Real History of The Magnificent Century Kosem Sultan | Valide Sultan | Haseki Sultan | Ottoman Empire
Introduction:
Kosem Sultan was born in 1589. Her name was “Mahpeyker” which meant “The moon-faced”. Kosem Sultan succeeded to be one of the most powerful women in the Ottoman Empire. The reason behind her success and influence in the Ottoman Empire was that Kosem was the Haseki Sultan Ahmed (R. 1603 – 1617). Kosem gave birth to 5 sons and 4 daughters and as she was the Valide Sultan of Murad IV (R. 1623–1640) and Ibrahim (R. 1640–1648), and grandmother of Mehmed IV (R. 1648–1687).
If you look at the pages of history, there are very few women who have a famous history based on their power. Remember that the most powerful and authoritative position next to the Sultan is Haseki Sultan and Kosem Sultan is the name of that woman who not only lived as the wife of Sultan Ahmed I but also as the Haseki Sultan. She ruled the Ottoman Empire for almost thirty years. Kosem lived most of her life involved in governing the Ottoman Empire as a companion/ advisor/ vice president during the reign of six different Sultans. She was so influential in the affairs of the place that after her death it was decided that steps should be taken to keep any woman away from interfering in the affairs of the kingdom in the future. She was the only female who was awarded multiple titles. Among the most famous are “Valide-i Muazzama”, “Vālide-i Maḳtūle” and the third one is “Vālide-i Şehīde”.
Early Life:
Kosem was a priest’s daughter from Tinos Island and her actual name was Anatasia. Historians have different views about her early life so the doubts don’t make this information look-alike a reliable one. It is said that she came to Istanbul as a slave and was then sent to the harem of Ahmed I. At that time she was 15 years old. At the harem she accepted Islam and her Muslim name was decided as Mahpeyker. Ahmed I, once again changed her name to Kosem and the meaning of this name is the leader of the herd. This was the first indication by Ahmed I about Kosem’s intelligence and leadership skills. Soon she was the Haseki Sultan.
Haseki Sultan, the Imperial Consort:
As the control of the harem was taken back from the powerful grandmother of Ahmed I and later on with the death of the Sultan’s mother, two vacancies were open. Kosem rose to the top position of the harem from her previous position as the mistress of Ahmed I. Kosem was also the most favorite companion of Ahmed I. Together they had 9 children. With the birth of these children, she also became Haseki Sultan and was given 1,000 aspers every day. Kosem had 4 daughters. She married all her daughters for her political benefit.
Kosem’s influence grew over time on Ahmed I and this influence made her act as one of his important advisers. Ahmed I didn’t want Kosem’s involvement or advice in every decision made, so Kosem used to refrain herself from being involved in matters which Ahmed I don’t want to discuss with her. Historians state that Kosem was also accused of protecting her power/ control and influence over the orders of Ahmed I.
Retirement at the Old Palace:
In 1617 Ahmed I died and with his death, Kosem lost her position in the Palace and was sent to the old palace. She remained there during the governance of her brother in law and stepson. As she was the mother of her stepson Osman II, her Haseki status was intact and her daily stipend of 1,000 aspers, while here stay in the old palace continued. Osman II was very fond of Kosem and he paid Kosem a visit to the old palace. This relationship was strictly professional.
Valide Sultan, the Sultan’s Mother:
First Tenure:
In 1623, when Murad IV was appointed as the emperor of the Ottoman Empire and Kosem was back in power as Murad IV was a minor. As she was a Valide Sultan, she was also appointed as the Regent due to the young age of Murad IV. From 1623 to 1632 Kosem ruled the Ottoman Empire with her son Murad IV. She used to attend all cabinet meetings from behind a curtain.
Second Tenure:
Kosem was again in power when her son Ibrahim took hold of the throne in 1640. It took Kosem and Vizier Mustafa Pasha a while to convince Ibrahim to become the emperor. Ibrahim was the last alive prince of Ahmed I family. His actions proved him to be mentally unstable and this helped Kosem to continue to lead the empire and maintain her power. Kosem used to send Ibrahim to harem girls and enjoy them. Ibrahim was choked to death with the request of Vizier Mustafa Pasha to Sheikh ul Islam in 1648.
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