Monumental tomb for grand vizier Baltaci Mehmet Pasha to feature Hittite stone relief art

A monumental tomb featuring Hittite stone relief art for the Ottoman Grand Vizier Baltaci Mehmet Pasha will be constructed in Türkiye’s Osmancik Corum – on the anniversary of the Treaty of Prut.

This project aims to honor the memory of Baltaci Mehmet Pasha, a significant historical figure from Osmancik.

Bilal Cevrim, President of the Osmancik Journalists Association, highlighted the Treaty of Prut’s importance, noting that in 2019, they proposed constructing a monumental tomb for Baltaci Mehmet Pasha as part of the “Osmancik International Peace Festival.”

“We have completed the necessary correspondence with the relevant institutions. The work on the monumental tomb has been initiated by the Osmancik Journalists Association,” Cevrim said.

The monument’s stone, sourced from the Hittite Civilization, is being carved by Hasan Kaplan – a traditional arts artist approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Soil brought from Limnos Island will also be preserved and used in the monument.

Victim of palace intrigues

Cevrim explained that although Baltaci Mehmet Pasha achieved a significant victory in the Prut War, he fell victim to palace intrigues.

Despite his worldwide fame through his peace treaty with Russian Empress Catherine, he was dismissed and exiled to Limnos Island because of the intrigues of his rivals at the palace.

Cevrim emphasized the historical significance and tourism potential of Baltaci Mehmet Pasha.

“Baltaci Mehmet Pasha’s fame is known worldwide. However, since his grave is on Limnos Island and there is no monument in his name in the district, this potential has not been fully realized. We aim to highlight the importance of Baltaci Mehmet Pasha for Osmancik,” he said.

Proposal for International Peace Festival

Cevrim reiterated the proposal for an international festival on the anniversary of the Treaty of Prut, saying: “The Prut War and Treaty remain some of the most debated topics of the 18th century and today. Baltaci Mehmet Pasha, who led the Ottoman army, is still one of the most discussed statesmen in history.”

” We believe the anniversaries of this peace treaty should be commemorated with an international event in our district,” he said.

Following a visit to Greece on behalf of the association, Baltaci Mehmet Pasha’s life was dramatized by Turker Kurugul and turned into a musical directed by Celal Biyikli, featuring a cast of 120 people.