Sultan II. Süleyman (1642-1691) was the 20th Ottoman Sultan and the 99th Caliph of Islam. His father was Sultan Ibrahim, and his mother was Valide Sultan Saliha Dilaşub.
Due to his brother IV. Mehmet's 37-year reign, he waited in the Şimşirlik Pavilion of the Topkapı Palace until the age of 45. Because of this, he is known as the Ottoman Sultan who waited for the throne the longest as the heir. He even resisted the guards who came to inform him of his brother's dethronement, not believing that he would become Sultan himself. On November 8, 1687, when his brother was dethroned, he took his place. However, at that time, the Ottoman Empire was facing challenges on four fronts, with economic and political turmoil at its peak.
As if these problems weren't enough, Austria had captured the important Balkan city of Belgrade, and alarm bells were ringing. It was at this critical juncture that Sultan 2. Süleyman made the astute choice of retaining the Köprülü family and appointing Fazıl Mustafa Pasha as Grand Vizier, entrusting the administration to his capable hands.
Fazıl Mustafa Pasha implemented reforms in the administration and justice system, bringing the Janissary Corps under discipline. He then led a campaign to reclaim Belgrade from Austria. During the reign of Sultan II. Süleyman, the incident with his nephew Osman occurred, and in 1689, Osman was killed, bringing an end to this episode.
The following year, Sultan 2. Süleyman decided to embark on a campaign, but due to illness, he could only travel in a litter. When he arrived in Edirne, he passed away (1691). His remains were interred in the tomb next to the Süleymaniye Mosque, alongside his namesake and ancestor, Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. They both died in the same campaign.
Sultan II. Süleyman had no children and was also a skilled calligrapher. He is known as a kind-hearted, well-mannered Sultan who treated everyone with kindness and never said no. He was devout, respectful, and regarded as a good Sultan. Sultan II. Süleyman demonstrated his ability to make wise decisions by appointing experienced and capable individuals like Köprülü Fazıl Mustafa Pasha to his administration.
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