The historical dramas of Turkey, particularly the global success of the series known internationally as "Magnificent Century," have heightened interest in one of the significant figures of 16th-century world history. This was reported by Upl.uz.
However, the name of Suleiman I, the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire referred to as "the Magnificent" in Europe, reflects only the external, primarily military and political aspects of his reign. In the East, he is known by the title "the Lawgiver," which signifies his role as a legislator.
When analyzing his legacy, it becomes evident that profound institutional reforms underlie his glorious victories. Suleiman ascended to the throne at the age of 26 in 1520, inheriting an expanded and militarized empire from his father Selim I.
During his 46-year reign, the state territory reached its highest peak. By consolidating power, Suleiman initiated a series of major military campaigns.
In 1521, the key fortress of Belgrade on the Danube fell, opening the way for the Ottomans into Central Europe. The following year, the island of Rhodes was captured, and complete control over the Eastern Mediterranean was established.
The peak of his expansion in Europe was marked by the defeat of the army of the Kingdom of Hungary at the Battle of Mohács in 1526, which led to the near disintegration of the country. Although the siege of Vienna in 1529 ended unsuccessfully, this action demonstrated the level of the Ottoman threat to the entire Christian world.
At sea, the fleet led by Hayreddin Barbarossa dominated the Mediterranean, while long-lasting wars against the Safavids in Persia began in the East. By the end of Suleiman's reign, the Ottoman territory had expanded from Algeria to the Persian border, and from Hungary to Yemen.
However, his military achievements are only part of his legacy. The most crucial factor for the long-term stability of the empire was his legal reforms.
Suleiman systematized secular legislation and created a code known as "the Law." These laws did not abolish Sharia but supplemented it, regulating administrative governance, taxation, criminal law, and land relations that fell outside the scope of religious law.
The judicial system was systematically reorganized, taxes were unified, and the land ownership system was regulated. This reduced the power of local governors and pashas, serving to strengthen the central government.
For this activity, he was given the title "the Lawgiver" by his citizens. Suleiman's reign also led to an unparalleled rise in the field of culture.
Istanbul became one of the main centers of world culture. Under Suleiman's patronage, the great architect Mimar Sinan was active and created the Suleymaniye Mosque.
The sultan, who wrote poetry under the pen name Muhibbi, made significant contributions to the development of literature, calligraphy, and the art of jewelry. His palace became famous for its wealth, shaping the image of a "Great" ruler among European ambassadors and monarchs.
In domestic politics, Suleiman adopted a pragmatic approach to governing a multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire. Within the framework of the "Millet" system, non-Muslim communities – Orthodox Christians, Armenians, and Jews – enjoyed considerable autonomy in religious, educational, and family law matters.
In particular, the policy of religious tolerance towards Jews, who fled to escape persecution in Europe, was in contrast to the religious wars in Europe. Even his death exemplified the pragmatism of state policy.
Suleiman died in 1566 while besieging the Hungarian fortress of Szigetvár. His death led to a period of mourning for the army.
