25. Suleiman the Magnificent

In this episode of the "Empire" podcast, the hosts delve into the rich history of the Ottoman Empire, focusing on the crucial years between Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople and the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. They explore the tumultuous succession of various sultans, marked by intense power struggles and the peculiar practice of fratricide. Guest historian Marc David Baer sheds light on Selim I, known as "The Grim," who dramatically expanded the empire's territory to the east, claiming the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The discussion then transitions to Suleiman's early reign, highlighting his unconventional relationship with his Grand Vizier Ibrahim and his later marriage to Roxalana, a former slave, which defied traditional Ottoman customs. This episode offers listeners a captivating glimpse into the intricate political and social dynamics of the Ottoman court and the empire's vast expanse.