Kösem (1589–1651)

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Kösem (1589–1651)

Ottoman sultana. Name variations: Kosem Sultan or Sultana; Koesem; Kösem Mahpeyker. Probably born in Greece in 1589; assassinated in Constantinople in 1651; 3rd wife of Ahmed I, Ottoman sultan (r. 1603–1617); children: daughters Ayse, Fatma, Hanzade, and perhaps Gevherhan (1609–1640); sons Murad IV (1609–1640), Ottoman sultan (r. 1623–1640), and Ibrahim, Ottoman sultan (r. 1640–1648); grandson: Mohammed IV (1641–1691, also seen as Mahomet, Mehmet, Mehmed, Mehemmed, Mohammed, and Muhammed), Ottoman sultan (r. 1648–1687).

Became valide sultan when son Murad IV ascended the throne (1623); remained valide sultan when 2nd son Ibrahim became sultan (1640); continued her political role under reign of grandson Mehmed IV (r. 1648–1687) until she was strangled by Hadice Turhan Sultan, consort of Ibrahim.

See also Women in World History.