Gheorghe Ghica (1600-1664), the founder of the Ghica family, is said to have been a playmate of another Albanian known in history as Ktipruli Aga, the famous vizier, who recognized Gheorghe while he was selling melons in the streets of Constantinople, and helped him on to high positions. Gheorghebecame prince of Moldavia in 1658 and prince of Wallachia in 1659-1660. He moved the capital from Targoviste to Bucharest. From him are derived the numerous branches of the family which became so conspicuous in the history of Moldavia and Wallachia.
