How accurate is Hürrem's portrayal in MC?
Fiction:
Hürrem is shown as unmannered, very emotional, and often explosive and aggressive.
Reality:
Concubines in the imperial harem went through years of strict education. By the time a concubine was even allowed to meet the sultan, she was well-trained, disciplined, and well-mannered. Otherwise, she would never have had the chance to meet him.
Fiction:
Her relationship with Suleiman is shown as full of conflict and drama.
Reality:
Their relationship seems to have been very loving and stable. It was so unusual that it even led to breaking several traditions
Fiction:
Hürrem somehow becomes the enemy of almost the entire Ottoman dynasty and has to fight everyone for survival.
Reality:
Except for tensions with Mahidevran as she was the mother of the eldest son and Fatma Sultan, there is no evidence of rivalry with other family members. In fact, there are that she had cordial relationships with several members of the royal family.
Fiction:
She has many alliances and loyal people, but they mostly work together to eliminate Hürrem’s rivals.
Reality:
Like every powerful royal figure, Hürrem surely had loyal servants and supporters around her. But her influence was much bigger than palace plots. She corresponded with foreign rulers, such as the Polish king, and supported many charity projects These parts of her life are barely shown in the series.
Fiction:
Hürrem is shown as so in love with the sultan that every time he is with another woman, she harms herself and does not think about her children.
Reality:
Even though I believe their love was mutual, I don’t think Hürrem would go so far as to harm herself if Suleiman had other women, especially knowing that this could leave her children without protection.
