If asked about the most beloved Ottoman sultan, many people today would likely mention Fatih Sultan Mehmet in the first place, followed by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman or Yavuz Sultan Selim, and some might even mention 2nd Mahmud. But were they truly the most beloved sultans in their time? For instance, did the people adore Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror of Istanbul, who constantly led his army from one campaign to another?
Or during the prosperous era of Kanuni, often considered the zenith of Ottoman wealth and power, did the people find their sultans exceptionally praiseworthy? Let's take a different perspective. If we were to create a ranking based on who was most beloved by the populace, it's possible that the sultans we assume to be at the top might not even make it into the top five. Why, you ask? Because Fatih Sultan Mehmet was always engaged in campaigns and wars with his army.
Every war came back to the people in the form of heavy burdens like taxes. This situation wearied the common folk, including groups like the Janissaries. Ultimately, after Fatih's passing, instead of Cem Sultan, the more subdued 2nd Bayezid was placed on the throne (for detailed information, see: Was Cem Sultan Wronged?).
Considering all these tax and war situations, it is highly likely that Sultan III. Mustafa was the most beloved by the people.
Sultan III. Mustafa (1717-1774), the 26th Ottoman Sultan, was the son of Sultan Ahmed III. At the age of 40, he ascended the throne after the death of his uncle, Sultan Osman III. Sultan Mustafa lived in the palace under the "kafes" system for a total of 27 years. His time in the palace revolved around astrologers and celestial movements. He likely acquired this habit during his time in the Harem, where he interacted with many concubines and Valide Sultans who were interested in astrologers and fortune-telling.
Sultan III. Mustafa was an excellent orator and treated the people extremely well. In the first 10 years of his reign, he had a trouble-free period, largely due to the peaceful foreign policy stance of his Grand Vizier, Koca Ragıp Pasha. Sultan Mustafa, much like his uncle Osman, preferred to roam the markets and mingle with the common people. He spoke eloquently and behaved kindly.
Furthermore, he reduced the taxes imposed on the people and refrained from pursuing a war policy in the early years of his reign, which likely endeared him to the people. He also elevated the economy to a commendable level, zeroed out inflation, and even prohibited the entry of goods from Europe.
However, Sultan III. Mustafa had a weakness for fortune-telling and astrologers. He liked to consult with astrologers and rely on star readings for every decision he made. It can be said that this habit became an obsession, and he placed great importance on the movements of the stars in making his decisions.
In the early years of his reign, due to the advice of the talented and knowledgeable Grand Vizier Koca Ragıp Pasha, he avoided war despite his inclinations. When Ragıp Pasha passed away, and given the incompetence of the administrators around him (a situation he often complained about), he became enthusiastic about launching a campaign against Russia.
Although the initial stages of the campaign against Russia were successful, factors like terrain and winter conditions, as well as the undisciplined behavior of the Janissaries, led to a defeat and withdrawal. Additionally, the incident where Empress Catherine burned the Ottoman fleet in Çeşme port took place.
In the end, despite the validity of Koca Ragıp Pasha's warnings, the Ottoman Empire suffered significant defeats. It can be speculated that decisions regarding these campaigns were influenced by consultations with astrologers and star-readers.
While he made significant strides in domestic policies and brought about benefits, he left a heavy mark on foreign policy. Following the devastating Istanbul earthquake of 1766, which was considered beyond repair, he personally contributed gold from his treasury to facilitate its restoration. He was also an innovative sultan and was beloved by the people. Moreover, Sultan III. Mustafa had ambitious projects. He aimed to open the Suez Canal to Egypt and connect Lake Sapanca to the Gulf of Ä°zmit.
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