Alaeddin Pasha: The First Ottoman Grand Vizier

The first Ottoman grand vizier was Alaeddin Pasha. Kemaleddin was his father's name. Hac Kemaleddin Olu Alaeddin Pasha or Alaeddin bin Hac Kemaleddin were his common names. He was most likely from Cendere, which is also the home of the famed andarl family. He knew a lot about Islamic law. During the final years of Osman I's rule, he was appointed vizier. During Orhan's Bey's reign, he continued. During the early years of the Ottoman beylik, there was only one vizier in the divan. Hence his title was not grand vizier. However, his position was comparable to that of later grand viziers. As a result, he is known as the Ottoman Empire's first grand vizier. For the Ottoman ruler, he established the first permanent army.

In contrast to prior red-cap Turkmen soldiers, the new corps wore white hats. Alaeddin's tenure as grand vizier came to an end in 1333. According to some sources, Alaeddin Pasha was Orhan's brother. It's unclear whether Alaeddin or Orhan was the older of the two sons. According to some historians, Alaeddin was Osman's second son. Others contend that he was almost certainly the oldest. Orhan, despite this, ruled the land and was the first Ottoman monarch to be given the title of Sultan. Alaeddin was quieter than his dynamic, warrior brother, according to tradition and Ottoman historiography as portrayed by historian Idris Bitlisi, and thus stayed at home rather than fighting to expand the newly formed Ottoman Empire. He acquired instruction in state affairs management. Orhan's ability as a warrior may have had a role in his selection to take over the Empire's leadership.

In contrast to subsequent Ottoman history, Alaeddin gracefully accepted his position, and the brothers had no feud. Alaeddin quickly accepted his brother's authority. He pledged his allegiance, gaining the government's and people's esteem in the process. In truth, it appears that Alaeddin led a leisurely lifestyle and was more worried about the fact that their father had left Orhan and him with no riches along with the Empire than with the succession question. Unlike many other Ottoman princes, the ties between these two brothers remained friendly for the rest of their lives. Orhan sought Alaeddin's advice because of his background in state matters. He gladly accepted it. In exchange, Alaeddin sought the settlement of Fodr, which he received. Alaeddin met Orhan in 1328 or 1329 to congratulate him on his recent acquisition of İzmit. Alaeddin made his most significant contribution to the Ottoman Empire during this tour. He presented three recommendations to Orhan to improve the early Ottoman Empire's efficiency and legitimacy. The adoption of a monetary system is one of the three ideas. He instituted the selection of an official Ottoman costume as well as a full army reform. Orhan's name was imprinted on silver coins during the years 1328 and 1329. They displayed the Islamic article of faith on the front. For government and military workers, an official but more modest costume was chosen in the same tradition as the Byzantines, who wore headdresses and robes made of beautifully embroidered material. The general population, on the other hand, was free to dress however they pleased. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the military's organization was completely overhauled. Alaeddin proposed that the military be divided into subsets and that an officer command each portion. This organization appears to be exceedingly simple, leading to the conclusion that the army was previously uncontrollable. Alaeddin also proposed establishing a foot soldier force that might be called up to fight in times of conflict. When these soldiers were first sent, they lacked training, and the plan failed. The Janissary Corps eventually superseded this unsuccessful scheme. However, there is no indication that Alaeddin was involved in the creation of the janissaries. Alaeddin appears to have had a very religious and tranquil life and his participation in Ottoman Empire official matters. He commissioned the construction of various mosques. A single minaret supports the dome, which is supported by Turkish triangles. Alaeddin Bey died at Bursa in 1331 and was buried there. He is buried with his brother Orhan.