Turhan Sultan: The Slave Regent Who Built a Mosque and an Empire

Turhan Sultan, a captive from Ruthenia, rose from slavery to become one of the most powerful women in Ottoman history. As regent for her young son Mehmed IV, she navigated palace coups, janissary revolts, and the political ambitions of her mother-in-law Kösem Sultan—whom she famously ordered executed. But Turhan's legacy is not just one of intrigue; she financed the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul, a monumental complex that reshaped the city's skyline. This episode explores her dramatic rise, her ruthless consolidation of power, and the architectural patronage that secured her place in history. We also dive into the controversy around her role in Kösem's death and how she balanced piety with political survival. From the harem's inner chambers to the docks of Constantinople, discover how a former slave became a sultan's mother and an empire's builder. #TurhanSultan #YeniMosque #ValideSultan #OttomanEmpire #HaremPolitics #MehmedIV #KösemSultan #Janissary #Eminönü #Istanbul #17thCentury #Ruthenia #SultanateOfWomen #OttomanArchitecture #SlaveToRuler #History #FexingoHistory #MiddleEast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo