The Beginnings of an Empire. The Transformation of the Ottoman State into an Empire, demonstrated at the example of Grand Vizier Mahmud Pasha’s life and accomplishments

Abstract

The Beginnings of an Empire. The Transformation of the Ottoman State into an Empire, demonstrated at the example of Grand Vizier Mahmud Pasha’s life and accomplishmentsThe following seminar paper deals with Grand Vizier Mahmud Pasha’s life and the processes that turned an Ottoman principality into the Ottoman Empire. Starting with Sultan Mehmed’s II appointment in 1444, important practices such as the nomination of a grand vizier changed significantly. Moreover, Mehmed II built a new palace which reflected the new imperial self-perception, a new code of law was installed, and the empire was centralised. All these developments become especially visible in the life of Grand Vizier Mahmud Pasha Angelovic. The paper examines secondary literature as well as contemporary sources of Kritobolous and Ibn Khaldun. Sources on Mahmud Pasha’s life are rare and need to be analysed with caution as his posthumous legend influenced the production of literature about his life.