Suleiman the Magnificent

Suleiman I (in Turkish Süleyman and in the Arabic alphabet ??????) (November 6, 1494 – September 5/6, 1566), known in Europe as "the Magnificent" and in the Islamic world as "the Lawgiver" (in Turkish Kanuni), was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566. Under his rule, the Ottoman Empire reached its zenith and became a world power.

The succession struggle

Suleiman broke with convention by raising two slaves to positions of power. One, ?brahim Pa?a was to rise to become Grand Vizier for 13 years. The other, a captured Ukrainian and daughter of a Ruthenian Orthodox priest, Anastasiya Lisovska (also known by several other names, including Roxelana and Khourrem (Hürrem)), was to rise through the ranks of the Harem to become his favorite wife, to the surprise of the empire and the international community. By her he had one daughter, Mihrimar (Mihrumâh), and the sons Mehmed (who died young), Selim, Bayezid and Cihangir (born physically disabled).

Related Topics:
?brahim Pa?a - Grand Vizier - Ukrainian - Ruthenian Orthodox - Roxelana - Harem - Mihrimar - Selim

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In power struggles apparently instigated by Anastasiya Lisovska, Süleyman had ?brahim (a supporter of Süleyman's firstborn son Mustafa) murdered and replaced with her son-in-law Rustem Pasha (Rustem Pa?a). Later, apparently believing that his popularity with the army threatened his own position, he had Mustafa strangled too, leaving the way clear for one of Khourrem's (Hürrem) sons.

Related Topics:
Army - Strangled

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In anticipation of Suleiman's death which, under the ruling practice of fratricide would also bring death to either Selim or Bayezid, in 1559 the brothers engaged in a series of succession battles, resulting in Süleyman ordering the death of Bayezid, who was killed on September 25 1561, after he was returned to the empire by the Shah after fleeing to Iran. Therefore it was Selim who eventually succeeded Suleiman, though he was to take little interest in government.

Related Topics:
Fratricide - 1559 - September 25 - 1561 - Shah - Iran - Government

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