Müezzinzade Ali Pasha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Müezzinzade Ali Pasha
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Müezzinzade in a 1571 broadsheet
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| Died | 7 October 1571 Gulf of Patras, Ionian Sea |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} Ottoman Empire |
| Service/ |
 Ottoman Navy |
| Years of service | c. 1530–1571 |
| Rank | Grand Admiral, Governor-general |
| Battles/wars | Ottoman–Habsburg wars |
| Other work | Governor of Ottoman Egypt |
Müezzinzade Ali Pasha was a significant leader in the Ottoman Empire. He was a statesman and a skilled naval officer. He held the high rank of Grand Admiral, also known as Kapudan Pasha. In this role, he commanded the entire Ottoman fleet. Sadly, he was killed during the famous Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Before becoming a naval commander, he also served as the governor of Egypt from 1563 to 1566.
Contents
Early Life and Rise to Power
We don't know exactly when or where Ali Pasha was born. However, we do know that his father worked in Edirne, a city in Turkey. Ali Pasha grew up in the provinces, which are regions outside the main capital. He was of Turkish background.
His father was a muezzin, someone who calls Muslims to prayer. This is why Ali Pasha was given the name Müezzinzade, which means "son of a muezzin." He received his training in a special palace school called Enderûn. He was well-liked by Sultan Selim II and the women of the palace. They admired his beautiful voice when he sang as a muezzin. He even married one of Sultan Selim II's daughters.
Ali Pasha became an important person in Ottoman society. He joined the Janissaries, who were elite soldiers and administrators. From 1563 to 1566, he served as the Ottoman governor of Egypt. People said he was a very spiritual man, following the Sufi way of life. He reportedly wore simple clothes and often visited holy places in Cairo.
Ottoman Conquest of Cyprus
In 1570, Ali Pasha played a key role in the Ottoman invasion of Cyprus. Cyprus was then controlled by the Venetians. Ali Pasha commanded a large fleet of 188 ships. This fleet included many galleys, which were long, oar-powered warships.
His fleet carried the main land army from Constantinople to Cyprus. The army was led by Lala Kara Mustafa Pasha. They landed on the island on July 3, 1570. While Lala Mustafa Pasha led the capture of the island, Ali Pasha took most of his fleet to other areas. He sailed to Crete and then to Morea (a region in Greece). By doing this, he stopped any Christian relief fleets from reaching Cyprus. This strategy helped the Ottomans successfully conquer the island.
Battle of Lepanto and Ali Pasha's Death
Ali Pasha was the Grand Admiral of the Ottoman Navy during the important Battle of Lepanto. This major naval battle took place on October 7, 1571. Sultan Selim II trusted Ali Pasha greatly. He gave him a very special item for the battle: the "Banner of the Caliphs." This was a huge green banner decorated with writings from the Qur'an. The name of Allah was written on it 28,900 times in gold letters. This banner was meant to inspire Ali Pasha and his men to fight their best.
Ali Pasha began the battle, but historians disagree on why he did so. Some believe he might have thought the Christian forces were weaker. Others suggest he feared upsetting the Sultan if he didn't attack. Some also point to his limited experience in naval warfare as a factor in the outcome.
His flagship, a galley named Sultana, fought directly against La Real, the flagship of Don Juan, the Christian commander. After about an hour of intense fighting, the Sultana was captured. During this fierce struggle, Ali Pasha was killed. His death, and the capture of the sacred Banner of the Caliphs, greatly lowered the morale of the Ottoman forces. This contributed significantly to their defeat in the battle.
After the battle, Occhiali, another Ottoman commander who had fought well, took Ali Pasha's place as Kapudan Pasha.
See also
- List of Ottoman governors of Egypt
- List of Kapudan Pashas
