Said Halim Pasha

Said Halim Pasha was appointed Grand Vizier by Sultan Mehmed V. He served from 1913 to 1917, leading the Ottoman government during World War I. His tenure was dominated by the Committee of Union and Progress.

Said Halim Pasha signed a secret treaty of alliance with Germany on August 2, 1914. This agreement committed the Ottoman Empire to enter World War I on the side of the Central Powers, leading to the empire's eventual collapse.

As Grand Vizier, Said Halim Pasha signed the Tehcir Law authorizing the deportation of the Armenian population from eastern Anatolia. This action led to the Armenian Genocide, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians.

Said Halim Pasha resigned as Grand Vizier due to disagreements with the CUP leadership over war policy and the Armenian deportations. He was replaced by Mehmed Talat and retired from active politics.

Said Halim Pasha was assassinated in Rome by an Armenian revolutionary, Arshavir Shirakian, as an act of vengeance for his role in the Armenian Genocide. He was shot while riding in a carriage near his home.