The Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolović and Dialectics of Power

Abstract

Mehmed Pasha Sokolović served as the Grand Vizier during the rule of three great sultans: Suleiman the Lawgiver (1565-1566), Selim II (1566-1574) and Murad III (1574-1579). The fact that he maintained this senior position for 14 years testifies to his superb diplomatic abilities and political skills. In the hierarchy of the Ottoman government apparatus, the grand vizier was just one step below the sultan, as his deputy. However, the political work of the grand vizier and his control over state affairs depended on how much the sultan  used his own competences. In practice, this meant that the actual power of the grand vizier depended on his relationship with the sultan and his willingness to accept the vizier’s ideas and advice, irrespective of the possible arguments to the contrary by his immediate circle. Although the name of Mehmed Pasha Sokolović became synonymous with great power and skill, his career saw numerous challenges, a sense of inability to implement his ideas and influence major decisions that meant war or peace. This paper analyses certain events in the life of Mehmed Pasha Sokolović that show a certain dialectics of power that he experienced while serving as the Grand Vizier.