Hürrem Sultan: The Slave Who Ruled the Ottoman Empire

This episode dives into the extraordinary life of Hürrem Sultan, also known as Roxelana, the Ukrainian slave who rose to become Suleiman the Magnificent's legal wife and one of the most influential women in Ottoman history. We explore how she broke tradition by corresponding directly with foreign monarchs, commissioning massive architectural projects across Istanbul like the Haseki Sultan Mosque and complex, and wielding power through the harem and the imperial council. Her relationship with Suleiman transformed the dynasty's succession practices and the role of the valide sultan. We also examine the controversies surrounding her, including her role in the execution of Grand Vizier İbrahim Paşa and Crown Prince Mustafa. Through letters, contemporary accounts, and palace records, we reveal how Hürrem reshaped the Ottoman Empire from within the harem walls. #HürremSultan #Roxelana #SuleimanTheMagnificent #OttomanEmpire #Harem #ValideSultan #HasekiSultan #İstanbul #Süleymaniye #MimarSinan #İbrahimPaşa #ŞehzadeMustafa #Kanuni #Haseki #Topkapı #History #FexingoHistory #MiddleEastHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo