Sultan Murad V: Brief Reign and Intrigues of the Ottoman Empire

Sultan Murad V (1840-1904) was the son of Sultan Abdülmecid and his mother was Şefkefza Valide Sultan.

His father, Sultan Abdülmecid, held him in great affection and saw him as the heir apparent. He received a good education and had amicable relations with the pro-constitutionalist Young Turks in his youth.

Upon his uncle Abdülaziz's deposition and subsequent suspicious death (there is strong evidence suggesting he was killed rather than died by suicide), he ascended the throne at the age of 36 on May 30, 1876. However, due to the distress caused by his uncle's tragic death, there was no ceremonial sword-bearing. Additionally, his authority was limited since he came to power as a result of a military coup.

Sultan Abdülmecid's eldest son to ascend the throne, Sultan Murad V, holds the record for the shortest reign in Ottoman history, lasting only 93 days.

During his reign, uprisings erupted in the Balkans. With Russian support, the rebellions of the Serbs and Montenegrins were suppressed, and a ceasefire was signed with the intervention of other states. Sultan Murad's compromised nerves impeded the functioning of the state, and crucial decisions were not made during this critical period.

The aim of those who deposed Sultan Abdülaziz was to proclaim constitutional rule. However, due to Sultan Murad V's illness, they couldn't achieve their goal. Sultan V. Murad was examined by doctors brought in from abroad, and when it was concluded that he could not recover, he was dethroned.

During the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, his brother Murad V was placed under compulsory residence due to his health. However, a group of supporters claimed that Murad was of sound mind and rightful heir to the throne. Sultan Abdülhamid brought in neutral doctors from abroad, who issued a report stating that Murad could not recover.

The famous incident involving an attempt by Ali Suavi, a member of the New Ottomans, to rescue Sultan V. Murad from the Çırağan Palace and restore him to power is well known. Additionally, Sultan V. Murad was targeted for abduction two more times.

Sultan Murad V was proficient in French, played the piano, and was known to compose music in Western style. He passed away in 1904 at the Çırağan Palace and was buried in the tomb of his mother near the New Mosque.