In Turkish tradition, noble blood is believed to bring misfortune if spilled on the ground. This ancient custom, briefly summarized, dictates that if a ruler, king, or sultan is to be killed, it should not be done by methods like sword or arrow that cause blood to be shed. Such a killing was believed to bring bad luck. This tradition, which originated in Central Asia and was seen during the active period of the Mongols, also carried over to the Ottoman period. Consequently, in the Ottoman practice where fratricide was deemed permissible by religious decree, princes were executed by strangulation.
In this analysis, we will first discuss the concept of noble blood in the context of rulers, acknowledging that every person is born equal, and "noble blood" is used here merely as a term.
Let's examine what really happens when noble blood is spilled and which Ottoman sultans were killed during their reigns, as well as the consequences of their deaths. Could the prophecy be true?
**Sultan Murad I**
Sultan Murad I (born 1326 – died June 15, 1389), the third sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the son of Orhan Gazi, was known for his valor and heroism. He is considered a martyr of war, with his conquests making a significant impact on European history. Despite his victories, including the Battle of Kosovo, he is still praised even in Serbia. Foreign sources describe him as a chivalrous knight.
After his victory in the Battle of Kosovo, while inspecting the battlefield, Sultan Murad was approached by a Serbian traitor, Milos Obilic, who pretended to want to convert to Islam. As Murad extended his hand, Obilic took out a hidden dagger and fatally stabbed him.
On June 15, 1389, Sultan Murad's tragic death on the battlefield led to Yıldırım Bayezid ascending the throne. Sultan Murad was the only Ottoman sultan to die on the battlefield.
Milos Obilic is remembered as a hero in Serbian history. He was the son-in-law of Serbian despot Lazar, whom Sultan Murad defeated at Kosovo. The region of Serbia remained under Ottoman rule for centuries, and even after gaining independence, it has struggled with internal and external conflicts.
**Sultan Osman II**
Sultan Osman II, known as Genç Osman (Young Osman), came to the throne at a young age. After witnessing the unruly and rebellious behavior of the Janissaries during the Hotin campaign, he contemplated raising a new army from Anatolia. However, discussing this idea with his wife led to widespread unrest among the palace and the Janissaries.
When Osman declared his intention to make a pilgrimage, the Janissaries feared it was a cover for a new military campaign and revolted. The palace was stormed, and Sultan Osman was captured. Historical sources vary, but it is widely accepted that he was brutally executed by the Janissaries in the Yedikule dungeons on May 20, 1622. Sultan Osman II was the youngest sultan to be executed and his death marked a significant crisis for the empire.
**Sultan Ibrahim**
Sultan Ibrahim, who ascended the throne after the sudden death of his brother Murat, ruled for eight years despite being reported as mentally unstable. His mother, Kösem Sultan, arranged for his successor, Sultan IV. Mehmed, to be enthroned once he reached the age of six.
Sultan Ibrahim was eventually deposed and confined to a cage. Due to fears that his continued existence might inspire a coup, Kösem Sultan and others decided he should be executed. On August 18, 1648, Sultan Ibrahim was strangled by the famous mute executioner Karaali.
Sultan Ibrahim was one of the sultans deposed and later executed.
**Sultan Selim III**
Sultan Selim III, one of the most refined and artistic Ottoman sultans, was known for his reformist policies and love of the arts. He was killed at the Topkapi Palace during a coup orchestrated by the Janissaries, who opposed his new military reforms.
Despite attempts by Alemdar Mustafa Pasha to restore him to the throne with a 16,000-strong army, Sultan Selim was killed on January 21, 1774, by Janissary forces in a brutal assault. The death of Sultan Selim, like that of his predecessors, was seen as an ill omen for the empire.
**Sultan Mustafa IV**
Sultan Mustafa IV, who came to power following the deposition of Selim III, was eventually deposed himself. His reign was marked by a struggle for power and violence. Mustafa IV was strangled on November 17, 1808, after being deposed by his brother, Sultan Mahmud II, who had survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by Mustafa.
**Sultan Abdulaziz**
Sultan Abdulaziz, known for his charisma and love of wrestling, was deposed and imprisoned in Feriye Palace. He was later found dead on May 30, 1876, with reports suggesting he committed suicide by cutting his wrists. However, many historians believe he was murdered. His death, and the subsequent decline of the Ottoman Empire, are seen as linked events.
The official historical record acknowledges that Sultan Murad I and Sultan Osman II were killed while still in power. Other sultans who were deposed and later executed were often removed due to fears of their return to power.
This article does not include sultans whose deaths are shrouded in mystery, such as Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Sultan II. Beyazıt, or those said to have been buried alive, like Sultan I. Mahmud.
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