If Hürrem opened the door to female power, Kösem Sultan stormed through it and seized the throne itself—not as a wife, but as a regent (Naibe-i Saltanat). Her unparalleled political career spanned the reigns of six sultans, and for a time, she was not just a powerful woman in the Harem; she was, in all but name, the absolute ruler of the Ottoman Empire.
From Favorite to Power Broker
Of Greek origin, Kösem Sultan entered the Harem during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I and quickly became his favorite (Haseki). Unlike Hürrem, her power was not derived from the Sultan’s love, but from her sons, Murad IV and Ibrahim, and later, her grandson, Mehmed IV. After Ahmed I’s death, she masterfully navigated the treacherous waters of court politics, ensuring her sons’ ascensions and acting as their chief advisor.
The Art of Survival: Navigating a Treacherous Interlude
Kösem Sultan’s true genius was revealed in the years following her husband’s death. Unlike her predecessors who depended on a single sultan, she survived the chaotic reigns of her mentally unstable brother-in-law, Mustafa I, and her ambitious stepson, Osman II. During this period, she was exiled to the Old Palace but continued to build alliances and manage her vast fortune, waiting for her moment. It was her unparalleled ability to outmaneuver rivals and endure periods of powerlessness that made her eventual return not just possible, but inevitable. She wasn’t just ruling; she was playing a decades-long game of survival.
The Iron Regent
Kösem Sultan’s power reached its zenith when her grandson, Mehmed IV, ascended the throne at the age of six. She was officially declared Regent, ruling the empire openly on his behalf. She attended council meetings from behind a curtain, formed alliances with viziers and Janissaries, and managed the state treasury. Her reign was marked by both stability and ruthless ambition, as she purged any who dared to challenge her authority.
A Tragic End
Her absolute rule came to a dramatic end when she clashed with her daughter-in-law, Turhan Hatice Sultan, the mother of the young Sultan. The rivalry between the two women split the palace into factions. In 1651, in a palace coup orchestrated by Turhan’s supporters, Kösem Sultan was ambushed in her quarters and strangled, bringing a bloody end to the reign of the most powerful woman in Ottoman history.
A Legacy Written in Blood and Stone
Despite her violent end, Kösem Sultan’s legacy is undeniable. She was a master of statecraft, successfully steering the empire through some of its most chaotic years. But her legacy is also one of immense charity; she used her vast wealth to build mosques, caravanserais, and fountains, and provided dowries for poor girls. Her death marked a brutal turning point, the last time a woman would ever hold the official title of regent. The power struggle that killed her also paved the way for the rise of the Köprülü Grand Viziers, who would ultimately restore order by re-centralizing power away from the Harem, thus ending the “Sultanate of Women” that Kösem Sultan had come to personify.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kösem Sultan
Was Kösem Sultan more powerful than Hürrem Sultan?
While both were immensely powerful, their power had different sources. Hürrem’s influence came from her unique relationship with one powerful Sultan. Kösem’s power was institutional; she held the official title of Regent (Naibe-i Saltanat) and ruled the empire directly, making her arguably the most politically powerful woman in Ottoman history.
Why was she called Kösem?
The name “Kösem” likely means “leader of the flock” or “shepherd,” referring to her intelligence and ability to guide and lead. She was also known by the name Mahpeyker, meaning “moon-faced.”
Who was Kösem Sultan’s biggest rival?
Her greatest and ultimate rival was her own daughter-in-law, Turhan Hatice Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmed IV. Their struggle for control of the regency ultimately led to Kösem’s assassination.
Did Kösem Sultan ever leave Topkapi Palace?
Unlike many other women of the dynasty, Kösem managed to avoid exile to the Old Palace (Eski Saray) for most of her life, a testament to her incredible political skill and ability to maintain her influence at the center of power.
Where is Kösem Sultan buried?
Kösem Sultan is buried in the mausoleum of her husband, Sultan Ahmed I, located at the Blue Mosque complex in Istanbul.
