Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was an Ottoman statesman. He was most notable for being the grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire. Born in Ottoman Herzegovina into an Orthodox Christian family, Mehmed was abducted as a young boy as part of the so-called "blood tax" to serve as a janissary to the Ottoman devşirme system of recruiting Christian boys to be raised as officers or administrators for the state. He rose through the ranks of the Ottoman imperial system, eventually holding positions as commander of the imperial guard (1543–1546), High Admiral of the Fleet (1546–1551), Governor-General of Rumelia (1551–1555), Third Vizier (1555–1561), Second Vizier (1561–1565), and Grand Vizier under three sultans: Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, and Murad III. He was assassinated in 1579, ending his near 15-years of service to several Sultans, as sole legal representative in the administration of state affairs.
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, Ottoman politician, 43rd Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire (born 1506)
On October 11, in the year 1579, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, Ottoman politician, 43rd Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire (born 1506). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of October 11, one of 415 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on October 11, 1579 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 2 Wikipedia articles.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 24 September 2026.
On This Date in History 415
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