Suleiman the Magnificent ruled the Ottoman Empire during its golden age of power and culture. While Europeans feared him as a conqueror, his own subjects respected him as a fair lawmaker who valued justice above all. For instance, he broke centuries of tradition to marry a former slave who became his closest advisor. Furthermore, he spent his private hours creating delicate jewelry with his own hands. Prepare to meet the Sultan of Sultans.
Suleiman the Magnificent
Europeans called him the Magnificent, but his own people called him Kanuni. This title translates to the Lawgiver. Specifically, he earned this name because he spent years codifying the Ottoman legal system to ensure fairness across his massive empire.
Suleiman was a highly skilled goldsmith and jeweler. He received professional training in craftsmanship in the city of Trabzon as a young prince. Therefore, he often created intricate pieces of jewelry as a way to relax after long days of military planning.
He spoke at least six different languages fluently. His studies included Ottoman Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Serbian, Chagatai, and Urdu. This linguistic ability allowed him to communicate directly with many of the diverse people living under his rule.
He fell deeply in love with a Ruthenian slave named Roxelana. Unlike previous sultans who only kept concubines, Suleiman legally married her in a grand ceremony. Consequently, she became the first woman to hold significant political power in the Ottoman court.
Suleiman wrote over 3,000 poems during his lifetime. He used the pen name Muhibbi, which means “Lover” or “Dear Friend.” His poetry often reflected his deep affection for Roxelana and his philosophical thoughts on the burdens of power.
He transformed the Mediterranean Sea into an “Ottoman Lake.” His legendary admiral, Hayreddin Barbarossa, defeated the combined Christian fleets at the Battle of Preveza. Thus, Suleiman controlled the most important trade routes in the world for decades.
The Sultan stood about 6 feet (183 centimeters) tall and had a thin, bony face. A Venetian envoy described him as wiry and tough with a delicate complexion and a long neck. Despite his slender build, he possessed incredible physical endurance for long military campaigns.
He founded the first specialized schools for young boys in the empire. He believed that education was the foundation of a strong state. Therefore, he created a system where children studied science, history, and theology alongside military tactics.
Suleiman and his grand vizier, Ibrahim Pasha, were once inseparable best friends. They ate together and even slept in the same quarters for years. However, Suleiman eventually ordered Ibrahim’s execution in 1536 due to the vizier’s growing arrogance and power.
He issued a royal mandate to protect Jewish citizens from false accusations. Specifically, he outlawed “blood libels” and ensured that Jewish communities could practice their faith safely. This made the Ottoman Empire a sanctuary for those fleeing persecution in Europe.
His military campaigns expanded the empire to include 25 million people. This population was massive for the 16th century. His reach stretched from the gates of Vienna in the West to the Persian Gulf in the East.
Suleiman died while leading his final military campaign at age 71. He passed away in his tent during the Siege of Szigetvár in Hungary. To prevent the army from panicking, his advisors kept his death a secret for 48 days (1,152 hours) until the battle ended.
Doctors buried his internal organs in Hungary but sent his body back to Istanbul. They placed his remains in a magnificent tomb at the Süleymaniye Mosque. Today, his heart supposedly rests beneath a small monument in the Hungarian countryside.
He ordered the execution of his own eldest son, Mustafa. He believed a false rumor that Mustafa was planning to overthrow him. Unfortunately, this tragic decision left the throne to his less capable son, Selim II, which many believe marked the start of the empire’s slow decline.
Finally, Suleiman built the magnificent walls that still surround the Old City of Jerusalem today. He wanted to protect the holy sites and provide safety for the residents. These iconic stone walls stand 12 meters (39 feet) high and remain a symbol of the city.
