Leadership and Dilemmas of Pargalı İbrahim Paşa: A Social Science Analysis

Format: Hybrid (Online and On-campus)
Number of Interns (Quota): 4
Duration of the Internship: 6 to 8 weeks
Start Date: 1 June 2025
End Date: 25 July 2025
Application Deadline: 15 May 2025
Project Supervisor: Dr. Aybike Mergen
Project Title: Leadership and Dilemmas of Pargalı İbrahim Paşa: A Social Science Analysis

Project Description:

This research project aims to examine the leadership style, dilemmas, and relationships of Pargalı İbrahim Paşa, the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. His rise from a slave to one of the most powerful figures in the empire and his eventual downfall present a compelling case for leadership studies. By analyzing historical and social sciences sources, the project will explore the complex power dynamics, strategic decisions, and challenges he faced.

The project will focus on reviewing historical archives, academic literature, and social science perspectives to construct an analytical framework for understanding his leadership style. Special emphasis will be placed on his relationships with key figures such as Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, Hürrem Sultan, and the Ottoman court elites. The dilemmas he faced, including balancing loyalty and power, will be analyzed in light of leadership theories. The research will be conducted through a structured literature review and qualitative content analysis. The project will introduce students to interdisciplinary research by integrating business leadership theories with historical and political analysis.

Requirements:

• Business major with a demonstrated interest in leadership research.
• Junior undergraduate standing (completed at least 120 ECTS).
• GPA > 2.00.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Interest in historical and political leadership studies is a plus.

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