November 6: Birthday of Suleyman (1494)
Prayer Idea
Pray for nations led by Muslim leaders to pursue peace with their neighbors.
History Note
Mehmed II was the leader of the Ottoman Empire. Mehmed captured the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 1453. His grandson, Suleyman, became the strongest ruler of his day in Europe and the Middle East in terms of lands ruled, wealth, and accomplishments. Born in 1494, Suleyman came to power in 1520 at the death of his father, Selim. Suleyman is the Arabic form of Solomon.
Suleyman sent or led conquering armies to the east and to the west. He personally led the Ottoman army on campaigns in Hungary in Central Europe. The Ottoman navy took over Tunisia and Algeria on the coast of northern Africa; raided the coasts of Spain, France, and Italy; and captured much of Greece.
Suleyman supported the arts. He encouraged music, calligraphy, manuscript painting, and the production of textiles, ceramics, and glazed tiles. He also encouraged the study of philosophy. His fellow Muslims considered him to be one of the greatest Muslim poets.
Suleyman sponsored building projects such as bridges, mosques, and palaces in Constantinople and elsewhere. He refurbished the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and authorized projects in Mecca and Medina in Arabia. His chief architect, Sinan, oversaw many projects including the Suleymaniye Mosque complex in Constantinople.
In his last years, Suleyman largely withdrew from active leadership. He left matters in the hands of three sons, who fought each other for control of the empire. Suleyman died in 1566.
Portrait of Suleyman by Nakkaş Osman (1579)
Learn More
Learn more and see images from the life of Suleyman in this video.
Please Note: There are references to battles and executions. There is a brief discussion of Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), one of Suleyman's concubines who became his wife.
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