An Evaluation Of The Estate Inventory Of Grand Vizier ÇOrlulu Ali Pasha

This study examines the muhallefat (estate inventory) records of Çorlulu Ali Pasha, one of the grand viziers of the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century, aiming to shed light on the material culture of high-ranking Ottoman bureaucrats. Having risen to the position of grand vizier and eventually exiled and executed, Çorlulu Ali Pasha’s possessions offer significant insights into his lifestyle, cultural inclinations, and social status. The research is based on three separate muhallefat records found in the archive. These documents list a wide variety of items, including books, garments, kitchenware, weapons, jewelry, personal care items, tents, musical instruments, animals, and textiles. Notably, his extensive collection of religious and literary books, luxurious garments made of precious fabrics and furs, refined dining sets, and ornamental items reflect the consumption habits and daily life of the Ottoman elite. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the social structure and court protocol of the Ottoman Empire through the lens of material culture.