Career
Agha was born in Ethiopia and was brought to Ottoman Empire as a slave. [2] He held various positions before his 1713 exile to Cyprus for unknown reasons. Despite this,he soon protected the Prophet's Mosque in Medina as one of the numerous eunuchs. [3] Around age 60,he returned to Istanbul and was appointed Chief Harem Eunuch under Sultan Ahmed III in 1716. [3]
Contents
Engaging in literary pursuits and politics,Agha deposed the previous grand vizier,promoting Nevşehirli Damat Ibrahim Pasha in his place. [3]
Although Ahmed III was overthrown in 1730,Agha continued as chief eunuch under Sultan Mahmud I,accruing significant authority. [3] As protector of the Holy Places,he influenced the Ottoman interpretation of Sunni Islam,particularly the Hanafi legal rite. [3] At times,his position was second only to the sultan and grand vizier. [3]
By his 1746 death,Agha,in his 90s,had become one of the wealthiest,most powerful,and longest-lived chief harem eunuchs in Ottoman history. [3]
