“The Magnificent Century” series reflects many dramatic events, among which the assassination of Ibrahim Pasha and the subsequent grief of Sultan Khadija hold a special place. This was reported by Upl.uz.
These scenes are considered some of the most memorable moments of the project. The screenwriters of the series primarily relied on historical sources to depict the events surrounding the order to assassinate Ibrahim Pasha, who was the closest companion of Suleiman.
However, in real history, there are more details than shown on screen, including mysterious red stains on the walls of the grand vizier's room. In the series, Ibrahim is shown being strangled by silent assassins while he is asleep.
However, historical sources emphasize that the vizier actively resisted, which led to the appearance of blood traces in his room. Some historians speculate that Suleiman observed the assassination process from a secret window in the palace.
There is no precise information about how Ibrahim's last hours were spent. Historian Ismail Metin writes in his work “The Bloody History of the Ottomans” that the assassination took place during the month of Ramadan.
Ibrahim had recently returned from a military campaign, and Suleiman had invited him to dinner at the palace. After the meal, the sultan invited the vizier to stay overnight.
This detail aligns with the events in “The Magnificent Century” series. Metin also notes that the struggle between Ibrahim and the assassins was very intense, and his screams reached throughout the palace, even to the harem.
Historian Ayqut Jan presents another version in his work “The Death of Pargalı.” According to him, the assassination did not occur in Ibrahim's room but in Suleiman's private quarters.
The vizier was weakened by a substance mixed into his food or drink, which is why he was vulnerable. The assassins first stabbed Ibrahim with a knife and then strangled him with silk thread.
This was considered a traditional method of assassination in the Ottoman Empire. According to Jan, the killing of Ibrahim marked a turning point in the history of the state.
After his death, Hurrem Sultan had more influence over Suleiman, which led to corruption in state institutions and the gradual weakening of the empire. Both versions indicate that the assassination of Ibrahim Pasha was premeditated.
Despite their long-standing friendship and trust, Suleiman decided to eliminate him due to political intrigues and concerns about Ibrahim's growing power. Historians still debate what prompted the sultan to take such a step, but the undeniable truth is that the death of Ibrahim Pasha signifies the end of an era in the Ottoman Empire.
In the Ottoman Empire, strangling high-ranking individuals with silk thread was considered a “glorious” method of assassination, as it prevented bloodshed and conformed to religious traditions.
