The Harem's Rivalry: Safiye Sultan vs. Handan Sultan

In this episode, Lucas and Luna delve into the rarely examined rivalry between Safiye Sultan and Handan Sultan during the reigns of Mehmed III and Ahmed I. Safiye, the powerful Valide Sultan under Mehmed III, dominated the harem and the empire for years. But when Mehmed died, his son Ahmed I ascended with his own mother, Handan Sultan, who sought to curb Safiye's influence. Lucas explains how Handan attempted to dismantle Safiye's patronage network, the role of the kızlar ağası in this power struggle, and the political fallout that reshaped the Ottoman court. The episode also covers the mysterious death of Handan Sultan, the brief return of Safiye, and how this internal conflict contributed to the rise of the Sultanate of Women. Specific details include the construction of the Safiye Sultan Mosque, the influence of Venetian baili, and the early career of Mustafa I. A fascinating look at the personal and political battles behind the throne. #SafiyeSultan #HandanSultan #ValideSultan #HasekiSultan #MehmedIII #AhmedI #MustafaI #SultanateOfWomen #OttomanHarem #TopkapiPalace #KZlarAAs #Bailo #Venetian #OttomanEmpire #PowerStruggle #History #FexingoHistory #HaremPolitics #HurremSultan #KosemSultan Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo