 He gained extensive influence with the Turkish government and became the adviser to Ahmad al-Jazzar, ruler of Acre.This was probably due to his intrigues that led to the execution of the previous advisor, Mikhail Sakruj, a Christian merchant from Shefa-'Amr.Al-Jazzar was a violent and cruel ruler, which is evidenced from his title 'al-Jazzar' meaning 'The Butcher'.