Father: Ertuğrul Bey Mother: (Unknown) Date of Birth: 1258 Accession to the Throne : 1299 (1300) Death: 1324
Born in 657 A.H, (1258 A.D.), he reigned for twenty-seven years. After the death of his father, Ertuğrul Gazi, he ruled over the Otloman principality from 680 A.H. He died when he was sixty-nine. Upon his conquest of the fortress of Bilecik, Alaeddin Keykubat, who is the ruler of the Seljuks of Rum, sent him "a horsetail, a standard and a drum" as the insignia of sovereignty in 699 A.H. (1299 A.D.). Thereupon, he minted coins and had the Friday prayers recited in his name alone. His grand vizier was his younger son, Alaeddin Pasha. Osman was the first to Ievy a tax of one "akçe".
Osman Gazi was surnamed "Black", which according to an ancient Turcoman tradition signifies brave and heroic. As we learn from the Oğuzname, the same epithet was given to Kara Yusuf, the ruler of Karakoyunlus, and to Kara Yülük Osman Bey, the Sultan of the Akkoyunlus. Osman is known to have away the poor the shirts (tunics) that he had worn the day before. Sultan Osman was a tall man with a broad and high chest and arms long enough to reach down to his knees when standing. With his deep, fine voice and clear, convincing manner of speech, Black Osman possessed a charismatic personality. He had dark brown eyes, thick eyebrows that joined together, a full round face, a ram-nose, a thin beard and long, thick mustache. His teeth were large and he had the appearance of a fierce lion.
Like disciples of Prophet Muhammed, he wore coiled turban of white brocade (çatma). His clothes had wide collars.
SULTAN ORHAN GAZİ
Father: Sultan Osman Bey Mother: Mal Hatun Date of Birth: 1288 Accession to the Throne : 1324 Death: 1360
He was born after the death of his grandfather, Ertuğrul Gazi, and the date of his birth is given by Sa'deddin Efendi as 680 A.H. (1281 A.D.).
Like his father he conquered many places and is known for his charitable acts and liberality. He took Bursa in 720 A.H. (1326 A.D.), the date of his fathers death, and made it his capital. Henceforth, he minted silver coins, which will be called "Akça", in his own name when he was about forty- three years old.He made his brother, Alaeddin Pasha, his Grand Vizier, and he also appointed Süleyman Pasha, who crossed over to Roumelia as Vizie and Serdar (commander-in-chief). All through his Iife he waged gazas.
He had the soul of a dervish and was not interested in amassing riches and property. He used to distribute great amounts of his wealth to the poor. He had no eye for Iuxury and spent his life in battlefields waging "gaza"s (Holy War).
Although his hair had turned gray, he had an imposing appearance with his strong and well-built body, his high and broad chest, thick calves and hands Iike Iion's paws. His complexion was of a reddishwhite hue and his eybrows were joined together like a crescent. He had hazel brown eyes, a wide forehead, a ram-nose, a well-shaped beard and a long thick mustache.
Orhan Gazi was good-natured and very patient. He knew how to take advice and his speech was gentle. However, he was also very determined and unyielding.
SULTAN MURAD HUDAVENDIGAR HAN
Father: Sultan Orhan Bey Mother: Nilüfer Hatun Date of Birth: 1326 Accession to the Throne: 1360 Death: 1389
He was born in 716 A.H. (1316 A.D.). His tutor was Lala Şahin Pasha and he ascended the throne in the year 761 A.H. (1360 A.D.). His son, Savci Bey, rebelled against him while he was on an expedition to Wallace. He retumed and quelled this rising immediateıy. After this incident, a law was passed forbidding crown princes to be appointed as viziers or grand viziers.
Kara Halil reorganized the tax system and founded the Office of State Revenue (Ganaim-i Miri), and in this way the collection of tax and tribute followed legal procedures. As a result, for the first time in Ottoman History, the income of the Treasury with which many public constructions, such as the arsenal was put up, was greater than its expenses. Murad 1 is also responsible for establishing the Janissary Corps. During his reign, we see the evolution of the Ottoman governmental and military organization.
A handsome and brave man, having the soul of a dervish. he was indifferent to worldly matters. He was also good natured. He was of middling height, with strong and long arms. a high and broad chest and fleshly fingers. He had a full round face with bluish-gray eyes, thick black eye brows that joined together, large teeth, a ram-nose, a thin beard and thick long mustache.
SULTAN YILDIRIM BAYEZID HAN
Father: Sultan 1. Murad Mother: Gülçiçek Hatun Date of Birth: 1360 Accession to the Throne: 1389 Death: Narch 8, 1403
Bayezid was born in 761 A.H. (1360 A.D.). He ascended the throne in 1389 A.D. He was warlike. fierce and an able commander. After hiss conquests in Roumelia, he overcame the principality of Karaman in Anatolia and put an end to the misdeeds of its ruler. He established a political unity in Asia Minor for the first time since the disintegration of the Selcuk State.
He then returned to Roumelia. conquered Thesalonica and enlarged the Ottoman boundaries as far as Wallace and Moldavia. After this, he turned back to lay siege to Constantinople. While the city was on the verge of collapse. Timur appeared on the scene and Bayezid had to lift the siege and move his armies to Anatolia to confront his enemy. He reorganized the Janissaries, changing and regulating their costumes, s0 that each division and rank had a special attire and head gear. Bayezid was surnamed "Thunderbolt" on account of the speed with which he attacked his enemies. At the same time, he had a keen sense of justice. Bayezid 1 was a tall and imposing man; he had a strong neck. a complexion of a reddish white hue. black eyebrows joined together, a thick moustache and a golden beard. His chin was straight and he was ram-nosed. He spoke with a powerful voice and his shout resembled a thunderstorm.
He wore clothes of brocade with a white loose neck and his turban was coiled and wound round a gold embroidered üsküf. He received a great amount of money from taxation so that the treasury became very rich. Regular pay was distributed to the soldiers for the first time during his reign.
SULTAN MEHMED ÇELEBİ HAN
Father : Sultan Bayezid Han Mother : Devlet Hatun Date of Birth : 1387 Accession to the Throne : 1413 Death : May, 1421
He was either eleven of fourteen years old at the battle of Ankara. At the period of Interregnum that ensued after the victory of Timur, the sons of Bayezid fell apart, each claiming the right to be his successor. At the end of a long drawn-out and strenuous struggle, and after overcoming Emir Süleyman and also Musa Çelebi, who had taken refuge in Wallace, Mehmet Çelebi declared himself sovereign in the year 810 A.H. (1408 A.d.) and minted coins in his own name.
Mehmed’s life was spent in battles and internal feuds. He made campaigns in Roumelia and he reunited the Ottoman State, which had become split, joining the Anatolian and Roumelian provinces under the same flag once again. Historians have compared him to Prophet Noah, who gave mankind a new lease of life after the Great Flood.
He was tall and slender with a broad chest and long neck. His complexion was of a rosy white hue and he had dark brown eyes, a ram-nose and a well-proportioned chin. Mehmed I was a brave, self-controlled and wise ruler. He had fleshy and strong hands, the look of a hawk and the bearing of a lion.
He had plain silk brocade coiled and wound around the gold embroidered üsküf. Only the upper part of teh üsküf was to be seen; the lower part lay concealed below the folds of the turban. His “kaftan”s (a loose, long robe) were made of richly woven tissue.
SULTAN II. MURAD HAN
Father : Sultan I. Mehmed Han Mother : Emine Hatun Date of Birth : 1403 Accession to the Throne :
First time (1421-1443)
Second time 1443
The Last time (1444-1451)
Death : February 3, 1451
Born in 806 A.H. (1403 A.D.), he ascended the throne in 834 A.H. (1431 A.D.). He launched numerous campaigns both in Europe and Asia Minor. He recaptured Thesalonica and made ceaseless raids to. Hungary and Albania. However, Murad had the soul of a dervish and wished to lead a peaceful and modest life. He abdicated of his own free will and abandoned the throne to his young son Mehmed. But when his enemies broke the treaty they had previously signed and assembled a crusading army to march towards the Ottoman Empire, he was called back to lead the Turkish forces to victory. When Mehmed II ascended the throne for a second time, after the death of his father, he was only eighteen years old.
Murad II was a gracious and generous person with a frank and smiling countenance, light green eyes, a mediumsized beard, and a straight medium-sized nose. His complexion was of a rosy white hue and his appearance was majestic like that of a lion.
His turban was coiled and wound round a gold embroidered üsküf. Only the upper part of the üsküf was to be seen; the lower part lay concealed below the folds of the turban.
FATIH SULTAN MEHMED HAN
Father: Sultan II. Murad Mother: Hüma Hatun Date of Birth: March 30, 1432 Accession to the Throne : 1444-1451 Death: May 3, 1481
Born in 833 A.H, (1428 A.D.), he ascended the throne for a second and final time in 855 A.H. (1451 A.D.). Upon accession, he immediately mounted campaigns and engaged in numerous gazas. In fact, he gave no respite to his enemies nor did he allow his soldiers to slacken or lose their zeal. From the very first days of his reign, his greatest aspiration was to conquer Constantinople. And, indeed this came true. After the conquest of the city, Mehmed the Conqueror marched towards Morea and captured the cities of Greece one after another. However, he was threatened from the rear by the principality of Karaman and therefore turned to Anatolia to vanquish them and to annex their territory. He then conquered the area close to western Black Sea and appointed as governor Kızıl Ahmet who was the founder of the principality Isfen-diyar. Afterwards, he fought Uzun Hasan, the ruler of the Akkoyunlus and overcame him. Mehmed the Conqueror had a robust and well-built body, a strong and long neck and muscular upper arms, which gave him the look of a lion. He was swarthy and ramnosed with around full face, eyebrows thatjoined together, shiny black eyes, a well-proportioned chin and Iips like sweet basil. His hair had a golden gleam that enhanced his heroic appearance. A man of great intelligence and wisdom, an outstanding Turkish ruler, Meh-med would never accept defeat under any circumstances.
He was dressed in the simple and heroic manner of his great grandfather Çelebi Mehmed. His turban consisted of a ''mücevveze'' (a tall cylindrical headgear) in military style, wound round with coiled gauze. This special type of turban became fashionable among later sultans.
SULTAN II. BAYEZİD HAN
Father : Sultan II. Mehmed Mother : Mükrime Hatun Date of Birth : 1452 Accession to the Throne : May 19, 1481 Date of Dethronemenet : April 25, 1512 Death : May 26, 1512
According to Hoca Sa’deddin, he was born in 851 A.H.(1447 A.D.) and was thirty-six years old at his accession to the throne. During the first years of his reign, he captured the fortresses of Kili and Akkirman in Moldavia. There after he marched to Morea and took the towns and fortresses on the peninsula. He moved the Greek population who lived here to Karaman and settled in their place the rebellious Karaman Turcomans, who were exiled from Anatolia on account of the trouble they caused. Bayezid II constructed numerous public buildings and performed charitable deeds.
He was tall and strong with muscular upper arms. His chest was broad and high, his movements dignified, his conduct warrior-like. His hazel eyes were encircled by a dark fringe; he had black eyebrows that joined together; he was fair-skinned and lion-nosed. He wore a robe silk brocade. His turban was coiled and wound. Although by his reign the attire worn by the sultans had become elaborate and rich. Bayezid II was not interested in such pomp and refrained from exceeding the income assigned to him. Indeed, he was so frugal that he would even save on it.
YAVUZ SULTAN SELİM HAN
Father: Sultan II. Bayezid Mother: Ayşe Hatun Date of Birth: 1470 Accession to the Throne : April 25, 1512 Death: September 21, 1520
He was born in 875 A.H. (1470 A.D.). the year when his grandfather ascended the throne in 918 A.H., when he was forty-four. His father, Bayezid II. was at that time the Governor of Amasya.
At first he made his father abdicate in his favor, the he fought with his brothers who oppressed him. About this time the Şafavid State had been established in neighboring Iran and Azerbaijan. Selim the Grim. realizing the danger that was threatening the Empire, immediately marched towards Shah Ismail and gravely defeated him in the battle of Çaldıran. After that, on the mountain of Turna, he defeated Alauddevle, the ruler of the Dulkadirs and put an end to the principality. He then returned to Istanbul, and the next year he marched his armies to the lands of the Sultan of Egypt. In Mercidabık, he overcame Kansu Gavri and had many of the Circassian princes executed. After spending the winter there, he proceeded to Egypt and defeating the Mamluk Sultan Tumanbay in the battle of Ridaniye, captured the city of Cairo. He had attained success in the target he set himself, when he became a Caliph, an honor that it was his fortune to possess among Ottoman sultans.
Selim II was a man of great courage and martial prowess. Like a lion he was destined to rule the world. He governed his people with justice. He mixed with his Iiberality that was boundless. He was generous with the "ulufe" of the Janissaries and also rewarded them amply for their services. He had invented the Taylesanlı Selimi turban (a type of turban with the end of the wrap or cloth hanging down), and he used to wear this above a handsome headgear, a mücevveze in red velvet similar to the one the Janissaries wore. His attire, moreover, was identical to that of the gazis.
KANUNİ SULTAN SÜLEYMAN HAN
Father : Yavuz Sultan Selim Mother : Hafsa (Hafize) Hatun Date of Birth : 1495 Accession to the Throne : September 30, 1520 Death : September 6/7, 1566
He ascended the throne in 916 A.H. (1520 A.D.), at the age of twenty-six, and found himself to be the sole ruler of a world empire. Beginning with the treasury, he organized the army and the administration, and issued laws. Hence, he was surnamed Kanuni (the LawMaker). The first city he conquered was Belgrade. This was followed in turn by the conquest of Rhodes and Budin. He launched military expeditions to Ger-many, and after exacting tribute from all his enemies, he returned to Istanbul the following year the keys of Algiers were presented to him, and Baghdad, the seat of the Caliphate was captured. He undertook altogether two expeditions to the country of Azerbaijan. He then marched towards Persia again and annexed the cities of Nahcivan, Erivan, Van and Şehrizör during the course of action. In the following years, he mounted campaigns in Roumelia to Temeşvar and in the East to Yemen and Ethiopia. Süleyman made his last important expedition to the fortress of Sigetvar, which was taken by his forces. In fact, no head was left unbowed before him and no heart, which did not tremble, with fear. He endowed countless charitable institutions and foundations not only in Istanbul but also in Mecca, Medina and Damascus. Among these the Süleymaniye mosque complex in Istanbul is perhaps the most distinguished.
Süleyman the Magnificent had a handsome and bright face, dark brown eyes, a ram-nose and thick and long moustache. His black eyebrows were joined together, his chest was broad and his arms were long and muscular. He resembled a lion with his majestic bearing and had a beautiful and clear voice. He was heroic, determined, and powerful, and was blessed with good fortune and luck for both for himself and for those around him. His turban was wrapped around a mücevveze and he dressed elegantly. During his epoch many shops were opened in the capital where a variety of turbans were produced and sold.
SULTAN II. SELİM HAN
Father : Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Mother : Hürrem Sultan Date of Birth : 1524 Accession to the Throne : September 29, 1566 Death : December 21, 1574
He was born during his father’s siege of Rhodes in 930 A.H. (1523 A.D.). He ascended the throne in 974 A.H. (1566 A.D.). His first campaign was against the Persian Shah. He also undertook expeditions to the German and Austrian states and waged battles with the Tatars of Crimea and the Uzbeks, In fact, Abdullah Han, the ruler of the Circassians and the Georgians, likewise declared allegiance, and their envoys came with rich gifts to his court to ask for peace.
Later he organized campaigns to the regions of Basra and Baghdad. He annexed the shores of the Shatt al-Arab and made the ruler, Ibn’Alyan, pay homage to him. Similarly unruly tribes in the peninsula of Yemen were brought under subjection. He sent forces to Cyprus and Tunisia and during his reign two more provinces were established. Like his grandfather and namesake, Selim II, he also kept armies ready for action. He was merciful and just towards his subjects and paid no heed to rumor. While representing his father as the governor of a district, he had taken pains to boring water from a place which was two days away to a dry valley near Ereğli. Selim II established many charitable institutions and foundations in different parts of the Empire, including Istanbul and Mecca. His mosque complex in Edirne is particularly renowned. He also counstructed a mosque in Sophia under his name, where he also erected two medreses (theological college). Selim II was a person with pleasing affable looks, a beatiful voice, fair hair, a broad and strong chest and well-proportioned and shapely limbs. He was a composer and also spoke eloquently. His turban was wrapped around a high mücevveze like that of his father Süleyman Han.
SULTAN III. MURAD HAN
Father: Sultan II. Selim Mother: Nur Banu Sultan Date of Birth: 1546 Accession to the Throne: December 22. 1574 Death: January 16. 1 595
He was born in 953 A.H. (1546 A.D.). His accession to the throne was in 982 A.H. (1574 A.D.). During his reign the treasury was improved and the army, government offices and educational institutions were reorganized. The state became powerful and edicts were issued to the provinces and tributary states. Those who refused to comply were brought to their knees.
Murad III was a pious man who Ied a Iife in accordance with the tenets of the Sharia. He embraced humility and avoided sin. He enjoyed the conversation of scholars and theologians, and on holy nights he used to pray to God for the goodwill of his people.
His complexion was of a reddish white hue. He was tall and his shoulders and body were well proportioned. His forehead was broad and wide, his arms muscular. He was truly a man whose inner qualities as well as outer appearance gave evidence of a saintly and pure character.
His turban was wrapped around a magnificent and high mücevveze, similar to that of the Abbasid Caliphs. Like his ancestors, he devoted himself to the protection and improvement of the Ottoman institutions and administration. Since he inclined towards mysticism, he used to respect religious orders and their leaders.
SULTAN III. MEHMED HAN
Father : Sultan Murad III Mother : Safiye Sultan Date of Birth : May 26, 1566 Accession to the Throne : January 27, 1595 Death : December 22, 1603
Sultan Mehmed III was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the thirteenth Sovereign. He was born in Manisa. He received a good education under the supervision and influence of his mother. He was taught history and social sciences by the renown historian of the period, Hodja Sadeddin; and received his religious training from scholars of religion. He was grown as a pious person and an honest prince.
At the time of his enthronement, the Ottoman State had reched its maximum boundaries and was an expansive empire extending over 3 continents. The war with Austria which had starteed in 1593 was still continuing then. Conquest of Hungary was completed and it was resolved to mobilize against Walachia. Western States who calculated that the Turks would mobilize to Vienna, planned a new crusade against this mobilization. Estergon Fortress was lost due to incapable commanders-in-chief and indecision. Upon this defeat, Sultan Mehmed decided for the Eğri mobilization in order to start the tradition of the Sovereigns participation in war at the head of the army. The legendary victory of the army under the command of Tiryaki Hasan Paşa has been entered in historical records as the “Kanije Defense”. When Sultan Mehmed returned to İstanbul wit this victory, he was met as the Kanije Conqueror and rejoicings were made in his honor. Domestically, Sultan Mehmed dealt with the Celali Uprisings whi, for some time had continued to threaten the steti. The issue grew to the extent of necessitating a mobilization of the army in order to annihilate the ringleaders; and the state was annoyed with these uprisings for some time. The Cavalry Corps in İstanbul mobilized against the Janissaries and a Bullying Uprising was experienced. The Sove-reign implemented his decision to reach a political agreement with the rebels in order to give an end to the uprisings.
Sovereign Mehmed III was of medium height with fair complexion, blond hair and a round beard. He was a well educated person and a good poet. His most conspicuous personality traits were sensitivity, good will and honesty. His weak point, on the other hand, was being under the influence of his mother Safiye Sultan, especially in handling state issues.
SULTAN I. AHMED HAN
Father : Sultan III. Mehmed Mother : Handan Sultan Date of Birth : April 18, 1590 Accession to the Throne : December 21, 1603 Death : November 22,1617
Sultan Ahmed was enthroned as the fourteenth sovereign. He broke the old tradition and did not murder his brother Prince Mustafa. When he took over the responsibility of the dominion at a young age, the state was at war with Persia in the East and Austria in the West. The siege of Revan in Persia did not succeed and the state had to leave Ghence and Shirvan to Persia. The attack to Austria which was organized with the purpose of conquering Hungary was suspended with the signing of the “Zitvatorog” Peace Treaty in November 1606 between the parties.
During his sovereignty, a major domestic issue which has preoccupied the state was the Celali Rebellions. Together with his Vezir Kuyucu Murad Paşa, he tried to prevent the mobilization of Cambulatoğlu and other rebels against the state. In spite of his young age, he was able to take and implement during decisions. He was not known to and liked by the public because he avoided their company. His excessively economical attitude and insufficient distribution of gratuities to soldiers has caused unease in the army also. During his reign, he prevented the haremis, the Sultanais involvement in state affairs, and protected the state from the struggles for sovereignty. Together with his Grand Vezir Kuyucu Murad Paşa, he prohibited the consumption of alcoholic drinks in the country and punished contrary behaviour severely. Sultan Ahmed worked like a labourer at the construction of the mosque, one of the major works of Ottoman Architecture named after him, and carried earth in the skirts of his garment. The sovereign who was very intelligent, received a good education and matured in young age. He had a fair complexion, was of medium height and had a smiling face.
SULTAN I. MUSTAFA HAN
Father : Sultan III. Mehmed Mother : (Name not found in historical records) Date of Birth : Hegira 1000 (A.D. 1591/1592) Accession to the Throne : November 22, 1617 Date of Dethronement : February 26, 1618 Death : January 1639
He was born when his father was a Provincial Governor in Manisa. Upon the early death of his brother Ahmed I, was enthroned on November 22, 1617. His first reign lasted for three months (97 days). Sultan Mustafa was re-accessed to the throne on May 20, 1622 upon the murder of Osman II. His second reign lasted for one year and four months.
He was unhealthy due to the life he led at the Palace during his princedom. He could not then, get the opportunity of dealing with state problems. Internal state affairs were confused and wars continued in the East and the West. As was the custom in the enthronement of every sovereign, gratuities were distributed to the janissary corps and the soldiers at the enthronement ceremonies of Mustafa also, who was accessed to the throne as the fifteenth sovereign. Although the lifeguardsmen of the Jannissaries received their graduities, they opposed the sovereignty or Mustafa I.
Sultan Mustafa was a thin person of light build with pale complexion and a beautiful face. He had sparse beard. His large, black eyes had a faded look. He spent most of his life at Üsküdar and Davutpaşa Palace.
SULTAN II. OSMAN HAN
Father: Sultan 1. Ahmed Mother: Mahfiruz Sultan Date of Birth: November 3, 1604 Accession to the Throne: February 26, 1618 Date of Dethronement: May 19, 1622 Death: May 20, 1622
When Sultan Osman was enthroned at a young age, his first act was to make changes in administrative duties and among council of state members. The state was Ieft between the war with Persia in the East and the war with Poland in the West. After establishing the required order, Osman II decided for mobilization to Poland in spite of the objection from soldiers, and participated in the mobilization himself.
During the years of his reign, the state had to deal with consecutive natural disasters in Istanbul. One part of the Istanbul Covered Market burnt down in 1621 and the remaning part the following year.
Sultan Osman's major intention was to eliminate the Jannissaries, and the Jannissary Corps. He therefore started preparations together with his reliable officers. Studies also continued about the method of establishing a new military discipline which would replace the Jannissary Corps. The Jannissaries heard about these activities and they gathered at the Sultanahmet Square raising some requests in rebellion. Since they conceived that the Sovereign would annihilate them, they acted before him and raided the Palace. They enthroned Sultan Mustafa and strangled a reformist Sovereign.
Sultan Osman was a well educated prince and had the capacity to undertake the responsibility of being in power in spite of his taking over the govemance of state at a very young age. He had a restless nature and an obstinate character. He was reckless, daring and intelligent. He was very much aware of the situation the state was in, and believed that the state could be strentgthened through the reforms to be realized. He was proud of the achievements and victories of his ancestors in protecting the statefs territories.
Young Osman was of medium build, of light complexion, was handsome and had a very strong constitution. He was a very sensitive person. He was a good poet and wrote poetry under the pseudonym of Farisi.
SULTAN IV. MURAD HAN
Father: Sultan 1. Ahmed Mother: Kösem Sultan (Mahpeyker) Date of Birth: July 27, 1612 Accession to the Throne: September 1 0, 1623 Death: Night of 819 February, 1640
He was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the seventeen Sovereign in September 1623 at a very young age. The period of his reign could be divided into two parts: his childhood years when he learned about state affairs while growing up (1623-1632); and the second period when he struggled for strengthening the state and expanding the territories (1632 until 1640, the year of his death).
On the date he was enthroned the state administration was in a situation of corruption. Graft, bribing and favouritism prevailed in the country and it was almost impossible to execute state affairs. Wars continued with Persia in the East and Austria in the West. His first action was to take unnecessarily severe precautions in order to eliminate the violence and bribing within the state. He succeeded to annihilate perturbation in Istanbul and the provinces. He recovered the military discipline and ensured compliance with laws, ordinances and directives. He implemented the measures for the regular collection of taxes in order to increase the state's revenues and for avoiding fund shortage in the treasury arising out of unne- cessary expenditure. He used to go around in disguise when necessary and observed perturbations, undisciplined actions and irregularities; and personally punished the offenders. He has participated in wars and raised the morale of commanders and the soldiers in the trenches. He would never tolerate unfairness and disorder. The first Sovereign in our history. who has murdered a sheikhulislam was Sultan Murad iV Alcoholic drinks and tobacco ban was implemented during this period also. Sultan Murad received a good education from educationalists of the period during his childhood. He was a good poet and wrote his poetry under the pseudonym of "Muradi". He has also learned calligraphy and became a skilled calligrapher. He has beautiful edicts written in his handwriting and adorned by him. He was an excellent horseman and could even jump from one horseback to the other. He was also a skillful user of the sword: and the bow and the arrow.
He was tall, heavily built, with a round face and fair complexion. He had a dense black beard, hazel eyes and eyebrows wide apart. His shoulders were wide and his muscles very strong.
SULTAN İBRAHİM HAN
Father : Sultan I. Ahmed Mother : Kösem Sultan (Mahpeyker) Date of Birth : November 4, 1615 Accession to the Throne : February 9, 1640 Date of Dethronement : August 8, 1648 Murdered : August 18, 1648
He was enthroned on February 8, at the age of 25 as the eighteen Sovereign upon the death of his brother Murad IV. He led a very disciplined life at the palace during his princedom and was grown up in fears due to the murder of his brothers.
With the execution of the Kasr-ı Şirin Treaty, the disturbances at the eastern boundaries of the state had ended with the initiation of a peace period before his reign. At the West, relationships with Austria have been regulated with the amendment of the previously signed Zitvatorog Treaty with 9 Supplementary Articles. Thus, the state was out of war both in the East and the West for a short period. Significant actions were taken for ensuring the domestic peace and the recovery of the state finance. Efforts were made for strengthening the treasury by lowering coin carat without monetizing, and through fair tax collection.
Sultan İbrahim was of medium height, with a thin face and fair complexion. He had a dense beard and a thin moustache. He used to wear a robe of honor and plumes.
SULTAN IV. MEHMED HAN
Father : Sultan İbrahim Mother : Hatice Turhan Sultan Date of Birth : January 2, 1642 Accession to the Throne : August 8, 1648 Date of Dethronement : November 8, 1687 Death : January 6, 1693
He was born in İstanbul. As there were no sons to sustain the dynasty other than his father Sultan İbrahim, his birth has arisen great joy and there was public rejoicings for three days and three nights. He was enthroned as a child at the age of 7 due to the illness of his father Sultan İbrahim. The sword regiment procession at Eyüp Sultan was held as a small scale ceremony in order not to scare the little Sultan. Since there were insufficient funds in the treasury, gratuities were paid to the janissary corps out of the enforceably collected money.
There occurred some loosening in the state administration during this period and the era of “Masters Dominion” started in our history. Activation of guilds which found the medium convenient and the delay in the payment of cavalry gratuities, gave rise to crisis and rebellion in İstanbul. There occurred risings named as Yeni Cami (Sultanahmed Mosque) rebellions, which continued for days.
With the support of his mother, Sultan Mehmed designated Köprülü Mehmed Paşa as Grand Vezir, thus ensuring the strengthening of the state and initiating the “Köprülüler Erai”. Sovereignty period of Sultan Mehmed IV who is recorded in history as “Mehmed the Hunter” could be divided as follows:
Childhood Period: State administration was in the hands of Kösem Sultan and the masters.
Köprülüler Period: Crete was conquered and he personally took part in the war. Territory and boundaries extended to Central Hungary.
The period when the state shrunk again after the Vienna rout and interior disorders started .
Sultan Mehmed who was enthroned when he was a child and remained in power for the longest period after Sultan Süleyman (the Lawgiver), was of medium height, with a fair complexion and sparse beard. He had a bent structure due to frequent horse riding. He was a very well educated person and a good poet. He was also an excellent horseman and loved hunting.
SULTAN II. SÜLEYMAN HAN
Father : Sultan İbrahim Mother : Saliha Dilâşub Sultan Date of Birth : April 15, 1642 Accession to the Throne : November 8, 1687 Death : June 22, 1691
He was enthroned as the twentieth sovereign, after the dethronement of Sultan IV. Mehmed on November 8, 1687. His life as a prince was spent at the palaces in İstanbul and Edirne. As he was kept under supervision for a long time. He received a good education, read religious books and spent his days praying.
In this period also, the dualism of power at the palace and the struggle between the group who wanted the preivous sovereign to remain on the throne and the group who has succeeded in enthroning Süleyman II, caused unease among the soldiers. The turmoil grew due to lack of money in the treasury for the distribution of enthronement gratuities. Gold and silverware therefore, gathered from the private palace treasury and the pantry were sent to the mint for coining. The new coins were distributed to soldiers and the disorder was thus settled.
The event during this period which worried the state and gave great sorrow to Sultan Süleyman and caused him to weep, was the loss of Kanije Fortress after 158 years of domination. The conquest of the Beograde Fortress immediately afterwards, calmed down this sorrow somewhat.
Sultan Süleyman was of medium height, and a fat man with fair complexion, a flat nose and a dense beard. He was a good natured, mild person. When he was enthroned, he pointed out his purpose “of serving his people by saying. Let us serve the people” and try to please human beings.
SULTAN II. AHMED HAN
Father : Sultan İbrahim Mother : Hatice Muazzez Sultan Date of Birth : February 25, 1643 Accession to the Throne : June 22, 1691 Death : February 6, 1695
Sultan Ahmed was enthroned in Edirne. The state was preparing for a new mobilization against Austria in order to recover from the shock of the 2. Vienna rout. Grand Vezir Köprülü Fazıl Mustafa Paşa started the war in vain. The second mobilization was made to the Hania Fortress in Crete against the Venetiansi efforts to siege the said Fortress. Victory was gained with the support of the Candia Commander. While the Ottoman fleet was busy at Crete, the Venetians landed on the Kastron Island.
During the same years, there occurred uprisings and rebellion against the state in the Iraq and Hedjaz region. Such rebellion had to be suppressed and the state had to make efforts to sustain peace in the eastern region.
The Imperiel Council of State where state affairs were discussed, had met twice a week until this period. With the reign of Sultan Ahmed II, these meetings increased to four times a week.
Sultan Ahmed II became sovereign in his fifties. He was under the influence of his surroundings because of his disinterest in state affairs and due to being raised in the palace in a restricted environment. This situation made him an il tempered person. Generally, he had a calm character. He sometimes left the palace for mingling with the public and listened to their problems. He especially dealt with tradesmen personally, who sold short-weight goods to the people and charged extra money, and ensured that such tradesmen were punished. At various times he ordered that bread is purchased from bakers and weighed. He severly punished those bakers who baked short-weight bread or bread with mixed flour. Sometimes he went around the market place and identified the prices of some foodstuff himself.
He was a middle-tall man with a circumferential beard and fair complexion. He did not like ostentation, wore double breasted, and plumes like his ancestors.
SULTAN II. MUSTAFA HAN
Father : Sultan IV. Mehmed Mother : Emetullah Rabia Gülnûş Sultan Date of Birth : June 5, 1664 Accession to the Throne : February 6, 1695 Date of Dethronement : August 23, 1703 Death : January 8, 1704
Sultan Mustafa was born in Edirne in 1664. He received a good education. He was enthroned in 1595 at the age of 31 as the 22. Sovereign. When he took over state administration, his first words announced his intentions of making conquests like his ancestors and going to war at the head of his armies, for regaining the lost territories.
During the first days of his reign, Kastron Island was taken back from the Venetians with the “Sheep Islands” victory. This victory raised Sultan Mustafa is morale and has arisen confidence in the state. While, however, the state was busy with the Kastron Island, Russia found the opportunity to start massing troops at the Azof Fortress. The soldiers at the Fortress who were left without support and necessaries, had been forced to surrender in the end. The Sovereign mobilized his army to Austria in June 1695. Following some inconsequential victories, the Petervarad Treaty, which was deemed a significant turning point for the state, was signed.
Sultan Mustafa had a heavy build. He had a fair complexion, a thin nose, hazel eyes and a blond beard. He was taught by expert educationalists, got interest in the art of calligraphy and became an excellent calligrapher. He hated lies and awarded honesty. For him, knowledge and knowledgable people were important. He liked talking with scholars who were his proteges. Moreover, he was a good poet and wrote his poetry under the pseudonym of İkbali.
SULTAN III. AHMED HAN
Father : Sultan IV. Mehmed Mother : Emetullah Gülnûş Sultan Date of Birth : December 30/31, 1673 Accession to the Throne : August 22, 1703 Date of Dethronement : October 1/2, 1730 Death : July 1, 1736
Sultan II. Ahmed was enthroned in August 1703 as the 23rd Sovereign. He received a good education with the support of his mother. He was an intelligent prince. Since he had an easy childnood, he was able to follow up state affairs closely, and be informed about state administration.
He had studied political developments in Europe, and sent residential envoys to some states with the purpose of receiving more detailed information. He had studied the cultural developments in Europe from the books he ordered to be brought into the country. He conceived the importance of the printing press and ordered İbrahim Müteferrika to install the first printing press which marked the transfer from handwritten works to printed books. He assigned İbrahim Paşa as the Grand Vezir and made him his son in law by letting him marry his daughter.
Sultan Ahmed III had an inborn subtlety. He was interested in fine arts. He also was a good calligrapher like his ancestors. The calligraphy on the inscripton of the fountain which he ordered to be constructed in his name across the Topkapı Palace, evidencing the construction date, is written by him. He was also a good poet and wrote his poetry under the pseudonym of Necib. It is known that he wrote four different Korans during his reign. He believed in reforms at the state institutions and claimed that the state remained behind Europe because such reforms had been overlooked for years, thus leading to calamities.
The period in our history between 1718-1730 is called the “Tulip Era”. This period is also expressed as an era of peace and enjoyment.
Sultan Ahmed was a thin man of a slender structure. He had fair complexion, light green eyes and a dense beard. He instituted two libraries, one at the Topkapı Palace and the other inside the Yeni Cami.He had ordered the construction of the grand dike in İstanbul where there was water shortage.
SULTAN I. MAHMUD HAN
Father : Sultan II. Mustafa Mother : Saliha Sultan Date of Birth : August 2, 1696 Accession to the Throne : October 2, 1730 Death : December 13, 1754
He was enthroned in October 1730 as the twentyfourth sovereign of the Ottoman Dynasty.
Sultan Mahmud was raised in his mother’s loving arms and received a good education from the most renown educationalists of the period. His keen intelligence and will to learn made him a well informed person in a very short time. He liked being involved with literature, and writing poetry. He wrote his poetry under the pseudonym of “Sebkati” and composed some beautiful music. He was interested in the art of calligraphy also, producing some nice pieces of work. He ensured the realization of significant activities for the intellectual development of the country. He was closely interested with the newly installed printing press and accelerated its operation. He established various libraries. The biggest one being at St. Sophie; and opened schools for extending education.
He had a cute, beautiful face; a small build; dense, black beard and drooping shoulders. He was kind hearted and sensitive. In the 1750 İstanbul fire, numerous historical buildings and market places were damaged. He had sent word to the tradesmen of the market place and paid their losses and damages out of his private budget.
SULTAN III. OSMAN HAN
Father : Sultan II. Mustafa Mother : Şehsuvar Sultan Date of Birth : January 2, 1690 Accession to the Throne : December 13, 1754 Death : October 29/30, 1757
He was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the twentyfifth sovereign. He was under supervision at the palace when he was a prince. He was well educated and self-made. Although he was a kind-hearted person, he was temperamental and nervous.
He got alarmed on issues which he could not understand and wanted his orders to be fulfilled immediately. Since he was an extremely curious person, he tried to learn about everything. He was generally under the influence of his immediate surroundings.
His reign is considered one of political significance due to the previous treaties signed by the state. Some occurrences and rebellions on the Eastern border were dealt with. Although the period was one of peace comparatively speaking, and his sovereignty did not last long, grand viziers were changed too frequently and well educated statesmen were misused.
On the year he was enthroned, İstanbul went through an incomparably long and harsh winter season. The Golden Horn was frozen and people were able to walk on ice between the financial department quay and Sütlüce. The public however, was in desperate straits. The second disaster was experienced with the İstanbul fire which had continued for 36 hours. The fire which started around Hocapaşa, burnt down all the wooden houses. While efforts were being made to heal the wounds of this disaster, a new fire started around Cibali where restorations were made. This second fire continued for 48 hours and around two thousand houses, one thousand stores, more than five hundred mills, two hundred mosques and small mosques, seventy Turkish baths and commercial buildings were burnt down to ashes. People were left homeless an epidemic disease were seen throughout the city.
Sultan Osman was a very fat, medium height man. His extra weight impacted his physical appearance and prevented his walking. He had a small face compared to the rest of his body, a fair complexion and hazel eyes. He liked to go round in disguise and used to go out to the city day or night on horse back dressed as a scholar and talk with the public.
SULTAN III. MUSTAFA HAN
Father : Sultan III. Ahmed Mohter : Mihrimah Sultan Date of Birth : January 28,1717 Accession to the Throne : October 30, 1757 Death : January 21, 1774
He was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the twenty-sixteen Sovereign. Through the support of his mother, he received a good education. Since he was raised freely at the Palace, he had the opportunity of learning state affairs. He had a keen mind and was very industrious. He believed that the corruption in state affairs could be eliminated through reforms.
He did not want to imitate the West when making reforms in state institutions. He rather considered that the the established foundations should be modernized within the traditional structure in order to respond to the dayís requirements. And he trusted jurists for the fulfilment of this mission. He used to say, ìlf jurists are corrupted in a country, then justice is also corrupted. Where there is no justice, there is no harmony and fellowship eitherî.
The major external affair which Sultan III. Mustafa had to deal with during his reign during his reign was the Russia issue. During the period beginning with the 1763 Chikhrin Expedition. The Russian Tzarina Catherine mobilized troops to Poland which was an Ottoman protectorate and enthroned Count Stanislas Poniatowsky. Efforts were made to solve the problem through diplomacy in vain. The war between the two states continued until the execution of Küçük Kaynarca Treaty in 1774. The inconclusive efforts of the sovereign for strengthening the state and solving the problems worried him and he fell ill. The signing of the said Treaty after him has become a major turning point in the stateís vitality. The treasury which was rich when he took it over at his enthronement, was delivered in a rich condition in spite of the war.
Sultan Mustafa was a medium height person with fair complexion, somewhat slanting eyes and a blond beard. He hated unfairness and tried to operate justice. He got an interest in astrology and learned the subject well.
SULTAN I. ABDÜLHAMİD HAN
Father : Sultan Ahmed III Mother : Rabiâ Sultan Date of Birth : March 20, 1725 Accession to the Throne : January 21, 1774 Death : April 6/7, 1789
Sultan Abdülhamid was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the twentyseventh Sovereign. He got his early education within the palace walls. Books for him, were a bridge to the past. He loved to read history books. When the duty was assigned, he wanted to sustain the state which was strengthened by his ancestors. He highly intelligent. He could not observe what was beyond the palace walls, but he created his own interpretations through the lessons he learned from events experienced in the past.
When he took over the state administration at the age of 49, the Ottoman –Russian war was still continuing. Armies of both sides werehaving bettles at Kozluca of the Varna area and the Ottoman army was routed because Czarina Catherina II had terminated the army’s communication with the headquarters. The Grand Vizier tried thee channel of diplomacy in order to cease the war with a peace treaty; and the war was ended by the signing of the Küçük Kaynarca Treaty on July 21, 1774. Crimea, which was a major strategic area was given to Russia under this Treaty. The Sovereign was very much worried about the situation. Moreover, Küçük Kaynarca Treaty raised a significant, new problem. The Treaty provided for the protection of minority rights, Christianity and churches by the Ottoman Government. Russian merchant vessels would be able to pass through the Straits freely, without the need for receiving a permit. Sultan Abdülhamid, who had prepared himself for the fortification of the state, was, during the first months of his empowerment, forced to sign a Treaty which changed the state’s fate and brought greater troubles.
The battle won against Austria in the 1787 Russian war had brought the title of “Gazi” (Veteran of War) to the Sovereign, but the loss of Özi Fortress to Russia worried him so much that he was paralysed.
Sultan Abdülhamid was of medium height, of light complexion with a dense, black beard. He had a Ing nose and slightly slanting eyes. He was a very good willed and humanitarian person. He liked to be earnest in state affairs, followed up all implementations until results were obtained and warned the concerned about same. He investigated the candidates to be appointed as state officials and tried to select capable people. He liked to walk around the city in disguise and listen to the problems of tradesmen and the public in genereal.
SULTAN III. SELİM HAN
Father : Sultan Mustafa III Mother : Mihrişah Sultan Date of Birth : December 24, 1761 Accession to the Throne : April 7, 1789 Date of Dethronement : May 29, 1807 Death : July 28, 1808
Sultan Selim was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the twentyeighth Sovereign. He led an easy life as a prince and got a very good education. He was interested in music at a young age, liked Turkish music and enjoyed playing musical instruments. He later composed music and became such a learned musician as to contribute to our music with new tunes. During his youth, he closely observed the operation of state administration and political, social and military corruption (especially the Janissary Corps). He believed that the state could be improved through renovations and reformations especially at the military sector. He closely followed up the development in the post revolutionary France. Following his enthronement, he made several contacts for the improvement of relationships between the two states.
The war with Austria was continuing on the date of his enthronement. The forcing of the Austrian Army on the rear ranks at the battle with Russia in the region of Jassy, caused the “Fochani Rout”. Shortly following. Beograde surrendered. The war was suspended for some time by the signing of first the Svistov and then the 1792 Jassi Treaties; and activities for augmenting the army and its weaponry. Plans were drawn up for the establishment of a new army under the name of “Nizam-i Cedid” (The New Military System). Tutors were invited from France and Swieden for the training of the army. Trustworthy state officials went around the territories of the empire and the registration of soldiers were realized under their personal control. France, which closely followed up the renovations in the army, did not miss this opportunity and dared to conquer Egypt and Alexandria. A major new era in our history had perhaps begun under these circumstances. Russia and Britain made an alliance with the Ottoman State against the French threat in the Mediterranean. Russia was thus able to go down to the warm waters. New equilibriums were formed in the Mediterranean, the superiority of the French navy over the British navy was recognized and the first seeds of Greek uprisings were sown.
Selim III was a slender person, with fair complexion, deep looking eyes and a dense, black beard. He was a good calligrapher as well as a good poit and a composir. He liked people, got pleasure out of helping them and protected artisans. He was also interested in reconstruction issues and ordered the construction of Selimiye Barracks and a mosque.
SULTAN IV. MUSTAFA HAN
Father : Sultan Abdülhamid I Mother : Ayşe Sine (Seniye Perver Sultan) Date of Birth : September 8, 1779 Accession to the Throne : May 29, 1807 Date of Dethronoment : July 28, 1808 Death : November 17, 1808
Sultan Mustafa was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the twentyninth Sovereign. He led an easy life at the palace as a prince and got a good education. He closely observed the situation the state was in; during the reign of Sultan Selim III. Although he was an open-minded person, he cooperated with those who fere against the activities of his uncle for the formation of a new army, and supported the Corps members for the initiation of uprisings. He thus, was involved in the dethronement of a young, reformist Sovereign, as the result of a rebellion; and was accessed to the throne at the end of a turmoil, through a fait accompli.
His short sovereignty was full of the domestic turmoils of the state. He was faced with the threat of dethronement by the rebels who had sneaked into the state and the palace. He is the first Sovereign who made an agreement with the Janissary Corps in order to calm down uprisings, thus establishing a partnership in the state’s administration, which partnership prepared his end.
Sultan Mustafa was rather tall, with fair complexion; a dense, black beard and a somewhat sulky face. His ill-temper prevented his getting on even with his intimate surroundings. He was such an excessively anxious person that he did not trust anybody.
SULTAN II. MAHMUD HAN
Father : Sultan Abdülhamid I. Mother : Nakşidil Sultan Date of Birth : July 20, 1785 Accession to the Throne : July 28, 1808 Death : June 30 / July 1, 1839
Sultan Mahmud II was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the thirtieth Sovereign. He got a good education at the palace when he was a prince and could closely observe the state administration of his uncle Selim III. His close conversations with his uncle and listening to his advice as a young prince, formed the background of his future decisions. The most interesting item for him during such discussions had been the training and the weaponry technology utilization of the new army which was at the stage of establishment.
As soon as he was enthroned, he executed the “Proof of Concord” in order to draw the provincial notables to his side. He established Segban-I Cedid as the continuation of the New Military Order (Nizam-ı Cedid). This who were against such establishment started the second uprisings and again a reconciliation was made with the rebels, which meant the second victory of political reactions in state affairs.
Events in Greece on the other hand, resulted in Greek independence. While on the eastern border struggles with, “Vahabi’s” who rebelled against the state continued, efforts were made to find solutions to the problems created by the Kaçar Dynasty.
Sultan Mahmud was a slender person of medium height, with dark eyes and a short, blond beard. His wide shoulders made him appear as a heavily-built person. He had a strong will and was decisive. His major objective was “To base the state on a new. Western style structure”. Behind a violent temperament laid an unbelievable touchiness which was probably due to some extent, to the poet side of him. He wrote his poetry under the pseudonym of “Adli”. He liked Turkish music a lot. He did not live through to witness the declaration of the Reformation preparations of which was ordered in his reign. He was one of the initial persons who recognized that the country’s development would be achieved through training and technology. He opened secondary school in order to provide for the extension of education. The first steamship became operational in his reign. He annihilated the Janissary Corps and fought with reactionarism also by closing down dervish convents. The firs census was made in his reign. The postage organization was established and the first official gazette, “Takvim-i Vekayi” published. The title of Prime Minister was given to Grand Viziers during this period. The state took new resolutions concerning attires, and the “fez” was worn for the first time.
SULTAN ABDÜLMECİD HAN
Father : Sultan Mahmud II Mother : Bezmialem Sultan Date of Birth : April 25, 1823 Accession to the Throne : July 1, 1839 Death : June 25, 1861
Sultan Abdülmecid was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the thirtyfirst Sovereign. He also got his initial education at the palace. His father, made special efforts for his education. Abdülmecid was raised up as a modern Western prince. He was learned in French. He was closely interested in Western music and played Western musical works on the piano.
The state was passing through a critical stage when Sultan Abdülmecid was enthroned. There was unease and battles on almost all the boundaries. The “Reformation” (Tanzimat) which is named as the first Westernization movement in our history, was declared. “The Straits Issue” came up as a new problem for the state for the first time in 1833. Europe described the Ottoman State as the “Sick Man” during this period. Russia on the other hand, started to implement a new strategy based on the claim, “The Sick Man of the Bosphorous should be cleared out and scattered and his major territory (the Straits) should be mine”.
Western States on the other hand, recognized for the first time in 1850 s. the expansionist policy of Russia and took sides with the Ottoman State in the 1853 Crimean War against Russia. In 1856, they convened the Paris Congress which was the first major international congress, and included in the Treaty, the provision stating: “The Ottoman State is a European State and its territorial integrity is under our control”. The Ottoman State entered the war by loaning from Western States due to insufficient finances Moreover the “Reformation Ferman” providing for the protection of minority groups and Christian subjects was annexed to the Paris Treaty as an Addendum.
Sultan Abdülmecid was rather tall and slender with a fair complexion, black hair and a short beard. He had deep looking dark brown eyes. He was a well educated person having a close interest in music and created good works of calligraphy.
The first high schools were opened during this period. The Kuleli (Tower) Barracks (Kuleli Military High School) was constructed and the first Turkish museum was instituted. Encümen-i Dâniş (Council of Knowledge) which is known as the first Scientific Academy in our history convened in 1851. The first telegraph lines between Edirne-Varna-Crimea were installed. The first railway between İzmir-Turgutlu became operational. Repair of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mecidiye Mosque and the Prophet’s Tomb At Medina and the construction of the Karaköy Bridge were among the major reconstruction activities of the period. The first Municipal organization was established during the period. “The Literature of Reformation” of the period included the first novel and short story
SULTAN ABDÜLAZİZ HAN
Father : Sultan Mahmud II Mother : Sultana Pertevniyal Date of Birth : February 7/8, 1830 Accession to the Throne : June 25, 1861 Date of Dethronement : May 30,1876 Death : June 4, 1876
Sultan Abdülaziz was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the thirtysecond Sovereign. He received a good training under the supervision of his father and educated himself as well. He was in close contact with his brother Abdülmecid, observed the state’s structure and operdation closely and joined his travels. However; he preferred to own his cultural values and liked to listen to Turkish music instead of Western music and chose to watch Turkish the atrical shows instead of going to the opera or the theatre.
During the years of his enthronement, the state under the pressure of European states. Russia on the other hand, was implementing its policies for the achievement of its objectives by looking out for every opportunity. Greece, which had become an independent state at the beginning of the century, annexed Crete relying on its protector countries and succeeded in starting various uprisings. After the opening of the Suez Canal, Britain entered into efforts of conquering Egypt, a major point of its vital advantages in the Mediterranean. Sultan Aziz visited the Egypt. Sultan Aziz paid his second visit to Europe, stayed in mathe major capitols like Paris, London and Vienna and made several contacts.
The declaration of Reformations was also the starting point of Westernization and the period of closer relationships with Europe. Books were brought into the country from Europe for purposes of translation, teachers were sent abroad for training or tutors where invited especially for military training. Middle and high schools were opened with the purpose of extending education. Some legitimate or secret societies were being formed by people sharing common ideas with respect to bringing solutions to the country’s problems. Societes like the New Ottomans (Young Turks) attempted to write down their ideas in newspapers and periodicals published within and outside the country.
Sultan Abdülaziz was a heavily built, tall person with fair complexion, severe looking hazel eyes. He had a short, black beard. He liked to dress simply and did not like ostentation. He was well trained in music and played the “ney” (a sort of flute) well. He was a sensitive person, a poet and a composer. He visited Europe and observed European culture closely. He tried to develop education and increase the number of schools. The State Council was instituted during his reign and the right of property was granted to foreigners. He believed in the administration of the state under specific rules of law.
SULTAN V. MURAD
Father : Sultan Abdülmecid Mother : Şevkefza Sultan Date of Birth : September 21, 1840 Accession to the Throne : May 30, 1876 Date of Dethronement : August 31, 1876 Death : August 29, 1904
As he was the first born prince of Sultan Abdülmecid, there was joy at the palace at his birth, and rejoicings continued for days. He was beautiful, lovable, good tempered and quick witted in his childhood. With the will of his father, he was educated well in the Western style. He was skilled in the Turkish language and learned Arabic and French as well. He had a special interest in fine arts. He painted well, and played the piano. He composed beautifull works in the light Western music style.
He participated in the journey of Sultan Abdülaziz to Europe and had the chance of closely observing the West when he was still a young prince. He liked to join in scholarly discussions, participated in the arguments and was some-times present in the gatherings of Ziya Paşa, Namık Kemal and their colleagues. He could probably be deemed as the first example in the dynasty to defend ideas favoring freedom and constitutional government. It is said that he had prepared a small-scale draft Constitution. He had prepared himself for state administration by involving himself in such studies at his summer house at Kurbağalı Dere.
Although he was very well prepared for being in power, his sovereignty lasted for only 93 days. He was dethroned due to his illness and ordered to reside at the Çırağan Palace. Ali Suavi’s raid at the Çırağan Palace was an inconclusive attempt for the re-enthronement of Sultan Murad V.
Sultan Murad was of medium height, had a fair complexion and was good tempered. He got a very good education and prepared himself for state administration. His health prevented him to fulfill this duty. After his dethronement he wrote poetry, composed music and had a long life.
SULTAN II. ABDÜLHAMİD HAN
Father : Sultan Abdülmecid Mother : Tirimüjgan Sultan Date of Birth : September 21, 1842 Accession to the Throne : August 31, 1876 Date of Dethronement : April 27, 1909 Death : February 10, 1918
Sultan Abdülhamid was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the thirtyfourth Sovereign. He had an easy life at the Palace when he was a prince. He learned Persian, Arabic and French from the best tutors of the period, and he was able to easily read, write and converse in these languages. He also got music lessons from French and Italian tutors.
Sultan Abdülhamid took over the sovereignty in a period of turmoil. With the purpose of making an issue of Serbia and Karadağ question, Western states succeeded in convening the Maritime Arsenal Conference in İstanbul in vain. On the same day, the first Constitution and the Constitutional Government was declared. The first Council of Ministers was opened on March 19, 1877.
On the 5th day of the Constitutional Government the 1877 Ottoman Russian war started. Russians proceeded up to Ayastefanos (Yeşilköy) and a treaty was signed under the same name. The war ended with the Berlin Treaty. The western states thus, gained the opportunity which colud enable them to implement their Sharing Out Project for the eastern territories of the Empire. Cyprus was given to Britain as a base and the State’s financial control was in a way taken over by the Western States with the increasing financial embarrassment, inability in the payment of loan interests, the Muharrem Decree and the institution of Public Debts. Britain replaced its policy of equilibrium with the implementation of the immediate dissolution of the Ottoman State; and following Cyprus, took under its control Egypt also.
The western states created the Armenian Issue in order to scatter and disable the Ottoman State and to institute small territories under their control. Various uprisings occurred during this period, and some rebels were even bold enough to place a bomb in the Sovereign’s carriage. Sultan Abdülhamid was rather tall, with a somewhat dark complexion. He had a long nose, hazel eyes and curly beard. He was quick witted and cultured. He had an extremely strong memory. He never forgot anything he saw once.
He liked working a lot, and kept himself busy at his workshop as a skilled joiner outside his working hours. He attached great importance to culture. The University, Fine Arts Academy, high schools in provinces, medium schools in districts, primary schools in villages, arts and crafts school for girls, Agricultural and Commercial schools, Darüşafaka and schools for the deaf and the blind were instituted during his reign. Şişli Etfal Hospital and Darülaceze, also established during his time, were institutions providing for the social protection of the public.
SULTAN V. MEHMED REŞAD
Father : Sultan Abdülmecid Mother : Gülcemal Sultan Date of Birth : October 2, 1844 Accession to the Throne : April 27, 1909 Death : July 3, 1918
Ottoman throne as the thirtyfifth Sovereign. He was raised up as a well educated child at the palace. He learned Persian well and read history books and studied Turkish history. He had gone through the reign of four sovereigns until the time of his enthronement and gained significant experience. He is the oldest Ottoman prince in our history, being enthroned at the age of 65.
When he took over the throne, the state was ruled by a constitutional government, the Sultan delegated his authorities to an elected Parliament. Sultan Reşad lived through the declaration of the I. and II. Constitutional governments in the reign of his brother Abdülhamid II. The country on the other hand, was going through the most difficult period in its history. Although the Union and Development Party held the majority in the Parliament it revealed insufficient performance. The economic situation could not be straightened out and loaning continued.
Anatolia during that period had become a geographical area where the conflict of European States and Russia’s interests were staged. Italy took the first initiative and mobilized its forces to annex Tripoli, and shortly afterwards captured the Dodekanez. On the other hand, Karadağ and Serbia which had become independent states at the end of the century, started the Balkan War under a consensus with Bulgaria and proceeded up to Edirne-Çatalca. The state was able to save its status with the II. Balkan War and to oust the occupiers out of the Edirne boundaries. The First World War started before the completion of peace negotiations and the Ottoman State joined the War beside Germany.
Probably the most significant turning point in our history is the period between November 1914 when we joined the war and the signing of Mondros Armistice on October 30, 1918. The resolution to enter the war had been given by the leaders of the Union and Development Party, namely Cemal, Talat and Enver Pashas. During the war the name İstanbul Government was designated to the state.
Sultan Mehmed Reşad was of medium height, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and a grey beard. He was rather plump. He was educated and drew attention with his courtesy and good manners. He had an extremely sensitive nature and behaved courteously to his servants. He had a very strong memory.
SULTAN VI. MEHMED VAHDETTİN HAN
Father : Sultan Abdülmecid Mother : Gülistan Sultan Date of Birth : February 2, 1861 Accession to the Throne : July 4, 1918 Abolition of Sovereignty : November 1, 1922 Evasion from the Country : November 17, 1922
Sultan Mehmed Vahdeddin was accessed to the Ottoman throne as the thritysixth Sovereign and the last sword procession in the history of the Empire was realized in his enthronement. He received a good education. He was quick witted and could immediately grasp the contents of his readings, make interpretations and analyses. Similar to his brother Mehmed Reşad, he was able to observe state administration closely when he was a prince.
When he was designated to the throne, Sultan Vahdeddin was aware of the heavy responsibility he would be undertaking. He was going to rule the state which was then very different from the traditional Ottoman administration system. The Ottoman family had been designated to rule this territory as the sole sovereign power; and the family had struggled day and night, for months and for years in order to protect this country which was entrusted to them, against threats and risks and had instituted an Empire extending over 3 continents. The enemy was then not far away but in the Motherland, inside the Anatolian geography. France in Syria and Britain in Iraq became our neighbouring countries. Not sufficing with this neighborhood, they motivated the people of the country living in various regions, to uprise against the Pan-Turkism movement, and succeeded in occupying various territories without even fighting.
Vahdeddin became the head of the İstanbul Government which ruled the territory within the boundaries of a single city. With the signing of the August 10, 1920 document, Turks were allowed (?) to live in a small geographical area at the center of Anatolia. Acting against those who attempted to institute a new state, to create a new motherland and to own the country; instead of acting against the enemy which had encircled him was his bad fate. The motherland was saved; a new, independent state was instituted and now. He was left without a piece of land on which to live. So he had no chance other than to flee.
Sultan Vahdeddin was of medium height. He was a slender person with fair or rather pale complexion. He did not wear a beard. He was well educated. He read and wrote Arabic and Persian and new the Moslem jurisprudence very well. He was very courteous, considerate and patient. He did not talk much andpatiently listened to people without interrupting.
