Bayezid Pasha: An Ottoman Statesman, Intellectualist and Art Patron

Abstract

One of the most influential figures of Ottoman World during Interregnum Period following the Ankara Battle, Bayezid Pasha stands out not only with his political career but also his enthusiasm of art patronage. Settling in Amasya with Çelebi Mehmed after the battle, Bayezid Pasha assisted him to achieve victory against the other Ottoman Princes. By commissioning architectural activities in Amasya and Bursa, he contributed to the reconstruction of the Ottoman State in the post-war period. Artist inscriptions on the Zawiya in Amasya commissioned by Bayezid Pasha indicate that some of the architects whom took part in the construction were slaves under his order. He, besides, was an intellectualist interested in literature and supported poets. Among the poets supported by him, ‘Abdü’lvâsi’ Çelebi’, wrote a Turkish biography of prophet Abraham, Halîlnâme. According to the chapters of Halîlnâme in which Bayezid Pasha is praised by the author, is stated that he organized royal amusements that poets and musicians performed. His tendency of architectural patronage and to support poets and musicians associates with the early 15th century Germiyanid and Timurid elites. Being an exceptional figure in Çelebi Sultan Mehmed’s reign, he was a priori the example for the Ottoman ruler elite of the classical period.