Sultan Murad IV (1612-1640) was the 17th Ottoman Sultan and the 96th Islamic Caliph. He ascended to the throne at the age of 11 after his brother II. Osman was killed. During his early reign, he was under the influence of his mother Kösem Sultan for about nine years. He was known for his strict and reclusive personality, as well as his physical strength.
Upon taking the throne, the country faced turmoil and the treasury was nearly depleted. Baghdad had fallen into the hands of the Safavid state. Murad IV quelled the Abaza Pasha rebellion and implemented reforms to bring discipline to the army. He is often said to be the physically strongest Ottoman Sultan, known for feats like shooting arrows and wielding spears at an advanced level.
Murad IV also imposed bans on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling, and closed taverns. He issued a fatwa allowing the killing of tobacco users. He was known for personally patrolling the streets at night in disguise to enforce these measures. Another prohibition was against carrying a lantern after the evening prayer, with death as the penalty for non-compliance.
He led a campaign against Poland, resulting in a treaty. In 1638, he successfully recaptured Baghdad from the Safavids, making him the first Sultan since Suleiman the Magnificent to reclaim Anatolian territories. His achievements earned him the title of "Conqueror of Baghdad," and he was compared to Saladin. He quelled rebellions both in Anatolia and potential uprisings elsewhere in the empire.
Due to an illness, Murad IV passed away at the age of 28 in Istanbul in 1640. He had a great love for horses, owning nine of his own. In accordance with tradition, these horses were led in reverse at his funeral procession.
His military successes and reforms endeared him to the people, and many historians regard him as the greatest marshal of the 17th century. He popularized the use of garments made from abada fabric after seeing Vizier Mehmet Pasha wear one.
The reforms implemented during Murad IV's reign brought some improvement to the country, and his strong personality took center stage. He also had the tomb of Imam Abu Hanifa constructed. His remains were interred in his father Ahmed I's mausoleum.
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