George Ghica
George Ghica (Albanian: Gjergj Gjika, Romanian: Gheorghe Ghica) (3 March 1600 – 2 November 1664) founder of the Ghica family, was Prince of Moldavia in 1658–1659 and Prince of Wallachia in 1659–1660.
| George Ghica | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Moldavia | |
| Reign | 3 March 1658 – 2 November 1659 |
| Predecessor | Gheorghe Ștefan |
| Successor | Constantin Șerban |
| Prince of Wallachia | |
| Reign | 20 November 1659 – 1 November 1660 |
| Predecessor | Mihnea III |
| Successor | Grigore I Ghica |
| Born | 3 March 1600 Köprülü, Rumelia Eyalet, Ottoman Empire |
| Died | 2 November 1664 Istanbul |
| Spouse | Smaragda (Smada) Lâna |
| Issue | Grigore I Ghica |
| Dynasty | Ghica |
| Father | Matei Ghica |
| Religion | Orthodox |
| Signature | |
George Ghica was born in Köprülü, present day Veles, to Albanian parents. At a young age, Ghica was involved in trading and dealings with merchandise. George, along with his father expanded their business and moved to Moldavia. Accumulating a substantial amount of wealth, George became a nobleman and was sent to the Sublime Porte as an ambassador. He was in favour with Vasile Lupu in Moldavia and while in Istanbul, he became close friends with the Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha and helped him on to high positions. As Prince of Wallachia he moved the capital from Târgoviște to Bucharest.
From him are descended the numerous branches of the family which became notable in the history of Moldavia and Wallachia. His son was Grigore I Ghica.