Sultan Mahmud I (1696-1754) was the son of Sultan Mustafa II and Saliha Valide Sultan. He ascended to the throne at the age of 34 and became the 24th Ottoman Sultan and the 103rd Islamic Caliph.
Upon his initial reign in September 30, 1730, he managed to consolidate his power after quelling the rebels, led by Patrona Halil, who ended the Tulip Era with a palace raid. After Patrona Halil's death, Sultan Mahmud sought help from the people, and the populace, tired of the uprisings, eliminated Halil's followers on January 28, 1731.
In 1736, war was declared against Russia due to their attacks on Azak and Crimea, and the following year, the Ottoman Empire joined the war against Austria. While successful against Austria, the Ottoman Empire reclaimed Serbia and Belgrade, which had been lost in the Treaty of Passarowitz in 1739. Concurrently, there was a conflict with Iran on the eastern border, but no decisive outcome was achieved.
Contrary to popular belief that his era was a period of stagnation and decline, Sultan Mahmud I demonstrated remarkable strength by simultaneously engaging in wars with Iran, Austria, and Russia. He even earned the title of "Ghazi" from the Sheikh ul-Islam and is considered one of the unsung heroes among Ottoman Sultans. He brought stability both within the country and abroad during a challenging period.
In an effort to revitalize the Mediterranean economy, Sultan Mahmud signed an expanded capitulation agreement with the French, as the Atlantic Ocean was gaining prominence. He passed away while returning from Friday prayers, collapsing on his horse. He was buried beside his father, Sultan Mustafa II, in the New Mosque.
Known for his gentle nature, kindness, emphasis on seeking counsel, and keen interest in current affairs, Sultan Mahmud I was also a avid reader. He was the first Ottoman Sultan to mint a medal and did not have any children of his own. The first paper factory in the Ottoman Empire was established during his reign.
There are rumors that he was buried alive (some even claim he was buried while still alive), but there is no concrete evidence to support this. Sultan Mahmud, who died at the age of 59, was known to have been on the verge of being deposed by his heirs and viziers, with an anticipated death. Indeed, after collapsing on a Friday, a hasty ceremony was held to swear allegiance to Sultan Osman III, and the new Sultan promptly ordered the former Sultan's body to be rushed for the afternoon prayer. After the burial, a caretaker claimed to have heard cries coming from the grave while reciting the Quran during the evening prayer. However, the new Sultan, still groggy from sleep, did not pay much attention to this report, and the caretaker who brought the news was never seen again.
Sultan Mahmud I reigned for 24 years, and his era is often referred to as the last brilliant period of the Empire.
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