Rüstem Pasha
The Rüstem Pasha Islamic cultural center was designed by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan for the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. Rüstem Pasha was the husband of one of the daughters of Suleiman the Magnificent by Hurrem Sultan, Mihrimah Sultan, and served as Grand Vizier (a role comparable to a European prime minister) from 1544 to 1553 and from 1555 to 1561. In this capacity, Rüstem Pasha effected marked changes on the economy of the Ottoman state. His economic regime focused on developing the Ottoman economy internally and reducing ties and dependence with Christian Europe, which he was hostile to. His approach to commerce resulted in the discontinuation of trading practices developed under Rüstem Pasha’s predecessor and confusion throughout the Empire, where Rüstem Pasha’s attempts to decentralize trade empowered local leaders, limiting the efficacy of the Grand Vizier’s attempts to cut off trade with the Portuguese and Venetians.