"Of the several ways in which Nurbanu's career broke tradition, her burial in the tomb of Selim II had perhaps the greatest symbolic import. [...] By linking his mother with his father in this manner, Murad emphasized his mother's place within the dynastic family and suggested that his legitimacy was derived from her as wella s from his father." —The Imperial Harem, by Leslie Peirce

"As Nurbanu lay dying, the sultan loudly lamented that he would be an orphan. Nurbanu's final advice to Murad, was, in the words of the ambassador Morosini, 'the most judicious and prudent caution as regards this government could have come from a good, intelligent, and consummate statesman.' Nurbanu urged her son to be particularly heedful of three matters: ensuring that swifter and more impartial justice be rendered to his subjects, restraining his natural avidity for gold and money, and above all keeping watch on the conduct of his son."—The Imperial Harem, by Leslie Peirce

—The Imperial Harem, by Leslie Peirce

"Until 1595, when she was dismissed by the new sultan Mehmed III, she frequently contacted the Venetians in order to obtain commodities for the harem. She was not in favour with the new sultan since she had chosen to protect the second son of Murad III, prince Mustafa (1578-1595), who was killed with his eighteen brothers on the eve of Mehmed’s accession. Canfeda had at least two brothers: Mahmud paşa, who was beylerbeyi of Halep in 1594, and Divane Ibrahim paşa whom she always protected. When Canfeda lost her power her two brothers lost their lives."— Maria Pia Pedani, Safiye’s Household and Venetian Diplomacy

"According to the same sources, Gazanfer became first kapı ağası and, after his brother’s death, also has odabaşı. In this way he became one of the most powerful persons in the Ottoman Empire; he held his office for more than thirty years, under the eign of Selim II, Murad III and Mehmed III. He was also a patron of artists and writers such as the historian Mustafa Ali."— Maria Pia Pedani, Safiye’s Household and Venetian Diplomacy

I will serve cunt again just give me a Minute

"are you picking up what I'm putting down" brother I am hefting that shit above my head with gusto

No but we could have had Hürrem say that Selim should be regent and Bayezid should go on campaign because Selim is genuinely better at governance where Bayezid is better in the army. But that would make too much sense.

Very relevant and important

And here we have Bayezid completely misunderstanding the situation he is in, his mother, and his mother's motivations.

Hürrem isn't trying to keep her kids on her side. She's trying to protect them and look out for them. Because she's the only one who can be trusted to have their best interests at heart.

Mustafa you don't control your dangerous supporters and that fact is why you are doomed

This show: Look at Mustafa turning down these people who would rebel in his name! He's so noble and pure and innocent!

Me: He's a naive idiot.

Ah yes. Such wisdom as 'innocent bystanders and pregnant women can and should die for the cause'.

Sphinx Temple

You climb all the way to the top and that's when things get weird.

print here

Be as mad as you will with him, Mustafa, but Piri Reis and his ilk are not under your control. And that fact puts you and your brothers in danger.

OK so 'evil organisation guy' IS my beloathed Piri Reis.

Fuck him. He is actually evil.

'I'm not sure who was restless. The son or his mother.'

I love these two so much