Mimarbashi (The Chief Architect) Kasim Ağa (his life, works and foundations)

This study is about the life, architectural works, political activities and foundations of Kasım Ağa, one of the chief architects of the 17th century. In the study, in addition to the previously used sources, archive sources, court records and basic chronicles of the period that were overlooked in previous research were discussed, and the lack of information about Kasım Ağa's life was eliminated, and Kasım Ağa's biography was revealed with new findings. In this context, Kasım Ağa's origin, family, duties, architectural works and foundations were determined and Kasım Ağa's life was discussed within a certain framework, accompanied by the historical developments of the period. Particularly through his relations with the Janissary Corps and his close circle, Kasım Ağa's political activities were monitored together with the historical developments of the period and evaluated from a different perspective. Thus, the unusual political activities of an Ottoman chief architect, perceived as his personal ambitions and initiatives, were repositioned from a different perspective. Especially his efforts in making Köprülü Mehmed Pasha become the grand vizier and the close relationship he established with the important figures of the period were a reflection of his political orientation. The knowledge and experience of Kasım Ağa, who also came to the fore with his talents in the field of architecture, played an important role in bringing the Valide Sultan, who had a say in the Ottoman administration of the period, as Kethüda.