The New International Encyclopædia/Vizier

VIZIER, viz'yer, or VIZIR, vi-zer' (Arab. wazir, carrier of burdens, counselor, from wazara, to bear burdens). A title of State functionaries in the Ottoman Empire and other Mohammedan States. It was first employed by Abul Abbas, the first Abbasside caliph, about 750; in the Ottoman realm it was introduced by the Sultan Orkhan (1326-59). Originally used as a designation of the Prime Minister, the title was conferred in 1386 by Amurath I. on his victorious general, Timur-tash. From this period the number of viziers was gradually increased. The Grand Vizier is, after the Sultan, the most important personage of the Turkish Empire: he unites in his own person the whole powers of the State, and is charged with a corresponding responsibility.