići (tr. Sokol ) in the vicinity of modern-day Rudo . "Sokollu" is a demonym , derived from his place of birth, whereas the suffix -lu means "from" in Turkish. His father was named Dimitrije. He had two brothers and

22496-994: Was renamed Mehmed and, first in Edirne and then in Constantinople , received a thorough Ottoman indoctrination as a recruit, first as an apprentice Janissary (in Turkish Acemi Oğlan ); then in the Enderun or palace school in Topkapı Palace . As proclaimed in Baghdad on 13 March 1535, Mehmed was sent to be one of the seven retainers of the Imperial Treasurer Iskender Çelebi . Upon Iskender's death, Mehmed returned to Constantinople. In addition to Turkish , he spoke Serbian , Persian , Arabic , Venetian-Italian and Latin language . Mehmed in 1541 first became an Imperial Chamberlain and then

22648-626: Was renamed Mehmed and, first in Edirne and then in Constantinople , received a thorough Ottoman indoctrination as a recruit, first as an apprentice Janissary (in Turkish Acemi Oğlan ); then in the Enderun or palace school in Topkapı Palace . As proclaimed in Baghdad on 13 March 1535, Mehmed was sent to be one of the seven retainers of the Imperial Treasurer Iskender Çelebi . Upon Iskender's death, Mehmed returned to Constantinople. In addition to Turkish , he spoke Serbian , Persian , Arabic , Venetian-Italian and Latin language . Mehmed in 1541 first became an Imperial Chamberlain and then

22800-518: Was the construction of a canal connecting the Don and Volga rivers. Championed by Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, this extensive project involved excavating around 40 miles of challenging terrain. The canal, if completed, aimed to strategically benefit the Ottomans along the northern frontiers, serving to control Muscovy's advancement and establishing a base for potential attacks on Safavid Persia. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions and disorder among

22952-636: Was then conducted at that location. The new sultan went to Belgrade without offering the accession bonus, the standing army sought assurances of gratuity and promotion, but the sultan dismissed their request. Consequently, upon entering Istanbul, the army revolted, citing the absence of a proper enthronement ceremony. In this new political environment, the grand vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha exerted significant control over governance throughout his entire reign. Mehmed Pasha served continuously as grand vizier under Suleiman, and then Selim. Known for strategically placing family members and associates in key positions across

23104-499: Was to attack and eliminate Selim, aiming to be the sole heir to the throne before Suleiman sided with Selim. Upon learning of Bayezid's expedition, Suleiman deemed military action necessary, instructing the third vizier Sokullu Mehmed to join Selim with janissaries, accompanied by Rumeli troops. Before Constantinople's forces reached Konya, Bayezid altered course southward from Ankara, arriving near Konya by late May 1559. Selim, anticipating

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