TURSUN BEG, HISTORIAN OF MEHMED THE CONQUEROR'S TIME

Author(s): Halil İnalcık

Source: Wiener Zeitschrift für die Kunde des Morgenlandes , 1977, Vol. 69 (1977), pp.
55-71
Published by: Department of Oriental Studies, University of Vienna

Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23868095

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TURSUN BEG, HISTORIAN OF MEHMED THE CONQUEROR'‫؛‬
TIME

By Halil inalcik, Chicago

Tursun Beg1, author of Tarikh-i Abu'l-Fath2, left US the most

detailed and important account of Mehmed the Conqueror's time. Bu
surprisingly enough, his work was not known to the most famous
historians of the Ottoman empire except for Kemsl Pasha-zade3; an
very little is known about his family.
In the course of my research on the cadi records of Bursa I came
across some interesting Information on Tursun's life and family. The
records occur between the dates Djumftdft II, 889 (begins on June 2
1484) and Djumada 1,896 (begins on March 12,1491). They show him a
a partner in various legal transactions or as a witness at some important
cases4.

1 Our historian says (M. ÄRiF, edition p. 8) his name is originally Tür-Sm/f
a Qur'anic name distorted into Tursun meaning in Turkish, "let him survive
Tursun, a populär name extensively used in the period was evidently not lik
by Our author. Besides, a poet, HayatT (Sehl, Tedhkire, Istanbul 1325Η., p. 7
made fun of him by referring to the original meaning of Tursun, which O
author resented.
2 Mehmed ÄRiF published it (as a Supplement to Tdrikhi Όβτηαηΐ
Endjumeni Medjmu'asi, Istanbul 1330H.‫ ر‬using three manuscripts, two at the
Topkap‫ ؛‬Palace Library, Istanbul, Revan no. 1097 and Revan no. 1098 and one
at the Aya Sofya Library (now at the Siileymaniye Library) no. 3032. In his
edition M. ÄRiF relegated to the footnotes the best Version, Aya Sofya MS, most
probably the original copy presented to Bayezid II, bearing the seal of this
Sultan. Two more copies are known of Tdrikhi Abu'1 Fath one at the Topkap‫؛‬
Palace Library, Hazine no. 1470 (see F. Karatay, Tiirkcfi Yazmalar Katalogu,
vol. 1, Istanbul, 1961, p. 204); and the other at the national library of Vienna
(see G. Flügel, Die Arabischen, Persischen und Türkischen Handschriften ...,
II, p. 207, MS no. 1984). Mr. Rhoads Murphey and I are preparing a new
edition of the work with a translation into English.
3 See H. Inalcik, "Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time", in Speculum,
Vol. XXXV, 1960, p. 408 27. Α passage from Tursun Beg was quoted in a
MedjmU'a (Köprülü Library, Istanbul, no. 1596, p. 363).
4 These records are to be found in the sidjill no. Α4/4: 6b, I35b, I47b,
304a; no. Α5/5: 341 a; no. Α8/8; 62a, 79b. According to these records Tursun

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 56 Halil tnalcik

Tursun Beg's name is given i

Hamza Beg"8, and also as, "Maw
his Tarikh, Tursun mentioned Dj
uncle6" but never cited his fathe
Beg was the father of Hamza
14227. Thus it becomesclear wh
played a critically important role
1380—1480, was entrusted, un
most important and delicate
Firtlz Beg was one of the out
As the sandjak-beg of Ankar
against 'Als,' alDln the Karaman
Polje in 13898. Under Bayezld
Antalya9. Ankara was then given to his son Ya'knb Beg

was present in Bursa at least between Djumada II 889/June 1484 and

Djumada I 896/March 1491. All these sidjill books are at the Bursa
Arkeoloji Miizesi, Bursa.
5 Sidjill Ι10.Α4/4: I47b: Iftikhar ala'yän Tursun Beg b. Hamza.
H. Hiisameddin (Amasya Tarihi, Ist. 1923, p. 206) speaks of a certain »Tursun
Celebl bn. Bakhshayish Beg« who became defterdar and muharriri vüäyet to
prince 'Ala' alDtn in 835/1431 32.
6 Sidjill Α 8/8: 62a.
ea SAD AlDTN, Tndj alTawärikh, Ist. 1279Η., Ρ.316.
7 '"Ammum Djübbe 'All Beg ki 0 esnada Bursa Begi idi" (p. 60).
8 See Neshri, Gihannüma, I, ed. F. Taeschner, Leipzig, 1951, pp. 61, 67.
9 p. WlTTEK, Das Fürstentum Mentesche, Amsterdam, 1967, (reprint),
p. 81, put the date of the Ottoman conquest of Antalya in the fall of 1391 or early
Summer, 1392. According to a newly discovered source [Tarihi Takvimler, ed.
Osman Turan, Ankara, 1954, p. 18) Antalya was first conquered by Murad I in
1388. Now Barbara Flemming, Landschaftsgeschichte von Pamphylien,
Pisidien und Lykien im Spätmittelalter, Wiesbaden, 1964, pp. 10109, suggests
that Ottoman conquest took place between 1397 99. It may be that the
Ottomans lost the city during the confusion after the death of Murad at the
battle of KosovoPolje in 1389. According to Takvimler (0. Turan, ibid.)
Bayezid I invaded, "the entire territory of Teke", in 1390. Our Flrtlz Beg isoften
confused with another Flrtlz Beg who was at the frontier on the Danube (B.
Flemming, 119, 121,130; I. H. ÜZÜN‫؟‬AR§ILI, Osmanli Tarihi, I, third edition,
Ankara, 1972, p. 265). In WlTTEK, (ibid. pp. 79, 84 5,119, 147 especially p. 86
note 1), our Flrtlz is apparently mixed up with the Ftrtlz of Vidin and Khodja
Firnz (PfrlJz), governor of Menteshe. The latter must be aeunuch, agha, perhaps
a kapiaghasi, when he was appointed governor of Menteshe (cf. DiistUrnüme-i
Enveri, ed. M. HalIL, Istanbul, 1928, p. 88: Flrtlz Agha).

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 Tursun Beg, Historian of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 57

who distinguished himself by his defense against Timur in 140210; and

who later played a dubious part in the struggle between Mehmed I and
his brother Süleyman. An officiai record in the Ankara survey book" of
867/begins 26. IX. 1462 proves that he had recognized Süleyman as
Sultan in 1410. When Süleyman had to leave for Rumeli against Mosa
Cheleb! he entrusted Ya'knb with protecting his Anatolian posses
sions12. Ya'knb Beg for some time kept an independent Position against
Mehmed Chelebj (Mehmed I), and did not take part in his campaign
against Djüneyd Beg, of the dynasty of Aydin-Oghullari '3. On his way
back Mehmed succeeded in taking Ankara, captured Ya'knb Beg and
sent him to prison in Tokat (814H/begins 25. IV. 1411). Thus, under
Mehmed I (141321) Frrnz Beg'sfamily, after alongperiod ofcontrol in
Central Anatolia from Ankara, lost its influence in the State. Hamza,
second son of Ffrnz Beg, however, seems to have continued in
governorship at Antalya as a loyal man of Mehmed I.
In the struggle for the Ottoman throne against Mustafa, his uncle,
and Djüneyd, Murad II followed a lenient policy toward the important
families and granted amnesty for those begs who were involved in
actions against his father14. Hamza and 'All, sons of Frrnz Beg,
vigorously supported the young Sultan and played an important part in
consolidating his Sultanate, thus becoming very influential figures
during his reign.
In the Summer of 1422 'All, son of Frrnz, then at Iznik (Nicaea)
successfully defended the place against the attacks of the allied forces of
Mustafe, brother of Murad II, the Karamanids, Germiyanids and
Isfendiyar Beg. This 'All was apparently Djübbe 'All, governor of Bursa

10 See Sharaf AlDIN 'Ali YazdI, Zafarnama, ed. A. Urunbayev,

Tashkent, 1972, p. 408a—b.
11 Bafvekalet Arpivi, Istanbul, Maliyeden Moderner Defterler, no. 9, ρ. 1:
"Karyei Ughur tayiri, khaasai sandjalc, timari Süleyman Beg, Khudttvendigar
zamaninda FirUz Beg satin almish, feterattan sonra oghlu Ya'kub Beg 'ushriin
hofizlara wakfetmish". In another place (p. 229): " Ya'kub Beg Destarlu'yu satun
alidjak HadjdjT Sinan elinde dutadurdughu bir diftlik yeri wakfi ewlad etmish,
Emir Süleyman dahi musellem dutup mektub vermish ...See also Neshri, Ibid.
pp. 123-5.
12 Neshri, ibid.
13 Neshri, ibid, pp. 135 6.
14 «Murad II» (H. Inalcik) Isläm Ansiklopedisi, V. 8, p. 598 601.

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 58 Halil tnaleik

for a long time (at least duri

and Mehmed II. He and his
during the Varna crisis (1443
confidence under Mehmed II
key city in Anatolia. As Tu
entrusted with the survey of
probable that Djiibbe 'All was
carried out the survey.
The most celebrated member
Beg, father of Our historian
when he heard that his father
that Antalya was threatened b
Karaman18. Hamza emerged a
time when he defeated the jo
and the Hamid oghlu 'Osm
(September 1422—February
appointed governor of the
promoted to the governorship
of Urudj (winter 1424 or sprin
for Djüneyd, the most dan
Anatolia. Hamza eliminated h

15 Η. Inalcik, Fätih Devri iizer

p. 37 53.
ιβρ. 60.
17 This Hamzahas been mixed up with other Hamzas who lived in the same
period. Dukas (ed. V. Grecu, Bucharest 1958, Index: Chamza) was mistaken in
identifying him with Hamza, brother of Grand Vizir Bayezid Pasha. The same
mistake appears in H. HüSAMEDDlN (vol. III, p. 203). In his work, Hamza Beg
Tarihi, Bursa, 1949, Ali Ziya Topa‫ ؟‬mixed Our Hamza with Bayezid Pasha's
brother who was active in the I400's, and Hamza Beg who was killed by Vlad
Draculüil461.
18 Here is a translation of the passage in the Anonymous Chronicles (
F. Giese, p. 60): " At this time Antalya was guarded by FlrUz Beg, one of the
known servants of Mehmed I's grand father. Mehmed I had appointed h
governor of this place. He died at the time when Mehmed I died (May, 14
Hamza Beg, son of FrrUz Beg, the subaqi (governor) of Karahisar, left there
of his men and came down to Antalya".

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 Tursun Beg, Historian of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 59

territory of Aydin back under Ottoman sovereignty (1425) 19. He also

played a crucial part in bringing to a successful end the long siege of
Salonica in 1430. Residing in Bursa and responsible for Anatolian
affairs, he was described as, "le plus grant gouverneur du Turcq", by
Bertrandon de la Broquiere in 143220. Hamza beg built in Bursa one of
the most extensive complexes of charitable institutions in the city21. In
the mosque's court there are three magnificent mausoleums, Hamza
Beg's, his wife's , and his grandson Kara Mustafa Pasha's. Tursun
Beg's tomb must be one of the thirteen tombs in the mausoleum of
Hamza Beg.
Mustafa Pasha or Kara Mustafa Pasha, third vizir at the imperial
Divan in 1473 (after Mahmnd and Gedik Ahmed)23enjoyed thecomplete
confidence of Mehmed the Conqueror. He was assigned to make inquiries
about BayezTd (later Bayezld II) in Amasya in 147724 and to be his tutor
(lala) in 1478. As tutor and then son-inlaw of Bayezld, he became the
closest and most trusted man of Bayezld II. As the second vizir upon
Bayezld's accession he led the struggle against the dictatorial power of
Gedik Ahmed; but his rivals eventually had him executed2®. Later on
the family continued, however, to hold important positions, always in
Anatolia. Mustafa Pasha's son Mehmed Beg, was governor of the
sandjak of Khudavendigar by 1503 and was married to another

19 See "Murad II"; in Islam Ansilclopedisi, V. 8, p. 601 2. For the dates: F.

ThiRIET, Begistre des deliberations du Senat de Venise concernant la Romanie,
V. II, Paris and the Hague, 1959, nos. 1949, 1980.
‫ )تا‬Voyage d'outremer, ed Ch. SCHEKER, 1892, p. 127.
‫ قا‬The complex originally included a mosque, a madrasa, and a zaviye. Of
the madrasa only parts of its walls are left. For the actual Position see Kazim
Baykal, Bursa ve Arutlari, Bursa, 1950, p. 36. Thedistrict around the complex is
cailed Hamza Bey Mahallesi after his name.
22 Hamza Beg married the sister of Osmän Cheiebr, of the Teke dynasty in
830/begins 2. XI. 1426 (Sa'd al-Drn, Tadj al-TawSrrkh, I, Istanbul, 1279Η.,
p. 231). Her mausoleum adjacent to the mosque houses two tombs besides her
own. In I 432 Broquiere, (Ibid.) found her in the pilgrimage Caravan returning
from Damascus. It is most probable that this lady was Tursun Beg's mother.
23 Neshr!, Ibid., p. 208.
24 H. HÜSAMEDDiN, Amasya Tarihi, Vol. III, Istanbul, 1927, p. 231;
documents at the Topkapi Palace Archives (no. 6366) confirm this Information.
‫ هأ‬D. DA Lezze, Historia Turchesca, ed. I. Ursu, Bucharest, 1910, p. 180‫؛‬
H. Hü.SAMEDDiN, ibid., p. 235; Solakzsde, Tarfkh, Istanbul I 297, p. 873;' Ashfk
Pasha-zade, ed. N. Atsiz, Ist. 1947, p. 243.

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 60 Halil Inalcik

daughter of Bayezid II26. Thus

Timurtash family, the FirUz Be
for Over a Century.
Hamza Beg's son Tursun wa
apparently sometime after 1426
composed after his retirement i
government Service for forty ye
since he also was referred to as
a son of a beglerbegi, he must ha
or zVttmet with the title of
regulations. However, it seems t
countryside and, "chose (instea
governor of Bursa, to enjoy the
his history (p. 9) he also stated
opportunity of working in and
Service with "wisdom and righ
with the great men of his age
historians Selanlki and "All, T
financial branch of the secreta
(provincial surveyor), DivUn Ka
Anadolu Defterdari (Financial S
Anadolu Defter-Ketkhudasi (K
province of Anatolia), and fina
Istanbul.

Tursun Beg, as a result of his medrese education, was equipped with

all the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of miinshi.
Reaching the rank of miinshl was the ultimate achievement in the

26 See document in T. GöKBiLGlN, Edirne ve Ρα§α Livasi, Istanbul, 1952,

p. 474. Mustafa Pasha and his wife Hadldje Sultan, daughter of Bayezld II, had
a large estate at Kiikürtlü-Karamustafa thermal baths near Bursa. Hadldje
Sultan's mausoleum near the Kürkürtlü, recently repaired, is one of the
imposing monuments in Bursa. It houses eleven tombs. Mustaft، Pasha
constructed a complex here with a mosque, madrasa, and a bath (See Α. z.
Topa‫؟‬, ibid.). Today only the bath, Karamustafa Kaplidjasi, formerly Aköa
HamSm, Stands. Mustafa Pasha's mausoleum is in the court of Hamza Beg
mosque.
27 If his mother was the daughter of'Osman Chelebl, See note 22. Tursun
was a junior secretary in 1444.

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 Tursun Beg, Historian of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 61

secretarial profession28. In his history, Tursun Beg shows his knowledge

of Turkish, Arabic, and Persian as well as of the subtleties of the literary
arts, and his complete mastery of all the skills of a miinshi. Furthermore
his complete familiarity with the theories and principles of Islamic
statecraft and administration is apparent from the introduction which
he included at the beginning of the history (text p. 11-31). After
serving on the survey commission for the Byzantine houses in Istanbul
in 145629, Tursun Beg participated in several other survey jobs in the
provinces. Again under Mehmed II Tursun Beg was involved in the
survey inspection of the yaya and raüsellem troops in Anatolia in
conjunction with Ishak Chelebl, Chalabverdi, son of Sasa Beg, Ilyas
Beg, subashi of Kula3C.Tursun Beg was better known duringhis time as a
yazidji (secretary or surveyor). Since the job of provincial surveyor was
a delicate one, surveyors were appointed from among the most well
known and trustworthy people31.
Tursun Beg's first important Position in the secretarial profession
was asάϊνπ,η kaiibi under the Grand Vizir Mahmnd Pasha. Tursun states
that he served under Mahmnd Pasha for twelve years, and that these
years made up the happiest period of his life (text p. 23). Since Mahmnd
Pasha's first vizirate lasted twelve years it can be inferred that Tursun
was continuously in his Service during this period. Tursun was bound to
his benefactor and patron Mahmnd Pasha by ties of great respect. Even
in his history, which was written long after Mahmnd Pasha's death,
Tursun always tries to vindicate his master's decisions and show their
wisdom. For this reason Tursun can justly be accused of partisanship in
some of his historical depictions. One example is his description of the
conquest of Agriboz (or Igriboz, Euboea) in which he gives no
recognition to Rum Mehmed for his accomplishments, ascribing all
credit for the Ottoman success in that campaign to Mahmud Pasha (text
p. 13943).

28 See my article, "Reis al-Küttäb", Islam Ansilclopedisi.

29 H. Inalcik, Dumbarton Oaks Papers, vol. 23—24 (1969— 1970),
pp. 23149.
30 "Turswn Bey ve Ishak Celebl ve Sasa Beg oghlu Caldb-verdi ve Kula
Subashisi IlyOs Beg yazdiklari yayanin ve miisellemin ‫( 'هءمءءم‬Bursa, Sher'iyye
Sidjilli no. Α4/4, I35b, 884Η.).
31 See H. Inalcik, Defter-i Sancaki Arvanid, Ankara, 1954, Introduction,
p. xiii-xiv.

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62 Halil Inalcik

Tursun Beg was lucky in

opportunity of being present
historic decisions were made
virtue of his Position, he wa
Mahmud Pasha's campaign
discussions and viewpoints w
example See text pp. 88, 118
Mahmud Pasha's Service after
Istanbul with his uncle in t
been in Mehmed II's army in
fortifications at Rumeli-Hisa
in 1453. He was in the Compan
Aya-Sofya (Santa Sophia) aft
verbatim in his history the
verse on that occasion (text
which Tursun Beg provides
75), he probably also accomp
having entered Mahmud Pasha
master in all of the campaign
certainty that he was with
1458 from the important d
history. During the Kastamo
Pasha's Divan Kcttibi, who co
to surrender (text p. 98 9).
campaign of the Summer of
Midilli (Lesbos) he was allote
share of the booty. Likewis
Mahmnd Pasha in the Sultan
Pasha was sent by the Sult
accompanied him (text p. 11
Tursun participated in th
tians, again in the Company
enemy's flight, Mahmud sen
Sultan of the victory. Tursu
time on his way toward the
Izdin (Zituni). He was immed
Ishak Pasha, the second vizi
army rejoiced at the news. T

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 Tursun Beg, Historien of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 63

rieh presents to Tursun Beg, bearer of the good news. He reeeived so

many presents in money and in vaiuable goods that even as he was
writing his history he commented—

"At that time Ihad vowed never again tocomplain ofpoverty,

but now in my old age I am forced to break my vow." (text
p. 125)

In Summer 1464 Tursun Beg was in the Company of Mahmnd Pasha

when he went on the offensive against the Hungarians in Bosnia. After
the Hungarians had retreated, Tursun and Mihal-Oghlu Iskender Beg
were charged with the provisioning of the garrison at Izvornik
(Zvornik). In 1466 and in 1467 Tursun partieipated along with the
Sultan and Grand Vizir, in the first and second Albanian campaigns.
According to Our historian the Sultan aeted particularly mercilessly in
these campaigns in Order to daunt the Albaniens into Submission (text
p. 134—8). In July 1468 Tursun Beg's patron Mahmnd Pasha was
dismissed from Office. Tursun gives Information about the violent
struggle for the Sultan's favor between Mahmnd Pasha and his rivals.
While Mahmnd was on campaign against Serbia in 1458, the influence at
court of the defterdar Ditrik Sinan had grown as a result of his being in
Company with the Sultan on his Morean campaign (text p. 91-2). The
rivalry between Mahmnd Pasha and Ditrik Sinan ended with Sinan's
dismissal and finally with his death. Later on, as developments in
Karaman grew in political significance, a new group with expertise and
experience in Anatolian affairsgained influence as the Sultan's advisors.
As a result of this change in the focus of policy, Ishak, Rum Mehmed,
and Gedik Ahmed Pashas were now in the Spotlight, and subsequently
were promoted to the Grand Vizirate. Tursun Beg's treatment of these
figures in his history is less than favorable. On the other hand, he praises
Karamanl Nishandji Mehmed Pasha, who was Gedik Ahmed Pasha's
rival (text p. 172). It is likely that Tursun Beg was on good terms with
Mehmed Pasha since, like himself, Mehmed Pasha was also a miinshioi
Turkish origin. Düring this period, Tursun Beg advanced rapidly
through the ranks of the Finance department, and when Mahmnd Pasha
was appointed Grand Vizir for the second time in 1473 Tursun Beg was
again in his Service.
He still attempts to vindicate his benefactor in his treatment of the
campaign against Uzun Hasan which resulted in the death of Khass

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64 Halil Inalcik

Murad Pasha (text p. 53). Tur

Mahmud Pasha's execution. S
and Inspiration of God, Tursun
the Sultan. Nevertheless, he
ments about the Conquero
impulsiveness (text p. 74,153
to demonstrate how Mahmu
whether it be as military Com
Mahmud's Service, aiding him
role of aclose assistant. As a
in Mahmud Pasha's private me
and other intellectual subjec
one of these meetings Haya
humor, composed a taunting
to the story in Sehl's, Hasht B
and was later held responsib
1474 Tursun Beg, as a higbra
the Sultan on the campaigns
being present in the Moldavi
against the Hungarians (win
(summer 1478), Tursun Beg wa
details concerning these cam
present in the campaigns com
did not take part. As a result,
(1468 74), the Crimean camp
and the campaigns against R
his treatment in the history
According to what he himself
fortyyearsofgovernmentser
was allotted the retirement pe
Institution33. Düring the time
history, Tursun Beg was liv
many times in the Bursa
892/1487, 896/1491 in conn

32 Printed edition, Istanbul,

33 See printed text, (p. 8, 10)

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 Tursun Beg, Historian of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 65

entry dated 25Djumsds II 889/20 July 1484 thenow venerable old man,
author of Our history, is referred to as, "iftikhar al-a'yän Tursun Beg bn.
Hamza Beg". From another of the entries in the Bursa Court Records
we learn that Tursun ßeg's wife was Selcuk Khatun, the daughter of
Balaban Pasha34. That Tursun Beg had two daughters named Mahru
and Fakhr alNisS' is Jearned from the Bursa court Records (see
Appendix: document 2). From one of the entries (Sidjill Α 8/8, ρ. 79 b) we
learn that Tursun Beg was appointed mutawalli (administrator) to his
uncle Djiibbe 'Alr's _/property in Bursa. From another entry (Sidjill
no. Α 8/8, 62b) dated Djumads I, 896/begins ١ 2. III. 1491, we learn that
Tursun Beg sold his house. It is most probable that Tursun Beg started
to write his history in Bursa in ١ 488. At this date he was in all likelihood
Over the age of sixty. His date of death is unknown.

TURSUN BEG'S WORK

Tursun gave the title Tärikhi Abu'1 Fath, History of the Con
ror, to his work (p. 11). He, like many other Ottoman historians such
Idrls BidlisI, Djelalzade Mustafa, Selanikr and 'All was an histo
belonging to the government secretarial (kuttab) class. Most of th
historians also belonged to that category of bureaucrats known as
katib-i tadbir35, who as members of the highest rank in the secret
profession were in close relations with all the statesmen responsible fo
the formulation of policy. They considered it part of their duty
historians to record their experiences as an aid to others in the go
management of government affairs. The State secretaries were div
into two principal categories: those specializing in general governm

34 Balaban Beg (Pasha) was appointed governor of Menteshe in

829H./begins 13. XI. 1425 ('Ashik Pashazade, p. 167; NeshrI, 157; WlTTEK
ibid., p. 100) when Hamza Beg was governor of Anatolia. Balaban Beg w
the siege of Salonica in 1425 (lORGA, GOR, I, p. 402), was governor of Gal
(his miilknUme dated 1 Muh. 840/16. August 1436, Topkapi Palace Archiv
Sinän Pasha documents no. 156; his wakfiyye dated 846/begins 12. V. 1442
the madrasa and bath he built in Gallipoli, T. GOKBlLGlN, p. 261), govern
Tokat in 1439 (Neshri, p. 168; H. HüSAMEDDlN, ibid. 216), and died in Ed
850/begins 29. III. 1446 and was buried in the court of the mosque he bui
Edirne (for his a_/see T. GOKBlLGlN, ibid., p. 63, 2234).
38 See "Reis ül-Küttab", in Islam Ansiklopedisi, V. 9, p. 677.

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 66 Halil Inalcik

correspondence, inshtf , and t

ment, maliyye. Tursun Beg,
second category. Throughout h
his knowledge and familiarity w
Especially noteworthy in th
material value of conquest and
process by which State revenu
89—100, 113, 117, 121, 138, 16
happened in the past, believed th
administrators and statesme
affairs. He follows the general li
and subscribes to their approa
emphasis on the need for the kin
masses as the foundation of polit
his history a decision or course o
indicates his opinion as to wh
which were wrong and harmfu
There is one main theme whi
and that is the concept that t
inextricably bound to the bein
history's writing, everyone in O
of the destructive effects of the civil war which had broken out after

Mehmed II's death. The universal fear that Sultan Djem, at that time in
refuge in Europe, would return to Claim the throne and that civil war
would again blaze out was ever present (see especially text, p. 7 31,
175 84, 198). Feeling the same way as all those who were concerned
with the wellbeing of the Ottoman State, Tursun desired that Bayezld
be firmly established on the throne, and in his history he wanted to
emphasize this point. The long introduction (p. 11—31) was certainly
written for that purpose.
At the same time, Tursun did not neglect to express his awareness
that it was through the conquests of Mehmed II that the Ottoman State
had become the most powerful and respected State in the Islamic World.
Bayezld II wanted an Ottoman History composed that would show the
superiority of the Ottoman House to other rival Islamic dynasties in
Iran and Egypt36. Daring just the period in which Tursun was writing

36 Historians of the Middle East, eds. B. Lewis and p. Holt, London,

1962, p. 164.

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 Tursun Beg, Historien of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 67

his history, a violent eonflict broke out between the Ottomans and the
Mamluks, who backed and supported Djem Sultan and the Karamanid
House in defiance of Bayezid II. It is likely that it was within the
ambience of Ottoman-Mamluk rivalry that Tursun Beg conceived the
idea of writing a history of Mehmed's reign, with which he was so
intimately familiar, and of presenting it to the new Sultan Bayezid,
Tursun gives open expression to his anti-Mamluk feelings in his
history37.
Also Tursun gives reference in his introduction (text, p. 9—10) to
the fact that he considered it a debt of gratitude to the late Sultan
Mehmed for his generosity towards him, to compose a history of his
reign. However, it is made clear that at the same time he expected some
reward from Bayezid II for the writing of his history. In the appropriate
places throughout the text he refers to his poverty and to Sultan
Bayezld's generosity (text p. 8, 22, 125, 159, 179). Tursun also states
that his purpose in writing the history of Mehmed's reign was to form
the foundations for the history of Mehmed's young successor (text
p. 179). In fact, in the Tdrtkhi Abu'1 Fath itself Tursun Beg Covers the
events of Bayezld's reign up to the year 1488. He also gave expression to
his intention to continue his history should his own longevity permit
(text p. 198).
As for Tursun Beg's historiographical methodology and manner of
historical Interpretation, he was firmly tied to the basic Islamic belief,
that is to say that according to Our author the course of history is pre
determined by God's predestination. Thus, whatever project the Sultan
might undertake, its outcome was subject to this predestination, and
success was granted to the Sultan in all his undertakings as a result
of the backing and Support (te'yid) of God (text p. 15, 160, 170, 181,
189 90, 198).
In the Ottoman State and the Islamic states which preceded it,
there had existed an official ΟΓ semiofficial school of historiography
which was based on official government documents, especially corre
spondence and memos to and from the Sultan (talkhisot)39. Histories

37 Text, pp. 183, 192-7 : "ki kulun olsa djcCiz Misra Sultan", (text p. 189).
For reference to the fact thatMehmed's last campaign wasintended tocrush the
Mamluks See p. 1712.
38 Examples of this school of historical writing are Ibn Taghribirdl among
the Mamluks, and among the Ottomans Findikhli Silahdar Mehmed Agha.

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 68 Halil Inalcik

written by historians of this

giving precise and accurate I
their dates of occurrence. A
writing, on the other hand, w
on the historian's own remi
official documentation. Tur
category. He states in his in
history using Information a
himself or Information that
knowledge ('' Beyn αΐ-nüfi tev
mistakes are present both in
events which he describes
personally witnessed by the au
his work. One thing for cer
complete or comprehensive
importance of this history de
from the fact that it is base
Tursun Beg, who served for
circles, and who was in close contact with the influential men and
decision makers of his time. The Tarikh-i Abu'lFath thus constitutes a
first hand source for the study of the attitudes of the Ottoman ruling
class, their inner power struggles, the character and Contents of their
war Councils, aspects of Ottoman Society and culture whose private
nature makes them little susceptible to study through the official and
semiofficial histories. Tursun's work is also one of the most reliable
sources for the Personalities of Mehmed II and Mahmud Pasha, as well as
for an understanding of the most important internal and external issues
and Problems of the day as Seen by an inside observer. The central
importance of artillery for the Conqueror in his founding of the empire is
thus one issue which is concretely confirmed by Tursun Beg's history.
There can be no doubt whatsoever that it is the most important
Ottoman source for the period of Mehmed II's reign.
Like most of the miinshis Tursun Beg was also a poet. The Couplets
and Verses sprinkled throughout his history give ample evidence of his
quite considerable skill in the poetic arts. He was given a present of a
sable fur, a robe of honor, and 2,000 akche in cash for the poem which he
presented to Mehmed II on his return to Edirne after the Winter
campaign of 1476 (text p. 165 6). He also celebrated the occasion of

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 Tursun Beg, Historian of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 69

Bayezid II'sfirst campaign and the conquest of Ak-Kerman and Kilia in

1484, by greeting the returning Sultan with a verse (text p. 189 90).
Tursun Beg's history was written in the official literary prose style
which was in the process of development in Ottoman government circles
at that time39, and can thus be regarded as one of the first and most
important examples of the fifteenth Century Ottoman historical writ
ing. This high-flown literary inshtf language seems todevelop in the time
of Murad II on the basis of Imitation of Persian models , and thus
contains many anomalies which were not well incorporated into the
structure of the Turkish language nor firmly established in their usage.
It is perhaps for this reason that the Tarikhi Abul Fath was lacking
somewhat in popularity among later generations of Ottoman historians.
This work was, however, one of the principal sources upon which
Kemal Pashazade relied when he composed the section of his history
dealing with the reign of Mehmed II. Idrls Bidlis! and Sa'd alDln
apparently remained unaware of the existence of Tursun's work.

Appendix I. Documents.

Α Cadi record concerning the delivery of a book to Emir 'Al! Shir's agent with
Tursun Beg bn. Hamza Beg among the witnesses, dates Rabf I, 890. From
Sidjill Defleri, no. Α4/4, 304a, Bursa Archaeologieal Museum.

‫باط دمحم ناطلس موحرم لوا نينول هكردلوا فورح ريرحن ببحم‬
‫ىضاق ريمن ندنبتك فقو كني رطرفح ْزريما خر هائ هدننامز هارث‬
‫ل ا هي هرماع هني ِزح بوتاص بروتك هنمكرب‬.‫هده ةلاخلا سميا ررثم‬
‫ركع ىضاق لضافألا رخف بولوا رهاظ يثفنو كروبز■· باتك‬
‫ظفاح لثامألا رخنم ىروبزم باتك ىرطرضح يبلح لع ىدنفا‬
‫دمحم ظفاح هحاوح بروتك هك سميا رلثمريو هشابارت دمحم‬

39 "Hüye-i inshcf ile miitezeyyin bir sttret taswlr ve takrir edem." (p. 10).
40 Examples of this open Imitation of Persian modele can easily be found in
Mendhidj allnshcf, ed. ‫؛؛؛‬inasi Tekin, Cambridge, Mass. 1973.

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‫‪70‬‬ ‫‪Halillnalcik‬‬

‫امتلزن‬ ‫هي‬ ‫ملت‬ ‫هديا‬ ‫دلنا‬

‫بودليا‬ ‫لاصيا‬ ‫هدنا‬ ‫آلاح‬ ‫ز‬
‫سلجم‬ ‫هيعرش‬ ‫روكذم‬ ‫ح‬
‫فخلل‬ ‫بولا‬
‫دوهشو‬ ‫لاحلا‬ ‫إ‬ ‫جاحلا‬ ‫حما‬
‫هاثكرابم‬ ‫ىزيرتلا‬ ‫فطصمو‬
‫قحم‬ ‫نيدلا‬ ‫نب‬ ‫لفقا‬

‫‪Α cadi record about a debt to‬‬

‫‪Tursun Beg, 23 Djumada II, 89‬‬
‫‪Archaeological Museum‬‬

‫رنأ‬ ‫وعدملا‬ ‫فّصوي‬ ‫نب‬ ‫دبع‬

‫راونألاب‬ ‫نيدلاب‬ ‫نع‬ ‫لبت‬ ‫لم‬
‫ةداهشب‬ ‫جاحلا‬ ‫ىفطصم‬ ‫ب‬
‫هناكؤع‬ ‫ةروكذملا‬ ‫دن‬ ‫ترثأ‬ ‫ب‬
‫رغلبم‬ ‫ىفلأ‬ ‫مهرد‬ ‫ةوعدلاو‬ ‫خف‬
‫غلبم‬ ‫فلآ‬ ‫مهرد‬ ‫ضف‬ ‫حبار‬
‫روط‬ ‫نوحم‬ ‫كب‬ ‫زملا‬

‫ز‬ ‫يدلا حلمم ]لاخلا دوهش‬

‫لا دمه نب انمويو‬

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 Tursun Beg, Historian of Mehmed the Conqueror's Time 71

Appendix II.

The Genealogy of Tursun Beg's Family

FrrUz Beg (Gov. of Ankara 1387, of Antalya 1392, died 1421)

Daughter \ Ya'kllb Beg (Gov. of Ankara, 1398 ?—1412)

Iskender Bali 'All \ \ Sarudja Beg

I
Djiibbe 'All Beg Djewher Khattln
(gov. of Bursa)
Hamza Beg
(Gov. of Anatolia, 1424) | 1 1
Mahmnd ChelebT Mehme
(tutor to Mehmed II)
Balaban Pasha

Selchuk Khattln -
■ Tursun Beg \ Yakhshi Beg
_L

I 1
'Ah Beg Khalll Beg
Mahrn Fakhr al-Nisa
Khattln

Bayezld II

Daughter Hamza Bali Beg / BayezTd II

Mustafa Pasha - ■ KhadTdje Sultan

(Second wezlr, 1481)
tutor to BayezTd II

Bayezld II

i i 1
KhalTl Beg Mahmlld Beg Ayshe Khattln Mehmed Beg Daughter
! (Gov. of
, ' , Khudavendigar, 1503)
Ayshe Khattln ^

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