Nurbanu Sultan: who was the concubine of the Ottoman Sultan who became co-ruler of her son

Selim II

She paid by being a faithful wife and a wonderful mother. When she gave birth to Murad, she knew that one day the time would come when he would need to take power. This is the most dangerous time for the heir. If measures are not taken in time, then you can part with life. This has happened many times in the past. Nurbanu played a role in this.

Murad III

Murad was absent, serving as Governor of Manisa when her husband Selim II died in 1574. Nurbanu realized that her son’s life was in danger, and it was up to her how events would unfold. The main thing is to prevent the possibility of usurpation of power. Before anyone knew about the death of the Sultan, she hid his body in a harem in an ice crate and sent messengers to warn his son so that he would return to the palace faster. Only when Murad returned to Istanbul, Nurbanu announced the death of her husband. Thus, Murad became the next sultan, and his mother became the most senior and influential woman in the Ottoman Empire. Murad, when he came to power, ordered the destruction of his five brothers, born of other concubines. Nurbanu ruled the government and was actually the co-ruler of her son.

Her reign was long. She was friends with the Queen of France Catherine de Medici. The Venetians considered her theirs and closely watched her rule. Often they proudly mentioned Nurban in their correspondence. In turn, the Valide Sultan tried to repay the same Venetian government. But as much as the Venetians loved her, the Genoese also hated her. Their main rivals. When she died in Istanbul on December 7, 1583, rumors that a Genoese spy could poison her were actively discussed in society.