BAIRAIITAR', or, more correctly, Bairak-dar, signifying standard-bearer, is the title of the energetic grand vizier Mustapha. He was b. in 1755, and was the son of poor 'parents. He entered the military service at an early age, and soon distinguished himself by his valor. When he was,pasha of Rustchuk in 1806, he fought not without success against the Russian army, which had advanced into Moldavia and Wallachia, and had taken BuchareSt. Aft the revolt of the janizaries in 1807, by Which' Selim III. (q.v.) was deposed from the throne, in favor of Mustapha IV., B. at first concealed his attach ment to the deposed monarch, and marched with his troops apparently against the revolted Servians; but as soon as lie reached Adrianople, he compelled the grand vizier to return with him to Constantinople,. in order to restore the throne to sultan Salim, On their return. they found this prince murdered, and his dead body lying in the first court of the seraglio. Filled with rage at this sight, B. caused all those to be executed who had had any share in the murder. He deposed Mustapha IV., and proclaimed the
brother of this prince, Mahmoud IL, sultan on the 28th July, 1808. B. was now appointed grand vizier. In the exercise of this office, he deposed the grand mufti, the leader of the janizaries,. and all the ulemas who had taken any part in the last revolu tion: while at the same time he was careful to secure the tranquillity of the capital, and strengthened the regular army. His chief object was the annihilation of the janizaries; but, like the unfortunate Salim, he also fell a victim to these fierce bands of soldiery, who resisted like military discipline. Favored by the fanatical people, the janizaries rebelled, an with the support of the fleet,•attacked the seraglio on the 15th Nov., 1808, and demanded the restoration of Mustaplia IV. B. defended himself bravely; hut when he saw that the flames threatened to destroy the palace, and that lie was in danger of falling alive into his enemies' hands, be strangled Mustapha, threw his head to the'beSiegers, and then blew himself up.