The period of Sultan Suleiman, often referred to as the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire, was marked by extensive military campaigns and significant territorial expansion. Known as Suleiman the Magnificent, his reign from 1520 to 1566 saw the empire reach its zenith in terms of political power, cultural achievements, and economic prosperity. Suleiman’s strategic military conquests, including the notable victories at Belgrade, Rhodes, and Mohács, not only expanded the empire’s borders but also solidified its dominance in Europe and the Mediterranean. This article delves into the wars led by Sultan Suleiman, exploring their causes, key battles, and the lasting impact they had on the Ottoman Empire and the world.
Suleiman II was born in 1642 as the 20th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and ascended to the throne in 1687. During his short reign, he led the state during a period of weakening and faced political and military difficulties. He was dethroned and died in 1691.
Sultan Suleiman II
Suleiman II was born on April 15, 1642, and was the 85th Caliph of Islam and the 20th Ottoman Sultan. The son of Saliha Dilâşub Sultan and Ibrahim I, Suleiman II was the sultan who had the longest reign in Ottoman history. Since his brother Mehmet IV was 3.5 months older than him and ascended to the throne at the age of 6.5, he lived as the heir apparent and imprisoned in the palace for 40 years until Mehmet IV was dethroned. Suleiman II ascended to the throne on November 8, 1687 and reigned for 4 years. He received a good education and training during his princedom, and even when he became sultan, he resisted the guards because he thought he would be killed.
Reign of Suleiman II
At the beginning of Suleiman II’s reign, the Ottoman Empire was experiencing disintegration and territorial losses due to the Vienna Defeat. The Venetians occupied the Morea Peninsula, and Austria captured Visegrad, Esztergom and Uyvar, as well as entering Buda, which had been under Ottoman rule for 160 years. Ottoman rule over Hungary was about to end. The state treasury was in a difficult situation due to these losses. Banditry had increased in Anatolia. Yeğen Osman Pasha, who had successes on the Austrian front, had joined the rebels and was involved in corruption in the Rumelia region. Unlawful taxes were being collected from the people. The Janissaries had carried out the rebellion known in history as the “Cebeci Revolt”. They had gathered in Sultanahmet Square on the grounds that tips had not been paid and looted the surroundings with the sipahis. When the events calmed down, Ismail Pasha was appointed as the Grand Vizier. On September 8, 1688, Belgrade was taken from the Ottomans. The loss of Belgrade meant opening up to the Balkans for the Austrians. Austria began to occupy Wallachia, Bosnia and Transylvania. As a result, the Ottoman forces that began to recover began to attack Austria. The Ottoman army under the command of Çelebi İbrahim Pasha gained morale by winning the victory of Euboea on October 30, 1688. In 1689, Süleyman II went on an expedition against Austria and with the renewed Ottoman army, he took back Orşova and Gladova on July 8, 1690. Although they gave Kanije to the enemy on October 11, 1690, they took back Belgrade on October 8, 1690 and re-established the Danube line.
The Dethronement and Death of Suleiman II
Suleiman II reigned for a short period of 4 years, spending the last two years as a bedridden patient. The sultan, whose health was failing, was dethroned on June 22, 1691. He died in Edirne in 1691 due to kidney failure. Suleiman II was buried in the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent next to the Suleimaniye Mosque in Istanbul. He had no children because he was not allowed to have children during his imprisonment. His brother Ahmet II ascended to the throne. During Suleiman II’s reign, the Fener Tower and a mosque in Izmir were built.
Conclusion
Sultan Suleiman’s military campaigns were instrumental in shaping the Ottoman Empire’s legacy as a formidable power in the 16th century. His strategic prowess and relentless pursuit of expansion not only secured vast territories but also fostered a period of cultural and economic flourishing. The wars fought under his command left an indelible mark on the empire’s history, influencing its political landscape and contributing to its enduring legacy. Understanding the period of Sultan Suleiman and his wars provides valuable insights into the complexities of Ottoman military strategy and the empire’s rise to prominence.