@ottomanladies I want to ask you something. Although Turhan Sultan withdrew from the regency in September 1656, she was effective in the administration until her death, didn't she? We know that Köprülü Mehmed Pasha continued to submit reports to her, that Turhan Sultan ruled the empire when Köprülü Mehmed Pasha was not in the capital, and that Turhan Sultan supported him against his enemies. In 1676, according to the report of the Venetian ambassador Giacomo Querini, Turhan Sultan still dealt with state affairs.
''[Turhan Sultan] has fame and glory, she respects the public. She became more of a friend to Prince Suleiman than a stepmother. She is greatly respected by the Padishah. Those who wanted to block her were unable to do so. She interferes in the administration with her advice and talents, and joins the monarchy as a partner. She is always with her servants. ” [Source: Barozzi-Berchet, Turchia, volume II, page 135]
In addition, in 1667, Turhan Sultan sent letters to the Emperor Leopold I of Austria and Empress Margarita Theresa in order to resolve the problems between the Ottoman Empire and Austria. We learn from the Austrian historian Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall that Turhan Sultan corresponded with Emperor Leopold I and Empress Margarita Theresa. He writes in volume 6 of his history series 'Geschichte des osmanischen Reiches'.
According to what Dimitrie Cantemir recorded, Turhan Sultan was against Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Pasha, who wanted to start military campaign against Austria in 1683, and Shaykh al-Islam Çatalcalı Ali Efendi was also supporting Turhan Sultan. On the other hand, in the following process, the grand vizier succeeded in convincing Turhan Sultan and war was declared against Austria. If the grand vizier had not been able to persuade Turhan Sultan, the war called 'The Battle of Vienna' would never have happened. Turhan Sultan had the final decision authority even in 1683. She is an incredible woman. I think she is a more important woman than Kösem Sultan and she does not see the value she deserves.
