The assassination of Ibrahim Pasha and palace intrigues

Sultan Suleiman and his great vizier Ibrahim Pasha lived as inseparable friends for more than two decades. This was reported by Upl.uz.

Their relationship began with music in the garden and was solidified by an oath of eternal protection. However, this bond unexpectedly and quietly ended with death, leaving behind many questions and political intrigues within the palace.

When analyzing the events, it appears that Ibrahim's downfall was caused not only by betrayal but also by his own ambitions, jealousy within the palace, and the targeted actions of enemies. Ibrahim's story began with a man named Theodoros from the city of Parga in Greece.

He was enslaved in his childhood but received a good education in the home of a Bosnian representative. In 1516, his violin playing captivated the young prince Suleiman, and he took the young man into his service.

Thus, Ibrahim entered the service of the future sultan. Over the years, their friendship grew stronger.

When Suleiman ascended to the throne, he granted Ibrahim many privileges. He made him the chief administrator of the sultan's household, later appointed him as the commander of the army (seraskir), and finally as the grand vizier.

Ibrahim's authority was nearly limitless, and his diplomatic skills were recognized even by European ambassadors. The event that brought their mutual trust to its peak was Suleiman's oath never to punish Ibrahim in his lifetime.

However, Ibrahim's rapid rise, his deviation from the traditional devshirme system, and the strong competition and enmity among the old Ottoman aristocracy created significant rivalry. The main rival was the sultan's favorite wife, Hurrem Sultan.

Historians believe that Ibrahim was the main obstacle to Hurrem's sons ascending to the throne, as he supported the major heir Mustafa. Hurrem Sultan regarded the vizier as a direct threat to her influence and the future of her children.

She attempted to gradually undermine the sultan's trust in his friend. After Ibrahim was killed, it was Hurrem and her allies, including the future grand vizier Rustem Pasha, who established a system of selling positions, leading to an increase in corruption.

Many analysts believe that Suleiman turned a blind eye to his wife, not realizing that she was eliminating his closest aides. Ibrahim also engaged in actions that caused discontent.

As the commander during the Persian campaign, he received the title of "seraskir-sultan," which was perceived as an attempt to equate himself with the king. Rumors about this were regarded by Suleiman as a significant pride and an affront to his authority.

The events of the three days leading up to his assassination remain mysterious. Although historical sources do not elaborate on the details, on March 15, 1536, after dinner with the sultan, Ibrahim was strangled to death in his chambers at the Topkapi Palace.

The execution was carried out mysteriously, without an official ceremony. His body was taken out at night and buried in an unknown grave, and all his possessions were confiscated.

To avoid breaking his oath, Suleiman sought a fatwa, which allowed him to issue the death sentence. According to some sources, the execution took place while the sultan was asleep, thus he would not be considered to have broken the promise he made "in his lifetime."

Although the original of Ibrahim's last letter has not been preserved, sources state that he addressed Suleiman as brother and ruler, accepting his fate without asking for mercy: "You made me your brother, lifted me to the heavens. If you now decide to take my life, it is your will.