Trivia Question of the Day
Which Ottoman sultan broke with years of tradition to marry a concubine and have several children with her? (Spelling doesn't count for his name!)
Answer: For many years, the sultan made political alliances through marriage (without children) and had multiple concubines at the imperial palace. The harem provided a pool of potential heirs to the throne. Suleyman the Magnificent (r. 1520-1566) broke with tradition when he married his concubine, Hurrem. Hurrem held significant sway over Suleyman and the Grand Vizier, Rustem Pasha (conveniently married to her daughter). Through these relationships she managed to have the heir apparent Mustafa executed and one of her sons inherited the throne, maintaining her power over the imperial palace.
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