All about Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan. Carrying and implementing insidious plans
We offer in text and audio several essays on the Russian broadcasting of the Voice of Turkey radio about the history and customs of the most famous oriental harem in new history- the harem of the Ottoman sultans in Istanbul ..
Recall that the harem was originally located in the Tiled Pavilion separately from the palace, and from the time of Sultan Suleiman, from the middle of the 16th century, it was transferred directly to the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi) - the office and residence of the Sultan. (The transfer was achieved by the notorious Ukrainian Roksolana (Hyurrem), who became the most influential concubine in the history of the Turkish sultans' harem).
Later, when the Ottoman sultans left Topkapi in favor of the new European-style palaces of Istanbul, Dolmabahce and Yildiz, the concubines followed them.
Harem - state of the art as part of the museum former palace Turkish Sultans Topkapi in Istanbul.
Harem - state of the art as part of a museum in the former palace of the Turkish sultans Topkapi in Istanbul. In the background, the Bosphorus, in the foreground - the wall of the courtyard of the former harem.
Shot from the Turkish national broadcaster TRT.
Before turning to the text of the Turkish original, a few important notes.
When you get acquainted with this review of harem life, broadcast by the Voice of Turkey, you pay attention to some contradictions.
At times, the review emphasizes the almost prison severity in which the people of the harem lived, surrounding the Sultan, and at times, on the contrary, it speaks of rather liberal morals. This discrepancy is due to the fact that during the almost 500-year existence of the Sultan's court in Istanbul, the manners of the Ottoman court changed, usually in the direction of mitigation. This also applied to the life of simple concubines, and princes - brothers of sultans.
In the 15th century, during the period of the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) by the Turks and some time later, the brothers of the sultans usually ended their lives from a noose thrown over by eunuchs on the orders of a successful brother who became a sultan. (A silk noose was used, since shedding the blood of a royal person was considered reprehensible).
So, for example, Sultan Mehmed III, after his accession to the throne, ordered 19 of his brothers to be strangled, becoming the record holder in number.
In general, this custom, which was in use before, was officially sanctioned by the conqueror of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II Fatih (the Conqueror) in order to save the empire from civil strife. Mehmed II pointed out: “For the sake of the well-being of the state, one of my sons, to whom God grants the sultanate, can sentence the brothers to death. This right has the approval of the majority of jurists.
Later, a number of sultans began to save the lives of their brothers, locking them in the so-called. "gold cage"- isolated chambers in the Sultan's Topkapi Palace, next to the harem. By the 19th century, mores were even more liberalized, and the "cage" was gradually abolished.
Liberalization, as already mentioned, also affected the concubines of the harem. The concubines were originally slaves, sometimes delivered to the palace directly from the slave bazaar, sometimes donated to the Sultan - disenfranchised, in the power of the ruler. If they did not give birth to heirs to the Sultan, then they were either resold, or after the death of the ruler they were sent to the so-called. the old harem (outside the main Topkapı Palace), where they lived out their days in oblivion.
So, with the liberalization of morals, these concubines in late period existence of the Ottoman Empire turned into free women who entered the harem with the consent of their parents in order to make a career. The concubines could no longer be resold, they could leave the harem, get married, receiving a mansion and a monetary reward from the Sultan.
And, of course, the cases of antiquity were forgotten, when concubines were simply thrown out of the palace in a bag into the Bosphorus for misconduct.
Speaking about the “career of concubines”, we recall that the Istanbul sultans (with the exception of Sultan Suleiman, who married Roksolan) never married, the concubines were their family. But about all this in the material from the primary source (listen also to audio file below).
"Girls in the Burqa and Without", or where do researchers get information about the harem of the Turkish sultans
“Since the 15th century, stories of Europeans about the Ottoman palace began to appear. True, the harem for a long time remained a forbidden place where Europeans could not penetrate. The concubines and children of the Sultan lived in the harem. The harem in the Sultan's palace was called "darussade" (darussade), which in Arabic means "gates of happiness". (The Arabic word "harem" means "forbidden". Approx. site).
The inhabitants of the harem had extremely limited connections with the outside world. They all spent their lives within four walls. By the way, due to the fact that the Sultan's concubines did not leave the palace, until early XIX century, i.e. before the accession to the throne of Mahmud II, the concubines did not cover their heads with a veil. They began to cover their heads in the Muslim manner precisely from this period, when they began to be allowed to leave the palace, participate in picnics. Over time, the concubines even began to be taken out of Istanbul to the Sultan's palace in Edirne. Of course, at the same time, women completely covered their faces so that no one could see them.
The eunuchs who served in the harem took very strict measures to prevent outsiders from entering this holy of holies of the Sultan's palace. For the time being, it was the eunuchs who were the people who could at least tell something about the harem. However, the eunuchs did not do this and took their secrets to the grave. Special precautions were also taken when fixing what was connected with economic life harem. For example, the names of concubines were almost never mentioned in these documents. Only during the promulgation of the Sultan's decree, when creating one or another charitable foundation, could the names of the concubines be mentioned, whom the Sultan appointed, so to speak, "chairmen of the board of these funds."
So there were very few documents that shed light on life in the Sultan's harem. Only after the deposition in 1908 of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, strangers began to be allowed into the harem. However, their notes were not enough for complete withdrawal veils of secrets concerning the harem. As for the notes written before 1909, they can hardly be considered as something reliable, because the authors of the notes were forced to be content with only rumors, often very unbelievable. Naturally, no images of concubines remained. Historians have only notes of the spouses of Western ambassadors, and the authenticity of the images of the Sultan's concubines in the museum of the Sultan's Topkapi Palace is very doubtful.
For the time being, the Sultan's palace, surrounded by high walls, was carefully guarded. The harem was even more guarded. It was almost impossible to get in here. The harem was guarded by eunuchs. The drivers could not look into the faces of the concubines if they had to carry on a conversation with them. Actually, the courtiers, with all their desire, could not do this, because these conversations were conducted only because of the curtain. (But the concubines of the nobles at various festive ceremonies and weddings appeared before the Sultan with their heads uncovered). Moreover, even eunuchs at the entrance to the harem room had to announce their arrival with a loud exclamation of “destur!” . (Literally, the exclamation means “the road!” Approx. site). Secret penetration into the palace, not to mention the harem, was an impossible thing. This despite the fact that the territory of the palace was quite extensive. To you it may seem that the Sultan's harem was a kind of prison. However, this was not entirely true..
Sultan's harem concubines: from slave to free status
At the mention of the harem, concubines come to mind, who were, in fact, slaves. The institution of slavery appeared, as you know, at the dawn of mankind. The Arabs were also involved in the slave trade. Incl. and in the pre-Islamic period. The Prophet Muhammad did not abolish this institution. However, during the Islamic period, slaves, which consisted mainly of captives, could gain freedom. different ways. During the Abbasid period, Baghdad hosted the largest slave market in the East. Moreover, the Abbasid caliphs levied tribute from some areas not in money, but to slaves. and. (The Abbasids are the second dynasty of the Arab caliphs. The ancestors of the Ottomans, the Seljuks, served with them. After the Abbasid caliphs, it was the Ottoman sultans who became the caliphs of the faithful, so the Ottomans used to look back at the traditions of the Abbasid court. Approx. site).
In accordance with Islamic law, the owner of a slave could use him as a thing with all the ensuing consequences. True, the Prophet Muhammad said that slaves should be given food and clothing from what is in the house, and slaves should not be subjected to torment. That is why Muslims treated slaves well. (So in the text "Voices of Turkey" Note site). In addition, the release of a slave was considered a great boon. The Prophet Muhammad said that a Muslim who freed a slave would get rid of the nightmares of hell. That is why the Ottoman sultans gave their concubines dowries, even mansions. Freed concubines were also given money, real estate and various expensive gifts.
The most beautiful slave girls in Ottoman times were assigned to harems. First of all, in the Sultan's. And the rest were sold in the slave markets. There was such a custom of presenting concubines to the sultan by viziers, other nobles, sultan sisters.
The girls were recruited from among the slaves who came from different countries. In the 19th century, the slave trade was banned in the Ottoman Empire. However, after that, representatives of various Caucasian peoples they themselves began to send girls to the Sultan's harem.
The number of concubines in the Sultan's harem began to increase from the 15th century, from the reign of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror.
Based on the foregoing, the concubines became the mothers of the sultans foreign origin. It was the mother of the Sultan who ruled the harem and controlled the harem life. The concubines who gave birth to sons to the Sultan reached an elite position. Naturally, most of the concubines turned into ordinary servants.
Few became favorites of the sultans, with whom the sultans constantly met with concubines. The fate of the rest of the sultans knew nothing.
Over time, three groups of concubines formed in the Sultan's harems:
The first group included women who were no longer young by the standards of those times;
The other two groups included young concubines. They were trained in a harem. At the same time, the most intelligent and beautiful girls who were taught to read and write, the rules of conduct in the Sultan's palace. It was understood that girls from this group could eventually become the mothers of future sultans. The girls selected for the second group, among other things, were taught the art of flirting. This was due to the fact that the concubines after certain period time could be taken out of the harem and sold again;
And the third group included the most expensive and most beautiful concubines - odalisques. Girls from this group served not only sultans, but also princes. (The word "odalık" - ("odalisque") is translated from Turkish quite trivially - "maid". Note site).
The concubines who entered the palace were first of all given a new name. Most of these names were of Persian origin. The names were given to the girls based on their character, appearance, features. As an example of the names of concubines, we can give: Majamal (moon-faced), Nergidezada (a girl who looks like a daffodil), Nerginelek (an angel), Cheshmira (a girl with beautiful eyes), Nazlujamal (coquettish). In order for everyone in the harem to know these names, the name of the girl was embroidered on her turban. Naturally, the concubines were taught the Turkish language. There was a hierarchy among the concubines, which also depended on the length of stay in the harem.
About "devshirma" and sultans - eternal bachelors
One of the features of the Ottoman Empire is the uninterrupted power of the same dynasty. Beylik, created by Osman Bey in the 12th century, then turned into an empire that lasted until the 20th century. And all this time the Ottoman state was ruled by representatives of the same dynasty.
Before the transformation of the Ottoman state into an empire, its rulers married the daughters of other Turkmen beys or Christian nobles and rulers. At first, such marriages were made with Christian women, and then with Muslim women.
So until the 15th century, the sultans had both legal wives and concubines. However, with the strengthening of the power of the Ottoman state, the sultans no longer saw the need to marry foreign princesses. Since then, the Ottoman family began to continue the children of slave concubines.
During the time of the Abbasid caliphate, the court guards were created from slaves, which were much more devoted to the ruler than representatives of other local clans. During the Ottoman period, this approach was expanded and deepened. Christian boys were converted to Islam, after which the young converts served only one Sultan. This system was called "devshirme". (According to the “devshirme” system (lit. “devşirme” translates as “collection”, but not “blood tax” - as is often translated into Russian) recruits were recruited into the regiments of “Janissaries”, but only the most talented boys got to study at the Sultan’s palace for preparation for military or civil service, the rest were given to Turkish families in the regions around Istanbul until they came of age.Then these young people who had already been converted and converted to Islam were assigned to the civil service of the Sultan or to the army. This system began to operate in the 14th century. Over the next hundred years, this system was so strengthened and expanded that Christian youths converted to Islam occupied all places in the state and military hierarchy of the Ottoman Empire. And so it continued.
The most gifted converts were brought up at the Sultan's court. This system of civil palace education was called "enderun". Despite the fact that these people were officially considered slaves of the Sultan, their position was different from that of slaves, so to speak, of the “classical type”. In the same way, concubines recruited from Christian women enjoyed a special status. The system of their education was similar to the "devshirme" system.
It is noteworthy that the recent increase in the influence of foreigners converted to Islam led to the fact that in the 15th century, devshirme men began to occupy not only all military, but also all the most important government posts, and devshirme girls began to turn from ordinary concubines into persons whose role in palace and state affairs increasingly increased.
One of the reasons for the transition of the Ottoman sultans to life with only concubines in Europe was the unwillingness to repeat the bitter and shameful fate of Sultan Bayazid I. However, this version was far from the truth. In 1402, a battle took place near Ankara, in which the Ottoman troops were defeated by Timur's troops. Sultan Bayazid was captured, and Bayazid's wife, the Serbian princess Maria, was also captured by Timur, whom Timur turned into his slave. As a result, Bayezid committed suicide. (The victory of Timur, also known as Tamerlane, slowed down the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and delayed the fall of Constantinople and Byzantium for several generations (more than 100 years). Note site).
This story was first described by the famous English playwright Christopher Marlowe in his 1592 play The Great Timurleng. However, what is the truth in the fact that it was this story that made the Ottoman sultans stop taking wives, completely switching to concubines? English professor Leslie Pierce believes that the rejection of official dynastic marriages was associated with a clear decrease in their political significance for the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century. In addition, the harem tradition, traditional for Muslims, has taken its toll. After all, the Abbasid caliphs (with the exception of the first ones) were also the children of harem concubines.
At the same time, as evidenced by the story told by the daughter of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who ruled in last third XIX century (until 1908), by the end of the XIX century, monogamy became widespread in Istanbul. Abdul Hamid II had one favorite concubine, distinguished by coldness of feelings. In the end, the Sultan realized that he could not see the love of a concubine, and gave her as a wife to one clergyman, giving her a mansion. True, during the first 5 post-wedding days, the Sultan kept the husband of his former concubine in the palace, not letting him go home.
XIX century. More freedom for the concubines of the Sultan's harem
The status of the concubine in the harem depended on the degree of proximity to the Sultan. If the concubine, and even more so the most beloved Sultan's concubines - odalisques, managed to give birth to a son to the Sultan, then the status of the lucky woman immediately rose to the level of the Sultan's woman.
And if the son of a concubine in the future also became a sultan, then this woman took control of the harem, and sometimes the entire palace, into her own hands.
Concubines who did not manage to fall into the category of odalisques were eventually given in marriage, while providing a dowry. The husbands of the Sultan's concubines were, for the most part, high-ranking nobles or their sons. Thus, the Ottoman ruler Abdul Hamil I, who ruled in the 18th century, offered the son of his first vizier to marry one of his concubines, who had been close to the Sultan since childhood.
Concubines who did not become odalisques, but at the same time worked in the harem as servants and educators of younger concubines, could leave the harem after 9 years. However, it often happened that the concubines simply did not want to leave the familiar walls and find themselves in unfamiliar conditions. On the other hand, concubines who wanted to leave the harem and get married before the end of the prescribed nine years could apply with a corresponding statement to their overlord, that is, the sultan.
Basically, such petitions were granted, and these concubines were also provided with a dowry and a house outside the palace. The concubines who left the palace were given a diamond set, a gold watch, fabrics, as well as everything that was required for home improvement. These concubines were also paid a regular allowance. These women were respected in society and were called palace women.
From the palace archives, we learn that pensions were sometimes paid to the children of former concubines. In general, the sultans did everything so that their former concubines did not experience material difficulties.
Until the 19th century, concubines transferred to the use of the crown princes were forbidden to give birth. The first to allow the concubine to give birth was Crown Prince Abdul Hamid, who became Sultan Abdul Hamid I after ascending the throne. However, due to the fact that the concubine gave birth to a daughter, the latter was brought up outside the palace before Abdul Hamid ascended the throne. So the girl was able to return to the palace already with the rank of princess.
In the palace archives, many documents have been preserved that tell about the romances between the crown princes and the sultan's concubines. So, when the future Murat V was 13-14 years old, he was in the palace carpentry, at that moment a concubine entered here. The boy was terribly confused, but the concubine said that he had nothing to be ashamed of and that he had 5-10 minutes at his disposal, which he should use for proper purposes.
It happened that concubines had affairs even with eunuchs. Despite the problematic nature of these novels. Moreover, it happened that eunuchs killed each other because of a feeling of jealousy.
In the later stages of the existence of the Ottoman Empire, there were romances between concubines and musicians, educators, and painters who entered the harem. Most often, such love stories took place between concubines and music teachers. Sometimes senior concubines-educators turned a blind eye to novels, sometimes not. So it is not at all accidental that in the 19th century several concubines were married to famous musicians.
There are also records in the archives concerning love stories between concubines and young men who converted to Islam, and after that they were assigned to the palace for education and training.
Happened similar stories and between concubines and foreigners who, for one reason or another, were invited to work in the palace. So in late XIX century a tragic story happened. One Italian artist was invited to paint part of the Sultan's Yildiz Palace. The artist was watched by concubines. (The Yildiz (“Star”) Palace, built in the European style, was the second Sultan's residence built according to European models - after the Dolmabahce Palace. Yildiz and Dolmabahce were strikingly different from the ancient residence of the Sultans - the Topkapi Palace, built in the oriental style. Topkapi was the last to leave Ottoman sultans, who first moved to Dolmabahce and then to Yildiz.
After some time, a love affair arose between one of the concubines and the artist. The teacher, who learned about this, declared the sinfulness of the relationship of a Muslim woman with an infidel. After that, the unfortunate concubine committed suicide by throwing herself into the oven.
In the life of concubines, many similar things happened. tragic stories. However, it happened that such stories did not end tragically and adulterous concubines were simply expelled from the palace.
The concubines who committed this or that serious offense were also exiled.. However, in any case, the concubines were not left to fend for themselves. So it happened, for example, at the end of the 19th century. Somehow, three concubines entertained Sultan Abdul Hamid II when he worked in a carpentry workshop (all sultans had different hobbies). One fine day, one concubine was jealous of another to the Sultan and set fire to the workshop. The fire was extinguished. All three concubines refused to admit their guilt, however, in the end, the palace guards managed to identify the culprit of the fire. The Sultan forgave the jealous woman, who still had to leave the palace. However, the girl was paid a salary from the palace treasury.
Roksolana-Hyurrem - "iron lady" of the harem
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska is one of the most famous Sultan's concubines, who at one time provided strong influence on the Ottoman politics. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska first became the beloved woman of the Sultan, and then the mother of his heir. We can say that Hürrem's career was great.
In Ottoman times, there was a practice of sending crown princes to the provinces by governors in order to gain skills in government for future sultans. At the same time, their mothers also went with the crown princes to the district designated for them. Documents show that the princes had great respect for their mothers, and that the mothers received a salary that exceeded the salary of the princes. Suleiman - the future Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, when he was the crown prince, was sent to rule in the (city) Manissa.
At that time, one of his concubines Mahidevran, who was either an Albanian or a Circassian, bore him a son. After the birth of her son, Mahidevran received the status of the main woman.
At the age of 26, Suleiman ascended the throne. Some time later, a concubine from Western Ukraine which was then part of Poland. They called this concubine, a cheerful beautiful girl, Roksolana. In the harem, she was given the name Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska (Khurrem), which means "cheerful" in Persian.
At the very a short time Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska attracted the attention of the Sultan. Mahidevran, the mother of Crown Prince Mustafa, became jealous of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. The Venetian ambassador writes about the quarrel between Mahidevran and Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska: “Mahidevran insulted Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and tore her face, hair and dress. After some time, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was invited to the Sultan's bedchamber. However, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska said that she could not go to the master in this form. However, the Sultan summoned Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and listened to her. Then he called Mahidevran, asking if Hürrem had told him the truth. Mahidevran said that she was the main woman of the Sultan and that other concubines should obey her, and that she still beat the treacherous Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska a little. The Sultan became angry with Mahidevran and made Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska his favorite concubine.
A year after joining the harem, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska gave birth to a son. Following this, she gave birth to five children, including one girl. So the harem rule did not apply to Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, according to which one concubine could give birth to the Sultan only one son. The Sultan was very in love with Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, so he refused to meet with other concubines.
One fine day, one governor sent two beautiful Russian concubines as a gift to the Sultan. After the arrival of these concubines in the harem, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska threw a tantrum. As a result, these Russian concubines were given to other harems. This is another example of how Suleiman the Magnificent broke traditions in the name of love for Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska.
When Mustafa's eldest son turned 18, he was sent as governor to Manissa. Mahidevran was sent along with him. As for Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, she broke another tradition: she did not follow her sons to the places where they were appointed governors, although other concubines who gave birth to sons to the Sultan still went with them. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska just visited her sons.
After the removal of Mahidevran from the palace, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska became the main woman of the harem. Also, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska became the first concubine in the Ottoman Empire, with whom the Sultan married. After the death of the Sultan's mother, Hamse, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska completely took over the power over the harem. In the next 25 years, she commanded the Sultan as she wanted, becoming herself strong personality in a palace.
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, like other concubines who had sons from the Sultan, did everything to ensure that it was her son (or rather one of them) who became the heir to the throne. She succeeded in undermining the Sultan's confidence in Crown Prince Mustafa, who was much loved by the people and who was greatly loved by the Janissaries. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska managed to convince the Sultan that Mustafa was going to overthrow him. Mahidevran constantly made sure that her son was not poisoned. She understood that conspiracies were woven around, the purpose of which was the elimination of Mustafa. However, she failed to prevent her son's execution. After that, she began to live in (the city of) Bursa, being in poverty. Only the death of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska saved her from poverty.
Suleiman the Magnificent, who led most on campaigns, he received information about the situation in the palace exclusively from Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. Letters have been preserved that reflect the great love and longing of the Sultan for Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. The latter became his main adviser.
Another victim of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was the chief vizier - sadrazam Ibrahim Pasha, who was also once a slave. This was a man who served the Sultan from Manissa and was married to the sister of Suleiman the Magnificent. Moreover, due to the intrigues of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, another loyal close associate of the Sultan, Kara-Ahmet Pasha, was killed. Helped Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska in her intrigues by her daughter Mihrimah and her husband, a Croat by origin, Rustem Pasha.
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska died before Suleiman. She failed to see the accession to the throne of her son. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska entered Ottoman history as the most powerful concubine, "the station reported in its essays on the history of Turkey. (Suleiman's son from Mahidevran - Mustafa was strangled by order of Suleiman, because the Sultan was inspired that Mustafa was preparing treason. After the death of Roksolana- Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska passed years when the deceased Suleiman was succeeded by his son from Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska - Selim, who became famous for writing poetry, as well as drunkenness. Ottoman history he now appears under the nickname Selim the Drunkard. In total, Roksolana gave birth to five children to Suleiman, incl. four sons, but only Selim survived his father. The first son of Roksolana Mehmed (years of life 1521-1543) died at a young age, like the youngest - the son of Dzhangir (1533-1553); another son of Roksolana, Bayazid (1525-1562), was executed by decree of his father after, during a feud with his own brother, Prince Selim (who later became the Sultan), he fled to Iran hostile to the Ottomans, but then was extradited back. Roksolana's tomb is located in Istanbul's Suleymaniye Mosque. Note. website).
This series of essays was broadcast by the Turkish state foreign broadcasting Radio "Voice of Turkey" during the winter-spring of 2007, its Russian edition. This publication provides a transcript of the texts of essays dated 02/01/2007; 01/16/2007; 01/23/2007; 01/30/2007; 02/27/2007; The subtitles for the essays are provided by Portalostranah.
Details Created: 01/04/2017 10:30 Updated: 12/19/2017 14:18
Every day people are more and more interested historical figures who have impacted the world in some way or are worthy of admiration. To date, the story of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan is considered very popular. Let's find out more about it life path and cause of death.
Khurem Sultan - the first girl who managed to change life and order in the Ottoman Empire. She is appeared in the Topkapi Palace as a slave, but in a very short time she became one of the most powerful and powerful women Ottoman Empire. The name Hurrem was given to her by Suleiman I himself, which means "merry". In the eyes of many of her rivals, she was the most dangerous weapon in the arsenal of the ruler of the Omani Empire.
Topkapi Palace
Biography
There are no specific facts and historical records about the real origin of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. Almost nothing is known about her birth and childhood before she entered the harem. We can only rely on the legends and literary works of Western writers. Some stories state that girl was born in a small beautiful town of Rogatin (Western Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk region). Other sources say that the birthplace was the city of Chemerovets (Khmelnitsky region, Western Ukraine).
The real name of the beauty is also controversial issue. Some believe that she was named Anastasia Lisovskaya, others call her - Alexandra. Many legends say that the young beauty was the daughter of a priest, a minister of the local church of Rohatyn, Gavrila Lisovsky. The date of birth is also not fully known. She is believed to have been born sometime between 1502 and 1505.
photo of real Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska (one of many)
In the 1520s Crimean Tatars captured it during one of their raids in the region. They took the girl as a slave and sent her to the main slave market in the Crimean city of Kaffa. Then she was transported to Constantinople, and somewhere in the slave markets, was chosen for the harem and presented to Suleiman I, as a souvenir, for his ascension to the throne.The influence of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska on Suleiman was lightning fast, because it took her only a few months to turn from an ordinary slave into the most important spouse in the harem.
Topkapi Palace. Lord's room
Love story
From 1520 to 1566, The Ottoman Empire was ruled by Suleiman I. Many claim that he was greatest ruler in history. This sultan was also known as Suleiman the Magnificent or Kanuni the Legislator. Throughout his time in power, he influenced the history of many countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Sultan Suleiman I (Titian, 1530)
In September 1520, when Selim I (Suleiman's father) died by accident, his carefree life ended. The guy was called to the capital to rule the Great Empire. At the same time, he met a woman who changed his life forever.History remembers her as Roxolena, Roksolana, Roxalene, Roxolane and Rossa. But, the Sultan called her most of his life - Hurrem. She got this name because of her extraordinary personality and cheerful disposition.
Roksolana and Sultan ( Anton Hickel, 1780)
Due to her beauty and great intelligence, she quickly attracted the attention of the ruler. At the same time, she aroused the terrible envy of her rivals in the harem. Hated her the most Mahidevran Sultan, mother of Mustafa's heir. Historians note that she repeatedly tried to take the life of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. The most famous is Mahidevran's attack on Hürrem, when she scratched the girl's face and tore her clothes. After that, as soon as Suleiman found out about such an act of the former favorite, he became very angry and made Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska the most beloved and important concubine in the harem.
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and Suleiman from the Turkish TV series
Children Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan
The connection between Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and Suleiman was very strong, which was unexpected for the society of that time. Their relationship was the first in the history of the dynasty, when the Sultan was completely focused on only one woman. She is gave him six children. Among them were five boys - Mehmed (1521-1543), Abdullah (1523-1526), Selim (1524 - 1574), Bayazid (1525 - 1561), Jihangir (1531-1553) and one girl - Mihrimah (1522-1578) .
historical photos
Hürrem's influence over the Sultan soon became legendary. She initiated new order in the harem and strengthened her position in the palace. The girl studied a lot and even became Suleiman's adviser on state issues. She studied the Ottoman language, mathematics, astronomy, geography, diplomacy, literature and history. In addition, she was very interested in alchemy. The girl had influence on foreign affairs and led international politics. For example, she took care of maintaining peaceful relations between the Ottoman Empire and the Polish state.
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan (Titian, c. 1550)
As is known, social status concubines, did not satisfy an ambitious and demanding woman. Many writers have claimed that she has been looking for an approach and a way to marry Suleiman for a long time. And eventually found it. First, she asked the Sultan to instruct her in the Muslim religion. Suleiman saw no objections and took care of her religious education. After that, she told him that she would like to become a Muslim. Changes in religious principles from Christianity to Islam made the ruler happy. And after changing her religious views, she told him that the new religion would not allow her to have sexual relations with a man she was not married to. According to Ottoman historiographers, her plan worked - Suleiman resisted for three days, and then, against all laws, married her.
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska in a Turkish TV series (as Meryem Uzerli)
Charity
Apart from her political interests, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was a great benefactor. She built two schools, several fountains, mosques, and a women's hospital near the slave market in Constantinople. She also commissioned a bath - Hammam, which was supposed to serve the community of believers of the nearby Hagia Sophia and Suleiman Mosque. This Hamam continues to function today. In 1552, she set up a community kitchen in Jerusalem to feed 500 poor and needy people twice a day.
Hamam. Istanbul. Turkey.
Cause of death
The legendary woman died - April 15, 1558 from an unknown disease(other sources say she may have been poisoned). The Sultan buried her in the mausoleum, which belonged to the Suleiman mosque complex. He joined her 8 years later and found his final resting place in the same complex.
Roksolana in the Ukrainian television series (as Olga Sumskaya)
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska is remembered for her social work and as a woman to whom Suleiman was faithful. After Suleiman died, her son Selim ascended the throne. He ruled the Ottoman Empire until his death on December 15, 1574.
Video
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Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan (Roksolana) is a woman who left a deep mark on the history of the Ottoman Empire. She literally broke into palace life. She ended up there not of her own free will, but by the strength of her mind and zeal she was able to win the heart of the ruler of the Empire. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was the second largest figure in the country after her husband. Legends still circulate around her death, which express various versions death of this great woman.
Before understanding the causes of death, you should familiarize yourself with the life of this beautiful and smart woman. Moreover her biography begins with the Slavic lands.
If to speak about the birth of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, there is also no clear answer. By official version, she was born in Western Ukraine. Today this region belongs to the Ivano-Frankivsk region. But it is also known that at birth she was given the name of her father - Gavrila Lisovsky. But the data on her name differ in different sources. So, some say that her name was Alexandra, in others - Anastasia. The date of birth is still a mystery, but if you stick to the sources, then the girl was born between 1502 and 1505.
fateful turn
Place, where born and lived Hürrem was not calm. The Crimean Tatars periodically carried out raids here. One day during another raid Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was captured along with other women. Before getting to Suleiman, the girl was transferred several times from one slave trader to another. So she was among the concubines of Suleiman, who at that time was already 26 years old.
There were very difficult relations between all the concubines, one might even say, “bloody”. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, once in the palace, immediately became the leader and favorite concubine of Suleiman. Another concubine was very jealous and envious, so one day she attacked her and scratched the whole body and face of Hürrem. This incident changed the life of a woman. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska immediately became the sole favorite of Suleiman.
Slave or beloved woman
The beauty of the girl charmed the Turkish master, who treated her favorably and trusted her. So, young Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska asked to go to his personal library, which greatly impressed Suleiman. There the girl spent most of the time while the master was on military campaigns. Once, when he returned from a long campaign, he was very surprised by what he saw: Roksolana learned several languages and could competently argue on various topics - from politics to culture.
If new concubines were brought for Suleiman, she easily eliminated the opponent exposing it in the wrong light. The fact that Suleiman and Roksolana were in love was seen by everyone who was at least a little close to their society.
Marriage and family
According to ancient traditions, marriage between them was not possible. But against all odds, it was destined to happen.
Wedding
The wedding celebration took place in 1530, despite condemnation and numerous reproaches. This was exceptional case in the history of the Ottoman Empire. After all, the Sultan could not marry a woman from the harem.
Celebrated the wedding on a grand scale. All the streets of the Empire were decorated, music played from everywhere. Wild animals, tightrope walkers, fakirs took part in the festive performances. The people admired this couple and were incredibly delighted.
Their love was boundless and all-consuming. And all this thanks to Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. The girl not only spoke beautifully and correctly expressed her thoughts, but also could keep silent in time. This is evidenced by numerous letters in which she beautifully and touchingly confessed her love.
procreation
Before marriage with Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska the sultan lost three children from other concubines. Therefore, he really wanted to have heirs from his beloved woman. Soon the couple had children:
- First son Mehmed. The fate of which was very difficult, he lived only 22 years.
- Abdullah is the second son who died at the age of 3.
- The third son of Shehzade Selim. The only heir who outlived his parents later became the ruler of the Ottoman Empire.
- Bayazid is the fourth son, whose life was tragic. After the death of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, he entered into open hostility with his brother Selim, who already ruled the country. Their father was angry. And Bayazid fled with his family. But a few days later they were found and executed.
- The youngest son of Janhangir. The boy was born sick, he had a malformation - a hump. But despite the illness, he was very smart and developed correctly, he was interested in poetry. He died somewhere between the ages of 17-21.
- Mihrimah is the only daughter of Suleiman and Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. The girl was just a beauty, her parents adored and spoiled her. The girl received an excellent education and was engaged in charity work. She died of natural causes and was buried next to her father. Of all the heirs, only she was awarded such an honor.
Public and political life
Roksolana was not only an attractive and well-read woman, but also significant role she also played in the political and public life of the Ottoman Empire.
Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan actively cared for her people. She had fabulous wealth at her disposal, and besides, she had a number of privileges. Making good use of these factors Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska founded charitable and religious houses in Istanbul.
Roksolana opened her own fund outside the walls of the palace. And after a while, a whole district of Aksrai appeared next to the fund. Here locals could receive different services - from housing to educational.
Apart from political activity , Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was also engaged in charitable work. Allocated funds for the construction of socially significant houses. During her reign it was built:
- two schools;
- several fountains;
- mosques;
- women's hospital.
Roksolana also founded a communal kitchen in Jerusalem, there they fed the poor and the needy 2 times a day.
Political discontent
All her life Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan was under the gaze of the top of society. Husband Suleiman was very jealous of the attention of other men to his wife. And those who dared to openly show sympathy for her were sentenced to death.
But Roksolana herself did not give any reason. She was more concerned about traitors to the motherland. She punished them very cruelly. She has caught enough of them throughout her life. One of Hurrem's victims was a local entrepreneur . He was accused of being strongly sympathetic to France. By order of the ruler, he was sentenced to death and executed.
For those times Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was considered very educated. She received foreign guests and ambassadors, answered foreign letters from great rulers, artists and poets.
All this confirms that Roksolana was a strong and powerful woman who would never have suffered betrayal. But still, first of all, she was considered a faithful wife and a good mother.
As for the death of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan, here many riddles. Actually, the whole life of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska is an endless series of conjectures and secrets. Almost all sources indicate at what age she died. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska died at the age of 52, in 1558.
Husband Suleiman was literally heartbroken. For his deceased wife, he built the tomb of Turbet. He himself died 8 years after Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and was buried next to his wife.
Why did Hürrem die? The cause of Hürrem's death is still unclear. It is only known that she “burned out” from the disease very quickly . Some claim she was poisoned. It was the envious and ill-wishers at court who conspired against her and poured poison into her food.
But many researchers of her death are inclined to believe that she died of an illness. Before her death, the woman was often sick. Constant and prolonged colds led to pneumonia. This finally depleted the body and led to the death of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska.
Video
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The last, Cihangir, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska gave birth in 1531. The wedding of Suleiman and Roksolana was celebrated in 1530. In the history of the Ottomans, this was an unprecedented event - the Sultan officially married a woman from the harem. Mihrimah Sultan. The Sultan was intrigued and surprised. The Sultan became angry with Mahidevran and made Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska his favorite concubine. They said about Roksolana that she bewitched the Sultan with the help of evil spirits. And indeed he was bewitched.
There are no documentary sources and even any reliable written evidence that speaks about the life of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska before entering the harem. However, its origin is known from legends and literary writings, mainly in Western sources. Once in the harem, Roksolana received the name Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska (from Persian خرم - “fun”).
Another concubine of Suleiman - Mahidevran, the mother of Prince Mustafa, a slave of Albanian or Circassian origin, became jealous of the Sultan for Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska. The quarrel that arose between Mahidevran and Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska in his report for 1533 was described by the Venetian ambassador Bernardo Navagero: “... A Circassian offended Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and tore her face, hair and dress. After some time, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was invited to the Sultan's bedchamber.
Historian Galina Ermolenko dates Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska's appearance in the harem between 1517 and Suleiman's accession to the throne in 1520.
However, the Sultan summoned Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and listened to her. Then he called Mahidevran, asking if Hürrem had told him the truth. Mahidevran said that she was the main woman of the Sultan and that other concubines should obey her, and that she still beat the insidious Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska a little.
It can be assumed that Roksolana-Anastasia got into the harem of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent 15-year-old
In 1521, two of three sons Suleiman. In this regard, the ability of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska to give birth to an heir gave her the necessary support in the palace. The conflict of the new favorite with Mahidevran was restrained by the authority of Suleiman's mother Hafsa Sultan. Even before that, in 1533, together with his son Mustafa, who had come of age, an old rival of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska - Mahidevran went to Manisa.
Sultan Suleiman, who spent most of his time on campaigns, received information about the situation in the palace exclusively from Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska
The death of the Valide and the removal of the Grand Vizier opened the way for Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska to strengthen his own power. After the death of Hafsa, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was able to achieve what no one had ever achieved before her. The wedding ceremony that took place was, apparently, very magnificent, although it is not mentioned in any way in Ottoman sources. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska's unique position was reflected by her title - Haseki, introduced by Suleiman especially for her.
One of the sanjak-beys presented the Sultan and his mother with one beautiful Russian slave girl each. When the girls arrived at the palace, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, who was caught by the ambassador, was very unhappy. Valide, who gave her slave to her son, was forced to apologize to Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and take the concubine back. The Sultan ordered the second slave to be sent as a wife to another sanjak-bey, since the presence of even one concubine in the palace made the Haseki unhappy.
On her initiative, several mosques, a bathhouse and a madrasah were built in Istanbul. Shortly after returning from a trip to Edirne, on April 15 or 18, 1558, due to prolonged illness either poisoning Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan died. The tomb of Roksolana is located near the mausoleum of Suleiman to the left of the mosque in the Suleymaniye complex. Inside the tomb of Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska is probably the coffin of Hanym Sultan, daughter of Hatice Sultan, sister of Suleiman.
Having given birth to a son, the woman ceased to be a favorite, going with the child to a remote province, where the heir was to be brought up until the time he took the place of his father. This image of an insidious and power-hungry woman was transferred to Western historiography, although it underwent some transformation. She is the only woman in the Sultan's harem with an official title. She is the Haseki Sultana, and Sultan Suleiman shared his power with her. She is the woman who made the Sultan forget about the harem forever.
The beautiful captive was sent to the capital of the sultans on a large felucca, and the owner himself took her to sell
First half of the 16th century was a time when the Turks, together with the Tatars subject to them, mercilessly plundered the territories of southeastern Europe. In 1512, a wave of devastating raids reached modern Western Ukraine, which was then under the rule of the Commonwealth.
In March 1536, the Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, who had previously relied on the support of Hafsa, was executed by order of Sultan Suleiman, and his property was confiscated.
This path was made, among other polonyanok, by a girl, a priest's daughter from the town of Rogatin (now Ivano-Frankivsk region) Nastya Lisovskaya. The Turk was struck by the dazzling beauty of the girl, and he decided to buy her to make a gift to the Sultan.
Mihrimah was born in 1522 in the Top Kapi Palace, 2 years later her mother Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan will give birth to the future padishah Selim
This turn of affairs made it possible for Roksolana to become the legal wife of Suleiman, which would have been impossible if she had been bought for money. By the way, the Slavs were called "Roksolans" and "Rosomans". The word Roksolana is a slave (captive), because everyone in Suleiman's harem was Roksolana. There is a legend about how Hurrem (Hurrem - translated from Persian"smiling", "laughing", "cheerful") caught the eye of the Sultan.
The Sultan was shocked, but allowed. Constant intrigues at the court of Suleiman developed the abilities of a psychologist in Roksolan. Roksolana became for him the embodiment of everything that he loved in women: she appreciated art and understood politics, was a polyglot and an excellent dancer, knew how to love and accept love.
Beloved Suleiman II died of a cold in 1558 (according to other versions, 1561 or 1563) and was buried with all due honors. In the shortest possible time, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska attracted the attention of the Sultan. In 1534, the Valide Sultan died. And on the same evening, Hurrem received the Sultan's handkerchief - a sign that in the evening he was waiting for her in his bedroom.
The only woman in the East with whom Sultan Suleiman shared power over the country and who was able to ascend the throne with an open face was Ottoman sultana Haseki. But in European countries this legendary woman became known under a different name - Roksolana.
She was the wife of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire Suleiman the Magnificent and the mother of their common children, one of whom, Sulim II, later became the Ottoman ruler. Suleiman's concubine, Ukrainian Roksolana, possessed extraordinary beauty. And the sultan, having fallen in love with the girl with all his heart and soul, not only took her as his wife, but also offered her to rule the empire with him.
The details of her life are of interest to many scientists and ordinary people until now, but not only because this simple girl was able to go from the mistress of the Sultan to the Empress. What secrets and mysteries of Roksolana, the famous favorite of Sultan Suleiman, is fraught with her biography, read on.
What is known about the childhood and youth of the future sultana
Roksolana is a Ukrainian girl who became famous for becoming the wife of the Ottoman emperor and having all the powers of the padishah, allowing her to rule the country. But, despite the fact that Roksolana Haseki Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan was legendary woman, the early years of her life are still not known to history. Well, the information that historical and literary sources offer is so contradictory that the truth about who and what Roksolana really was remains undisclosed.
And if most of the materials can be questioned, then the only indisputable detail that has become a reliable fact from the life of Roksolana is her Slavic origin. Almost all literary and historical sources insist that Roksolana Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was Ukrainian.
Most likely, this outstanding person and the future Ottoman sultana of the 15th century was born on the territory that belonged to the Commonwealth. Now it is Ivano-Frankivsk region, located in the west of Ukraine.
The real date of her birth is unknown, as well as exactly where Roksolana was born. Apparently, she was born into the family of a priest around 1505-1506. According to literary sources, at birth the girl received the name Alexander Lisovskaya. As for another version, according to which the baby was named Anastasia and lived in Rohatyn, the Ukrainian writer P. Zagrebelny described her very colorfully in his novel of the same name - “Roksolana”.
Nothing is known about the early years of the girl's life, but her life line can be built, based on Ukrainian and Polish chronicles, from the age of 15. It was at this age that the Tatars attacked the town in which the famous Turkish concubine Roksolana lived with her family. And a 15-year-old girl is captured by them. In the future, she will have a fateful meeting with Sultan Suleiman, but before that she will have to go through several resales.
Once in the Sultan's harem, where the rules of survival were very cruel, she immediately managed to stand out. Roksolana and Suleiman met at one of the performances of slaves, when each of the new concubines had to demonstrate their talent to the owner. And the fragile girl Roksolana was able to surprise, intrigue and attract the attention of the Sultan not only with her singing, but also with a mysterious smile.
In the evening of the same day, Sultan Suleiman ordered a handkerchief to be sent to his new favorite. This meant only one thing: she would have to spend the night with the young emperor.
The path from concubine to sultana
Silent and modest, she was always helpful and pliable, which bribed the young ruler of the Ottoman Empire. After several nights spent together, she asked him for permission to visit the court library. This request, to put it mildly, surprised the Sultan, but he allowed her to go to the Sultan's personal reading room. Some time later, when the young Sultan Suleiman returned from another military campaign, Roksolana shocked him. During his absence, she learned several foreign languages.
People in the area began to say that Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska is a witch. Some even blamed her for bewitching Suleiman. Envy arose among other concubines from the harem of the Ottoman ruler. One of Suleiman's mistresses even scratched the young Roksolana's face and body, which caused great indignation on the part of the Sultan. Since then, the Ukrainian captive has become the most beloved wife of the Ottoman Emperor Suleiman.
Taking advantage of special privileges, the main favorite of the Sultan began to listen to everything that court servants taught her. Her life and fate were not easy, and therefore Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska was determined to take everything from life. Spending hour after hour in the library, she also learned oriental dance. Roksolana perfectly mastered the technique of oriental dances and with her movements could outshine any other concubine.
And yet it happened. The biography of Roksolana, the future Queen of the East, contains evidence of her marriage to an Ottoman prince. The marriage took place in 1530. Roksolana Haseki Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan became the first woman from the harem, who was married by a representative of the royal dynasty, although this was contrary to the rules of the Turkish community.
The wedding celebration had an unprecedented scope until then. On the eve of the wedding of the Sultan and his concubines, the streets of the city were decorated with festive decorations, and on the day of the celebration itself, a real performance was held, where wild animals, tightrope walkers and even illusionists performed.
Married life of Haseki
In marriage, Roksolana was happy. Thanks to her humility and feminine wisdom, she was able to win the heart of the Ottoman emperor and get what she wanted.
The fourth child of Roksolana and Suleiman was another son, named Bayazid at birth. But he won't live to see his natural death in old age, because in pursuit of power over the Ottoman Empire, he will oppose his brother Selim and will be executed for this along with his family.
The fifth child in the family was also a son, who was named Janhangir. At birth, a defect was discovered in him - a hump growing on his back. But, despite this physical handicap, Janhangir will live a good life, although he will die at a young age, about 17-22 years old.
But Roksolana Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska and Suleiman had not only sons. The Turkish sultana gave birth to the Ottoman emperor's only daughter, Mihrimah. She was a favorite child in the family, received a decent education, was surrounded by the attention of both parents, lived in luxury and knew no refusal in anything. The matured Mihrimah mastered various sciences and was engaged in charity all her life. In order to perpetuate the memory of her good deeds, two mosques were erected in Istanbul.
It is worth noting that the most educated woman of that time, the Eastern Queen Roksolana, played a significant role in the life of the country. According to the data provided by Wikipedia, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Haseki was the initiator of the construction of socially significant buildings:
- Several mosques (currently operating on the territory of Istanbul).
- Madrassas (educational institutions that trained and educated Muslim worshipers, as well as primary school teachers).
- Hamam Roksolany (baths, which are currently one of the main attractions of Turkey).
Contribution to the development of the state and the cause of death of the sultana concubine
As history shows us, Roksolana Haseki Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan was incredibly wise, decisive and strong spirit woman. She lived decent life, passing hard way from a concubine to a mistress who controls an entire empire.
However, softness and love of children were combined in her with inflexibility and uncompromisingness. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Haseki did not spare traitors and traitors, applying harsh measures to them as a warning to the rest. So, for example, on the orders of the sultana, one of the state dignitaries, named Ibrahim, was strangled. Convicted of excessive sympathy for France, he became a victim of the brutal reprisal of the ruler.
Her contribution to the development of the Ottoman Empire was truly great. While her husband, Sultan Suleiman, was engaged in the conquest of new lands, Roksolana conducted diplomatic correspondence and arranged receptions for foreign ambassadors, and was engaged in matters of national importance. In addition, she introduced many reforms that made life easier for Muslim women and their children. That is why her death was a tragedy for the entire people of the Ottoman Empire.
The most educated and wisest woman of the 15th century, the beautiful Roksolana, died in 1558. According to historical sources, the cause of death of the Ottoman ruler, endowed with the powers of the padishah, was poisoning. However, this is still not officially confirmed version. Considering that medicine at that time was not very developed, Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Haseki could have died from an incurable disease. The queen of the East, Roksolana, was fading away literally before our eyes. All attempts by her husband and children to save the life of the sultana were in vain, and in April 1558 (either April 15, or April 18) Roksolana dies.
A year after the tragedy, the body of the eastern queen will be moved to a tomb located in a domed mausoleum. Her tomb was decorated with luxurious decor, patterns and ceramic plates with images of the Garden of Eden. The texts of poems were also carved on the tombstone, which were dedicated to Roksolana and her charming smile. Author: Elena Suvorova
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