TRENDEFRAtlas of the Sultans · Glossary
Term · Sovereignty and central government
Also known as: Paşa
The title given in the Ottoman state to viziers, beylerbeys and high-ranking commanders.
The origin of the word is debated. In the classical period the title was used for high officials such as the grand vizier, viziers and beylerbeys; in the 19th century it became the name of military and civil ranks. Used only for soldiers in the Republican era, the title was abolished by a law of 26 November 1934.
Source: TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, article “PAŞA” (in Turkish); text condensed for the atlas.