Arif Pasha (1807 - 1865)

Arif Pasha

Muchir Arif Pasha was a Turkish officer, government official and artist.

He participated in the battles against the Greeks at Athens and Euboea (1826-1828), and in Syria against Mehmet Ali. His career included a number of missions for the sultan and his appointment as governor of the province of Silistria in 1861. Arif Pasha also made interesting sketches.

In Paris in 1863, an album entitled "Ancient Costumes of the Ottoman Empire" with drawings by Arif Pasha was published. It is an illustrated overview of the costume worn at the court of the Ottoman Empire, with text in French and Turkish. Ministers, government officials, and officers (including intelligence) are shown in full attire.