sansaregina:“Intelligent and charitable, Süleyman the Magnificent’s daughter Mihrimah married a gran
sansaregina:“Intelligent and charitable, Süleyman the Magnificent’s daughter Mihrimah married a grand vizier, inspired Mimar Sinan, and advised her father and brother in state affairs”Mihrimah Sultan was loved dearly by her father who valued her opinions. Following her mother’s death in 1558, she became advisor to the Sultan. She also acted in capacity of “Valide Sultan” (Queen Mother). Throughout her life, she had a say in many state affairs; she encouraged her father to embark on a campaign to Malta for which she had 400 galleys built at her own expense. Her congratulatory letter to the King of Poland upon his accession to the throne till this day remains preserved in Poland’s archives. She continued to act as advisor to her brother Sultan Selim II who ascended the throne following their father’s death in 1566.Like mother like daughter, Mihrimah became known for her piety and benevolence. She was the wealthiest woman of the century, often loaning money to the treasury and spending her wealth on charity and good deeds. The poor people she helped comprised the majority of those who grieved her death. The repair of ‘Ayn Zubaydah, the spring in Makkah, the establishment of a foundation to supply wrought iron to the navy were among Mihrimah Sultan’s contributions to the Empire. [x] -- source link
#history#mihrimah sultan#16th century