Kösem Sultan was one of the most powerful and influential women in the history of the Ottoman Empire. As a sultan’s wife, mother, and regent, she shaped the political landscape during her time. Her remarkable ability to navigate the complex court politics of the Ottoman Empire made her a key player in affairs of the state. From her rise to power to her dominance in the imperial harem, Kösem Sultan‘s legacy left a lasting impact on the empire.
In this article, we will explore Kösem Sultan‘s extraordinary life, uncovering how she became one of the most formidable figures in Ottoman history. From her strategic alliances to her political maneuvers, Kösem Sultan’s influence spanned decades, making her a central figure in the empire’s affairs. Join us as we dive into the fascinating story of this remarkable woman who shaped the future of the Ottoman Empire.
Kösem Sultan played an important role in the state administration as one of the most powerful female figures of the Ottoman Empire. Known as the wife of Ahmed I and the mother of Murad IV and Ibrahim I, Kösem Sultan stood out as an active ruler during a period full of political intrigue. Also known for the importance she gave to charity, Kösem Sultan left her mark on the stage of history.
Kosem Sultan
Kösem Sultan played an influential role in the state administration of the Ottoman Empire, the wife of Ahmed I, the mother of the Ottoman Sultans IV. Murad and I. İbrahim, Haseki Sultan and Valide Sultan. She was one of the most powerful female sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Kösem Sultan’s life has been the subject of many literary works, plays and films to this day. Known with the titles Valide-i Kebire, Sahibet-ül Makam, Valide-i Muazzama, Kösem Sultan had a say in the state administration for many years and was well-known.
Kösem Sultan’s Life in the Palace
There is some debate about what kind of life Kösem Sultan lived before she entered the palace as a concubine. There is some information about her being of Bosnian or Greek origin. It is said that Kösem Sultan, who was born in 1590 and was known as Anastasia at the time, was sent to the girls’ ağa in Istanbul by the Bosnian Beylerbey. Sultan Ahmed I’s talent in state administration and his piety are well-known virtues. These circumstances reveal Kösem Sultan’s intelligence and skill, who impressed the sultan. Kösem Sultan, who became Haseki to Ahmed I at the age of 15 and gradually surpassed the Hasekis in a short time, was the mother of princes Süleyman, Murad, Kasım and İbrahim, and sultans Fatma and Ayşe.
Kösem Sultan, who had a peaceful life with Ahmed I in the early years, spent her time visiting dervish lodges with Ahmed I and taking care of children. Kösem Sultan, who did not interfere with the political affairs in the palace during the reign of Ahmed I, still had times when she made herself heard. Kösem Sultan became a widow at the age of 27 after the death of Ahmed I and was greatly affected by this.
The Role of Kösem Sultan in State Administration
Sultan Mustafa I, who ascended to the throne after his wife’s death, took a more active role in state affairs during the reign of Osman II, the son of his next wife from another woman. However, Osman II was disturbed by Kösem Sultan’s interference in state affairs. Most likely under the influence of his mother, Valide Sultan Mahfiruz Hatice Sultan, he sent Kösem Sultan to the old palace. Kösem Sultan, who thus became one of the sultans who fell out of favor, returned to the palace after Osman II was dethroned, Mustafa I ascended to the throne and was dethroned again, and then her son Murad IV ascended to the throne. Since her son was only 11 years old when he ascended to the throne, she began to govern the state in his name. This rule lasted until Murad IV took over the state administration.
Although Murad IV tried to prevent his mother, he could not get rid of her influence and adopted her ideas. Unfortunately, Kösem Sultan could not prevent the killing of her sons Kasım and Süleyman by IV. Murad because of their efforts to seize power. However, she was able to prevent the killing of İbrahim because of her son’s helplessness. İbrahim ascended to the throne after Murad IV died at a young age. However, İbrahim I was psychologically disturbed because he could not overcome his fear of being killed. For this reason, there were gaps in the state administration. Kösem Sultan realized her dream and actively managed the state affairs in her son’s place.
Kösem Sultan’s Charity Works
Kösem Sultan, who adopted the principle of leading charity work, was known for helping the poor in her surroundings. Every year during Ramadan, she visited prisons in disguise, paid the debts of those who were in prison for debt and helped them get out of prison. She had the Çinili Mosque built in Üsküdar, the Valide Madrasah Mosque in Sultan Selim, and the Anadolu Kavağı on the Bosphorus. She helped Mecca and Medina.
The periods when Kösem Sultan was effective in state administration coincided with the most turbulent and difficult periods of the Ottoman Empire. The years under her rule were also years of various political intrigues and power struggles. Kösem Sultan’s place and importance in Ottoman history stems from her actions not only as a Valide Sultan but also as a statesman.
In summary, Kösem Sultan is remembered as one of the most important and powerful female figures in Ottoman history. She has gained an important place in history with her effectiveness in state administration, her fondness for charity work and the decisions she made in difficult times.
Conclusion
Kösem Sultan’s life was a blend of power, strategy, and resilience. As one of the most powerful women in the Ottoman Empire, her influence on imperial politics is undeniable. From guiding sultans to managing state affairs, Kösem Sultan’s legacy is one of ambition, intelligence, and strength. Her ability to wield power in a male-dominated empire makes her a standout figure in world history.
Kösem Sultan’s remarkable story is a reminder of the significant roles women played behind the scenes of the Ottoman Empire. Her influence not only shaped the lives of future sultans but also impacted the course of the empire itself. Her life serves as an inspiration for anyone interested in the rich history of the Ottoman Empire and the powerful women who shaped its destiny.