One of the most important women of the Ottoman Empire is Kösem Sultan. She is thought to be of Greek origin or from Bosnia. She is estimated to have been born in 1589 or 1590 with the name Anastasia. Unfortunately, there is not much information about her life before she entered the Ottoman Harem. She became the Haseki of Sultan Ahmed I at the age of 15. Kösem Sultan gave birth to Şehzades named Murad IV, Suleiman, Ibrahim, and Kasim. Sultans named Ayşe, Gevherhan, Fatma, and Hanzade also were born to Kösem Sultan.
Kösem Sultan and the Ottoman State
Kösem Sultan did not interfere much in state affairs during the time of Sultan Ahmed I. Although she did not interfere much in political matters, she managed to have her say most of the time to Sultan Ahmed I. With the death of Sultan Ahmed I, Kösem Sultan became a widow at the age of 27. Her influence in state affairs increased during the reign of Osman II, and Kösem Sultan was sent to the Old Palace. With her son Murad IV ascending the throne at the age of 11, she had the opportunity to rule the Ottoman State on behalf of her son Murad IV. Kösem Sultan's regency continued until her son Murad IV grew up and took over the administration.
