Yahya Hayati Paşa

Yahya Hayati Paşa, whose date of birth could not be determined, belonged to the Alemdarzâde family circle, one of the well-known families of Trabzon. The main traces of his life are seen around İzmir and the Province of Aydın; he served for a long time as a member of the Administrative Council of Aydın Province and was one of the figures influential in the region’s commercial and transportation life.

One of Yahya Hayati Paşa’s most important initiatives was the İzmir Hamidiye Steamship Company. His application to establish a local steamship operation in the Gulf of İzmir was accepted; on 13 July 1883 the İzmir Hamidiye Steamship Company was officially founded and began voyages in 1884. The company became one of the main enterprises organizing passenger transport in the Gulf of İzmir.

Yahya Hayati Paşa also played an important role in the development of Bayraklı. He led the formation of a new neighborhood on his property there and brought drinking water to the area; the transportation opportunities provided by the Hamidiye Steamship Company also accelerated the growth of Bayraklı.

Alongside his activities in trade and transportation, he was also involved in mining enterprises, taking part in emery and chrome mining ventures around the Province of Aydın.

Known as a public-spirited figure who served the commercial and economic development of his region, Yahya Hayati Paşa died on 25 Sha‘ban 1321 / 3 November 1319 in the Rumi calendar (16 November 1903) and was buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.