ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Ziya Pasha: A Prominent Ottoman Writer and Administrator

Ziya Pasha, whose real name was Abdul Hamid Ziyad al-Din (1829-17 May 1880), was a renowned Ottoman writer, translator, and administrator. He is considered one of the most important authors during the Tanzimat period of the Ottoman Empire, alongside İbrahim Şinasi and Namık Kemal.

Born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) around 1825 or 1829, Ziya Pasha held several offices in the state, including governorships in Cyprus, Amasya, Konya, Aleppo, and Adana. He was a leading member of the Young Ottomans reformist secret society since 1865 and traveled to Paris and London with Namık Kemal in 1867, where they published a newspaper called Hürriyet (Freedom). This period marked an important milestone in Ziya Pasha's life, as he became one of the first Ottoman intellectuals to express himself on the literary scene.

Ziya Pasha was also known for his literary works, which include "Terkîb-i Bend", "Zafer name", "Şi'ir ve inşâ", and "Hârâbat ("The Givers")". His writings often explored themes of Westernization and the concept of "Bateliation", a term that was among the first to be used by Ottoman intellectuals. He is also credited with producing many proverbs, including "Do not look at what someone says, but rather their actions are their mirror" and "You see a person's intellect in their work".

Ziya Pasha's life was marked by his education and literary pursuits. He studied Arabic and Persian through private lessons and attended the School of Literary Sciences, where he learned classical literature. His father, Fereydin Efendi, worked as a writer in the customs office "Gallata", while his mother, Rabiye Hanım, played an important role in shaping his early life.

Ziya Pasha's legacy extends beyond his literary works and administrative roles. He is remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the 19th century Ottoman Empire, who contributed significantly to the country's intellectual and cultural landscape. His writings continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars today, offering valuable insights into the complexities of Ottoman society during this period.

In addition to his literary achievements, Ziya Pasha is also notable for being the father of Rash