Koca Davud Pasha
Koca Davud Pasha was an Ottoman Albanian general and grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire from 1482 to 1497, during the reign of Bayezid II. He became a damat to the Ottoman dynasty by marrying an Ottoman princess, a daughter of Bayezid II whose name is unknown. They had a son, Sultanzade Mehmed Bey, who married his cousin Fatma Sultan, daughter of Şehzade Ahmed.
Early life
Davud Pasha was probably a converted Muslim and formerly Christian Albanian, who during his childhood lived in Istanbul and was conscripted in the system in the ranks of the Ottoman army, where he was converted to Islam.Military campaigns
In 1473, as Beylerbey of the Anatolian Eyalet, he was one of the commanders of the Ottoman army in the decisive victory against Ak Koyunlu in the Battle of Otlukbeli. In 1477, Sultan Mehmed II placed him in command of the army advancing toward Shkodër in Albania, directing him to besiege Krujë first. Davud Pasha managed to capture the fortress, which was the last stronghold of the League of Lezhë, thus ending the Ottoman–Albanian Wars. In 1479, he became governor of the sanjak of Bosnia and as the commander of large force of akıncı cavalry carried out extensive attacks and raids against the Kingdom of Hungary.As grand vizier, he led the Ottoman army in the 1487 campaign of the Ottoman–Mamluk War. Initially, Davud Pasha planned an all-out offensive expedition against the Mamluks, but his plan was cancelled by Bayezid II, who assigned him to attack the Turgutlu and Varsak tribes. When Davud Pasha reached the Turgut and Varsak territories, the Varsak leaders, including the chief of the tribe, submitted to him and swore allegiance to the Ottoman Empire.
He died in Didymoteicho on 20 October 1498, leaving behind a large estate, with which several public works were constructed.