Zağanos Pasha

Zağanos Pasha was one of the prominent military commanders of Mehmet II (Mehmet the Conqueror) and a "lala", at once an advisor, mentor, tutor, councilors, protector, for the sultan. A Christian Greek converted to Islam, he rose through the ranks of the Janissaries earning the title of Vizier. Zaganos was said to be a tall and intelligent man, coming from a respected and old family, who served the Seljuk and Ottoman Sultans many years. His grandfather was a Grand Vizier, and Zaganos was very proud of that. He was known for his warlike beliefs and played an important role in the Siege of Constantinople. During the fall of Constantinople many of the sappers were placed under the rule of Zağanos Pasha. Mehmet took Zağanos' advice almost exclusively.

Mehmet II honored him for his loyalty and honesty, along with the Sultan's two other Viziers, Halil Pasha and Sarica Pasha, by naming the three great towers of Rumeli Hisari after them. The tower to the south is named after Zağanos Pasha.

His mausoleum is located in Balıkesir in Zağanos Pasha Mosque.