Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar
Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar is a notable figure of Bosnian origin who rose to prominence during the Ottoman Empire for his formidable strength and authority. His nickname “al-Jazzar” translates to “the butcher,” a title attributed to his ruthless treatment of his adversaries and rivals. He held considerable influence in various political affairs and eventually relocated his political center to the city of Acre. Additionally, he played a significant role in supporting local princes in the Levant region. This article aims to provide an overview of his life and contributions.
Birth and Early Life of Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar
Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar, also known as the Bosniak, was born in Bosnia in 1735 to Christian parents. During his youth, he fled to Constantinople, with some historians suggesting that his departure was due to ongoing conflicts with his family or possibly the killing of an individual. While in Constantinople, he met a merchant who encouraged him to convert to Islam, a faith he embraced wholeheartedly.
After his conversion to Islam, al-Jazzar traveled to Cairo with a group of pilgrims. He later joined the service of a prominent official in the Beheira region of northern Egypt and married a woman of Ethiopian descent. Following the assassination of his superior, al-Jazzar sought vengeance by launching successive raids against the Bedouins, resulting in the deaths of around seventy individuals, including leaders and elders. This series of events earned him the infamous title of “the butcher.”
Revenge of the Bedouins Against Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar
In retaliation for al-Jazzar’s actions, several Bedouins killed his wife and daughter. However, they were unsuccessful in capturing his son, Dawood, who managed to flee from Cairo to Acre. One historian recounts an incident in which Dawood engaged in a conflict with his father during the construction of a mosque in Acre. Following this, he returned to Cairo to live with his maternal family, where he later married an Egyptian woman.
Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar’s Escape to Mount Lebanon
Al-Jazzar served under Ali Bey al-Kabir, who ruled Egypt from 1768 to 1773. Initially, he presented four heads of Bedouin chiefs to Ali Bey following a coup by Abu Dhahab (Muhammad Bey) against the ruler. Fearing the repercussions of Muhammad Bey’s rebellion, al-Jazzar fled to Mount Lebanon, where the region was under the governance of the Druze leader Yusuf al-Shihabi. He was tasked with safeguarding Beirut from potential enemies.
Agreeing to the assignment, Ahmed Pasha fortified the city with robust walls constructed from ancient stones, remnants of the devastating earthquake that struck in 511 AD. However, he soon turned against Prince Yusuf al-Shihabi, who subsequently managed to reclaim the Galilee region and the Russian fleet with the assistance of Zaher al-Umur.
Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar’s Flight to Sidon
After gathering his resources, Ahmed Pasha fled to the province of Sidon, governed by an Ottoman Sultan, who conferred upon him the title of Pasha. He remained in Sidon until his death on April 23, 1804.