Power in the Ottoman Empire was never simple. One man ruled the empire — the Sultan. But behind him stood another powerful figure: the Grand Vizier, the Sultan’s closest advisor and the highest-ranking official of the state. During the reign of Mehmed II, who ruled from 1451 to 1481 and captured Constantinople, the role of Grand Vizier became more powerful than ever before. Yet that power came with great danger. Some of Mehmed’s Grand Viziers led major military campaigns. Some shaped imperial policy. Others became legends. And several met tragic ends. This article explores the seven Grand Viziers who served Mehmed the Conqueror — their origins, achievements, and the dramatic circumstances that defined their careers.

The Changing Nature of Ottoman Leadership

When Mehmed II began his reign, the position of Grand Vizier was still dominated by powerful Turkish noble families.

However, after executing his first Grand Vizier, Mehmed changed the system dramatically.

From that point forward, many Grand Viziers came from the Devshirme System.

Under this system:

• Christian boys were recruited from the Balkans

• They converted to Islam

• They were educated and trained for state service

Because these men had no powerful noble families behind them, their loyalty belonged entirely to the Sultan.

But even absolute loyalty did not guarantee safety.

The Grand Viziers of Mehmed the Conqueror

Çandarlı Halil Pasha the Younger

The first Grand Vizier during Mehmed’s reign was Çandarlı Halil Pasha the Younger.

He belonged to the powerful Çandarlı family, which had dominated Ottoman politics for generations.

His grandfather, father, and uncle had all served as Grand Viziers. During the reign of Murad II, Halil Pasha held enormous influence.

At times, he effectively governed the empire himself.

When Mehmed first ascended the throne as a young ruler, Halil helped restore Murad II to power twice — humiliating the young prince.

Mehmed never forgot this.

When the young Sultan later planned the conquest of Constantinople, Halil Pasha strongly opposed the idea, believing the campaign was too dangerous.

Another advisor supported the plan: Zaganos Pasha.

Mehmed chose Zaganos’s advice.

After the successful conquest of Constantinople on 29 May 1453, Halil Pasha was arrested just days later.

He was accused of accepting bribes from the Byzantines.

On 10 July 1453, he was executed — marking the end of the dominance of old Turkish aristocratic families in Ottoman politics.

Zaganos Pasha

Zaganos Pasha became Grand Vizier after Halil Pasha’s execution.

Originally of Christian origin, likely Albanian, Zaganos entered Ottoman service through the Devshirme system.

He became one of Mehmed’s closest advisors and tutors.

During the Fall of Constantinople (1453), Zaganos commanded Ottoman forces near the Golden Horn and strongly supported launching the final assault on the city.

After the victory, Mehmed rewarded him with the Grand Vizierate.

However, his success did not last.

Following the failed Siege of Belgrade (1456), Zaganos was blamed for the defeat.

He was removed from office and exiled to Balıkesir.

Unlike many others, he eventually returned to service and died peacefully in 1469.

Mahmud Pasha Angelović

One of the most capable statesmen of Mehmed’s reign was Mahmud Pasha Angelović.

Born around 1420 in Novo Brdo, he came from the Byzantine Angelos family.

Captured as a child, he was raised and educated in the Ottoman palace.

Mahmud Pasha proved both a skilled soldier and an accomplished statesman. He participated in major campaigns, including:

• The conquest of Trebizond

• The Ottoman invasion of Bosnia

• Military operations against Skanderbeg

Despite his achievements, court intrigue eventually destroyed him.

After the sudden death of Mehmed’s son Şehzade Mustafa, Mahmud Pasha was accused of poisoning the prince.

Although no clear proof existed, Mehmed ordered his execution in 1474.

Rum Mehmed Pasha

Another powerful figure was Rum Mehmed Pasha.

The title “Rum” indicated his Greek background.

He rose to power through court politics and became a major rival to Mahmud Pasha.

However, his career was short-lived.

After losing Mehmed’s favor in 1469, the Sultan ordered his execution.

According to historical sources, he was drowned.

Ishak Pasha

Unlike many others on this list, Ishak Pasha survived his career.

His exact origins remain uncertain, though historians suggest Albanian, Greek, or Croatian ancestry.

Before becoming Grand Vizier, he served as governor of Anatolia and commanded Ottoman forces during the conquest of Constantinople.

As Grand Vizier, he helped implement Mehmed’s policy of repopulating Istanbul.

After the conquest, the city had been largely abandoned.

Ishak Pasha relocated thousands of families from Aksaray to rebuild the city.

He later retired and died peacefully in Thessaloniki in 1487.

Gedik Ahmed Pasha

One of Mehmed’s most accomplished generals was Gedik Ahmed Pasha.

Born in the Serbian Despotate, he rose through the palace school system and became a brilliant military strategist.

His campaigns reshaped Ottoman power in several regions.

Major achievements included:

• Defeating the Karamanid Beylik

• Leading the Ottoman campaign in Crimea in 1475

• Capturing the Italian city of Otranto in 1480

After Mehmed’s death in 1481, a succession crisis erupted between Bayezid II and Cem Sultan.

Although Ahmed Pasha supported Bayezid, the new Sultan later had him imprisoned and executed in 1482.

Karamanlı Mehmed Pasha

The final Grand Vizier of Mehmed’s reign was Karamanlı Mehmed Pasha.

Unlike many others, he was ethnically Turkish and born in Konya.

He was not primarily a military leader but a scholar and legal expert.

Before becoming Grand Vizier, he served as Nişancı, the official responsible for the Sultan’s imperial seal.

He also helped draft Mehmed’s famous Kanunname, a comprehensive imperial law code.

When Mehmed died on 3 May 1481, a succession struggle began between Bayezid and Cem Sultan.

Karamanlı Mehmed Pasha attempted to delay announcing the Sultan’s death.

The Janissaries suspected he supported Cem Sultan.

The soldiers revolted.

On 4 May 1481, they murdered him in the streets of Constantinople.