This article discusses the rank/title used in the Ottoman Empire. For other uses see pasha (disambiguation)

Pasha (or pascha, bashaw; Turkish: paşa) (originally from Persian padshah or padeshah meaning "king") was a high rank in the Ottoman Empire political system, typically granted to governors and generals. As an honorary title, "Pasha" is roughly equivalent to "Sir".

Linguistics

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Etymologists variously derive the word pasha from the Persian padshah, Turkish padishah, equivalent to "king" or "emperor" (well above his station, though: used for the Great Sultan himself), and from the Turkish bash (in some dialects pash), a "head", "chief", etc. (more likely for an officer).

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