Chapter 25 :A Mother's and Court’s Concerns

Osman's greatest concern was not the rebellion of the state's leading figures. Since ascending the throne, it was his mother's insistence on marriage that bothered him the most.

Osman, having ascended the throne at a young age and still in the process of shaping his life, didn't consider marriage to be a priority. His goal was to stabilize the Ottoman Empire and implement reforms while holding onto power. Marriage seemed like a lesser issue in the face of these grand responsibilities.

Every day at the palace, Osman found himself tangled in new issues—wars, economic crises, and governance problems. However, his mother, Mahfiruz Sultan, was persistent, urging him to choose a wife for the sake of the future. The viziers and courtiers, too, applied pressure, warning that the state would be weakened without an heir.

For a while, Osman remained indifferent to their pressure. He felt that there were far more critical matters to address, and that marriage was something for later. His time in the palace was consumed by efforts to implement reforms, maintain military order, and shape the future of the state. Marriage, under these circumstances, seemed like a minor concern.

One day, while looking at him with anxious and impatient eyes, Mahfiruz Sultan finally spoke again. "Osman, I worry for your future. You must marry."

With that, Osman turned to his mother, sighing: "Mother, I must focus on matters that are far more important. Marriage cannot be my priority now. We have much to address first."

Despite his determination, Mahfiruz Sultan's anxiety did not fade. The calls for marriage from the courtiers and viziers continued to grow louder. "You must marry, Your Majesty. A ruler without an heir cannot keep his throne secure!"

Eventually, Osman had no choice but to relent. "Fine," he said. "I will marry." But he saw it not as a personal desire but as a necessary step for the future of the dynasty, focusing more on the preservation of the state than on his own wishes.

Historical Footnote: Osman II's Marriage and the Influence of the Sheikh-ul-Islam

Osman II (Genç Osman) broke with tradition by marrying the daughter of Sheikh-ul-Islam Esad Efendi. However, this marriage was not simply a personal choice; it was part of his broader efforts to establish reforms and maintain societal order. The marriage was a strategic move for both the future of the dynasty and the security of Osman's rule. However, this marriage, instead of solidifying his position, sparked turmoil within the ruling elite and was one of the factors that led to Osman's eventual deposition.

Esad Efendi's daughter was a symbol of the growing influence of the religious elite, and after this marriage, the Sheikh-ul-Islam's power increased significantly. This growing influence of the ulema class, over time, contributed to the internal strife and instability that would eventually lead to Osman's downfall.