Çandarlı Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha

Çandarlı Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha is remembered as one of the first viziers and judges of the Ottoman State, a scholar of jurisprudence belonging to the Hanafi school, and a saint. His real name was Halil ibn Ali. It is stated that he was born in the village of Cendere in Sivrihisar, today part of Eskişehir, and that he took the epithet Çandarlı from this region. His date of birth is unknown. From a young age he studied under the scholars of his time; it is related that he was a relative of Sheikh Edebali, the father-in-law of Osman Gazi, and that he took part in the akhi organization that was influential in the foundation of the Ottoman State. He was trained at the Orhaniye Madrasa, which Orhan Gazi established in İznik, alongside teachers such as Davud-i Kayseri, Tacüddin Kürdi, and Alaüddin Esved. One day, upon his leading the prayer as imam in the presence of Orhan Gazi, he won the sultan's favor and was presented to him by his teacher Alaüddin-i Esved. He served successively as the judge (kadı) of Bilecik, İznik, and Bursa. During the reign of Murad-ı Hüdavendigar, he was the first to be appointed to the office of chief military judge (kazasker), which was instituted for the first time in the Ottoman State. He played an important role in the organization of the young state; he took part in the establishment of a regular military structure, in the formation of the infantry and cavalry units known as yaya and müsellem, and, together with Molla Rüstem, in the founding of the financial organization. Later he became vizier with the title Hayreddin Pasha and conducted administrative, financial, and military affairs together. In 1385 he set out on campaign to Rumelia at the head of the army, captured Karaferye, Serres, and Salonika, and entered Thessaly and Manastır. He fell ill at Vardar Yenice and was transferred to Serres, where he died in 1387 (789 AH). It is recorded that he was known for his knowledge, piety, humility, and generosity; that he had mosques and public kitchens (imaret) built in Serres, İznik, and Gallipoli; and that he also wrote a commentary on Qazwini's work titled Talhis al-Miftah.