When we turn the pages of history, spanning the Ottoman Empire’s resplendent final years to the nascent era of the Turkish Republic, we encounter the captivating saga of the Şakir Pasha family. This family stands out as a constellation of remarkable individuals, blending the deep cultural heritage of the Ottoman era with the transformative dynamism of modernization. Their story, interwoven with political upheavals, artistic breakthroughs, and intellectual achievements, evolves into a multifaceted legend far beyond an ordinary family chronicle.
In 1994, one of Şakir Pasha’s descendants, Şirin Devrim, immortalized this extraordinary narrative in her English book, A Turkish Tapestry: The Shakirs of Istanbul. Two years later, the work was translated into Turkish under the title Şakir Paşa Ailesi (published by Doğan Kitap).
The Şakir Pasha family traces its origins to the depths of the Ottoman landscape, imbued with mysticism and Sufi traditions. Rising to prominence in the 19th century through military and administrative achievements, the family’s legacy became firmly established under the bold actions of Şakir Pasha, the son of Asım Bey. Renowned for his exceptional education and significant diplomatic roles in the Ottoman army, Şakir Pasha not only shaped his family’s future but also left a lasting impact on the cultural and political heritage of his era. However, the mistrust and exile he endured during Sultan Abdülhamid’s reign added a dimension of resilience and conflict to their story, turning it into a saga of perseverance and determination
Şakir Pasha’s vision and leadership laid the foundation for his descendants’ creativity, which flourished in fields such as art, literature, and science.
Fahrünnisa Zeid
One of Şakir Pasha’s children, Fahrünnisa Zeid, became a pioneer of modern Turkish painting on an international scale. Her works, blending Eastern and Western artistic traditions, featured abstract imagery and vibrant colors, earning her acclaim not only in Turkey but also in Europe and the Middle East. Zeid’s artistic style defies singular categorization due to its dynamic and multifaceted nature. Her early works incorporated figurative compositions reminiscent of miniature art, while her mature pieces embraced geometric and abstract elements akin to stained glass. Later in her career, she turned to portraiture, creating deeply psychological studies of individuals.
Zeid was married twice: first to İzzet Melih Devrim, a writer and intellectual, with whom she had two children—Nejad Melih Devrim and Şirin Devrim, both accomplished artists. Her second marriage to Emir Zeid of Iraq granted her the title of princess.
Nejad Melih Devrim
Nejad Melih Devrim, a significant figure in the Parisian art scene post-World War II, began painting during his years at Galatasaray High School. Influenced by Matisse and Bonnard, he later studied under Léopold Lévy at the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts, where he also worked as his assistant. Devrim participated in prominent exhibitions, including the 1950 “Young American and French Painters” show at Sidney Janis Gallery in New York, alongside figures like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock.
Şirin Devrim
The second child of Fahrünnisa Zeid, Şirin Devrim pursued a career in theater. After completing her education at Istanbul American College for Girls, she studied drama at Yale University. She later became the first woman to direct plays at Istanbul City Theaters and made significant contributions as an actress and director. After relocating to the United States in 1966, she continued to perform in theaters and taught at prestigious universities such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Wisconsin.
Aliye Berger
Another prominent member of the family, Aliye Berger, was one of Turkey’s first printmaking artists. She brought a unique emotional intensity to her works, merging personal sentiments with artistic innovation. Berger was deeply influenced by her exposure to European art movements during her time in Berlin and Paris. Her etchings, which she described as “products of a vision that sees in color and embraces life with great passion,” earned her acclaim at exhibitions worldwide.
Füreya Koral
Şakir Pasha’s granddaughter, Füreya Koral, is a prominent figure in Turkish modern ceramic art. After pursuing studies in philosophy and music, Koral discovered ceramics while recovering from illness in Switzerland. She combined traditional Anatolian motifs with modern techniques, earning recognition for her work internationally. Her life story is also chronicled in Ayşe Kulin’s novel Füreya.
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (Halikarnas Balıkçısı)
Perhaps the most colorful figure of the family, Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as “Halikarnas Balıkçısı,” transitioned from painting to writing during his years of exile in Bodrum. The simplicity of life in Bodrum inspired his literary works, many of which celebrate the Aegean region. Despite a turbulent relationship with his father, which ended tragically, Kabaağaçlı’s legacy endures through his contributions to Turkish literature.
Legacy and Modern Media
Recently, the Şakir Pasha family gained renewed attention with the release of the TV series Şakir Paşa Ailesi: Mucizeler ve Skandallar. Although the series stirred controversy, with family members criticizing it for lack of consent, it sparked a broader conversation about the family’s cultural and artistic significance. Despite setbacks such as a fire destroying the set, the show has kept the family’s legacy alive in the public eye, proving that their story continues to captivate new generations.
