Architect Kasemi

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Architect Kasemi (1570 - 1659) (Turkish: Mimar Kasım or Koca Kasım Ağa), born in the village Gramsh of Tomorrica, Skrapar in Albania, was a master of Ottoman classical architecture. He graduated in architecture in Istanbul and was ranked among the closest assistants of Architect Sinan.

After the death of chief court architect Hasan Ağa in 1622, he became the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, and has created original monumental works such as Bagdad Kiosk, Revan Kiosk, Kiosk in faience within Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. He rebuilt one of the most beautiful buildings of Topkapı Palace, Sepetçiler Pavilion in Sarayburnu. Architect Kasım Ağa projected the second largest covered shopping mall, the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, which was completed in 1660 by Architect Mustafa. He constructed also many works in Albania such as inns, bridges, baths and the tracks of Medieval roads in Berat, Korcë, etc.

Involved in court disputes, he was exiled to Gallipoli in 1644. After one year he was pardoned, and returned to the palace. Kasım Ağa excelled more in politics than in architecture. So, by helping Köprülü Mehmet Paşa to ascend to the post of grand vizier, he initiated the Köprülü era in the Ottoman history. He died in 1659.