ÃÂandarlñ Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha () was the first grand vizier of Murad I's reign. He was also technically the first in Ottoman history who held the title "grand vizier" (although several before him held equivalent but differently named offices), the first who had a military background (his predecessors under Orhan came from the class of learned men, the "ilmiye"), and the first member of the illustrious ÃÂandarlñ family to hold high office. His family was to mark the rise of the Ottoman Empire between 1360 and 1450. He was a successful commander, setting the precedent for centuries of Ottoman presence in Albania after his victory at the Battle of Savra.
He rose to the rank of grand vizier from the position of the chief military judge (kazasker) in September 1364 and held this top seat after the sultan until his death on January 22, 1387. He died in Serrai during the Ottoman campaign on Macedonia. As such, he became the grand vizier who had the longest term of administration, a record he would hold until the abolition of the position 535 years after his death in 1922. He was also notable for being the initiator of the "devà Âirme" system of recruitment in the Ottoman Empire. ÃÂandarlñ Kara Halil Pasha is not to be confused with his grandson, ÃÂandarlñ Halil Pasha the Younger, grand vizier under the reign of Murad II and during the first years of that of Mehmed II.
ÃÂandarlñ Kara Halil Pasha gave the idea for the formation of elite corps of soldiers. Later they were recruited through the Devshirme, also known as the blood tax or tribute in blood. In this way, the Janissary elite infantry units were formed.
He was succeeded as grand vizier by his son ÃÂandarlñ Ali Pasha. His other son, ÃÂandarlñ Ibrahim Pasha the Elder, would also later serve as grand vizier.