Suleiman the Magnificent

1494–1566 · Ottoman (Trabzon / Istanbul) · Ottoman Empire, Renaissance Era

Known for: Greatest Ottoman sultan—expanded the empire to its peak, reformed its legal system, and presided over its golden age of art and architecture

Suleiman ruled the Ottoman Empire for 46 years at its absolute peak—from the gates of Vienna to the shores of the Persian Gulf, from Hungary to North Africa. He conquered Belgrade, Rhodes, and most of Hungary, and twice besieged Vienna (the high-water mark of Ottoman expansion into Europe).

Known as 'the Lawgiver' (Kanuni) in the Islamic world, he reformed Ottoman law, commissioned extraordinary architecture (the Süleymaniye Mosque by Sinan is Istanbul's masterpiece), and patronized poetry, calligraphy, and goldsmithing. His court was the wealthiest and most cultured in the world.

His greatest personal drama was his love for Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana)—a Ukrainian slave girl he freed, married, and made his sole consort, breaking centuries of Ottoman tradition. He executed his own firstborn son Mustafa under her influence.

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