Ottoman events
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Prior to his conquest of Constantinople Mehmed II signed several generous agreements with the mercantile empires of Venice and Genoa to ensure their neutrality, but when the great city had fallen he was not late in breaking the western merchants' strangle-hold on the Black Sea trade. Mehmed was a mercantilist who strived to maintain state control over the merchants, yet his protectionist measures had the intended effect and the Ottoman economy thrived.
Mehmed II was a centralizing monarch, who sought to expand his personal power within the Ottoman Empire at all costs. Near the end of his reign he sought to reduce the power of the ulema by rerouting revenues from the foundations (waqf) which supported them to the timar system instead, further strengthening the Ottoman army. This move, illegal under Islamic Law, caused widespread resentment and was quickly reversed by his son Bayezid upon Mehmed's death in 1481.
Süleyman I was probably the greatest of the Ottoman Sultans. Called Kanuni (Lawgiver), he was an unsurpassed administrator who realized that the power of the provincial Beys had to be curbed by a strong central government. Thus he struggled to promote a powerful royal bureaucracy which was not popular in all camps...
Selim I, called the Grim, was an ascetic man with a sharp mind. Seeing the threat of the great Christian navies, especially the Venetian one, he realized that the Ottoman Empire had to greatly expand its navy. In emulation of the Arsenale in Venice, he thus ordered the construction of the 'Imperial Halic Shipyard' in Constantinople. The great shipyard stood complete in 1517.
Following the spectacularly successful Mamluk campaign, Sultan Selim I accepted the homage of the sharif of Mecca and adopted the title "Servant of the Two Holy Places" (Khadim al-Haramayn), pledging to protect the security of the pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina each year for the hajj rituals required by the Muslim faith. Defense of the pilgrimage routes henceforth became one of the most significant sources of legitimacy and prestige for the Ottoman dynasty, as it was a role of immeasurable importance for all Muslims which no other dynasty could claim to fulfill.
Mimar Sinan planned and oversaw the construction of countless mosques, aqueducts, bathhouses, bridges, palaces, caravanserais and schools during his half-a-century long career. His masterpieces were the Selimiye and Suleymaniye Mosques in Adrianople and Constantinople respectively.
Sultan Süleyman I became known as Kanuni - Lawgiver - to his own people thanks to his huge legal reforms and just rule. By codifying the secular laws, 'kanun', he lessened the importance of the rigid Muslim Shari'ah laws.
Ahmed I married a beautiful Greek slave girl who would prove a very mixed blessing to the people of the Ottoman Empire. Kösem Sultana ruled her husband as she would rule no less than four of his successors - with an iron grip. Kösem was the real power behind the throne, and although she was a very able ruler, she was not a very popular one.
Old Kösem Sultana, still meddling in high politics, probably attempted to have her grandson Mehmed IV killed, but was herself strangled by men in the entourage of her daughter-in-law, Turhan Sultan. Although the old conniving witch was hardly missed by most, she still had loyal supporters among the Janissaries, who were outraged by her murder.
Born around 1575 in the village of Radnick in Albania, Mehmed Köprülü was a young Christian boy taken by the devshirme system (abducted and raised in the Muslim faith, just like most Janissary troops). He started his career as a cook, then moved to the Treasury. A pasha in central Anatolia, he gained a name for himself as an excellent and honest administrator - a rare creature in the Ottoman Empire. On 15th September 1656 he was appointed Grand Vizier by the mother of the young sultan Mehmed IV. A fierce fighter of corruption, he enacted many successful reforms, balanced the budget and led the war against Venice. After his death in 1661, his son Fazil Ahmed 'the Virtuous' succeeded him and governed till 1676. Other Grand Viziers such as Kara Mustafa (1676-1683), Mustafa Pasha (1689-1691) and Hussein Pasha (1697-1702) were his direct heirs.
During the reign of Ibrahim I, 'Kemankes' Kara Mustafa Pasha, was the Sadrazam, or prime minister. He tried to curtail overspending and revitalized the navy, but was finally executed by the Sultan in 1644. The Sultan had instead started to heed Jinji Hoja - a minor religious official with a reputation for occult powers who was brought into the palace to remedy the sultan's lack of heirs.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Anatolia was afflicted with intermittent outbreaks of cholera and the bubonic plague.
Your Excellency, with Constantinople in our hands, we must decide the fate of the Christian Patriarch. There are many Christians still in the city, it might be prudent to show some leniency. This time...
The provincial governors, or 'Beys', were powerful men, usually ambitious, and not always loyal. Although the Ottoman Empire did not have a noble class or a feudal system like most European nations, the Beys were a close equivalent with many of the same intrinsic problems. The Beys were reluctant to give up their powers and usually demanded even more concessions... even to the point of outright independence.
The Beys are now demanding more power.
The reigns of Mehmed I and Murad II saw the Ottoman Empire reunified after the crushing defeat it had suffered at the hands of Tamerlane. The military was expanded and reformed to match any potential threat and ensure further expansion. It was also during this period that the Ottomans started to realize the vital importance of a strong navy.
Enderun Academy was established by Mehmed II in Constantinople. Promising devsirmes (often kidnapped Christian children from the Balkans) and sons of prominent Ottoman officials were trained in literature, theology, engineering, mathematics etc. at Enderun, preparing them for government service as civil servants and janissaries. The janissaries became rivals to the landed Timariot sipahi soldiers that made up the bulk of the Ottoman army, and tensions were inevitable between the two classes.
The Ottoman army was traditionally mainly composed of cavalry. In the mid-14th century, Orhan I and later on his son, Murad I, introduced the Janissaries. Formed from prisoners of war and slaves, the Janissaries went on to become an elite standing infantry, regularly paid and highly disciplined.
With the rising importance of the Janissary Corps in our society we have also seen an increased influence for the Bektashi order of Sufis. The highly unorthodox, quasi-Shiite Bektashi order has maintained a close relationship with the Janissaries since the 15th century, contributing to their unique culture. So long as the Janissaries remain influential, we will have to provide a degree of tolerance even for the most heterodox of religious practitioners.
As the standing army and loyal servants of the Sultan, the Janissaries and other palace troops traditionally expected to be paid a salary bonus upon the accession of each new ruler. Breaking this tradition could cause riots and instability.
Due to the current state of inactivity in the army, the Janissaries have taken it upon themselves to demand that the State recompensate them for the recent lack of booty, and expect to receive wealth directly from the treasury.
While Janissaries had become active in trades and landholding from an early date, the practice became more widespread due to rampant inflation in the Mediterranean economy. Unable to support themselves on their declining salaries, Janissaries increasingly turned to craft trades in order to make a living, reducing their military discipline.
Due to the great changes our society has been going through the old Janissary corp has been dissolved. The Janissaries have been absorbed by our regular armies and their special privileges are no more.
While the intention had originally been for the Janissaries to be raised only through the devshirme, the social status associated with being a Janissary together with a guaranteed state salary is very attractive for many of our subjects. As the Corps grows in size, we find ourselves unable to fill its ranks solely with devshirme recruits, and have consequently begun to allow Muslim-born men to buy their way into the Corps. As these outsiders have not spent their lives in our service, they are more difficult to train and discipline.
By the middle of the 17th century, the Devshirme had run its course in Ottoman history. The ümera class, in addition to being overpopulated relative to state offices available, now got its manpower from new sources, particularly Abkhazian, Circassian, and Georgian slaves. The Janissaries, too, had long since begun to recruit from the empire's Muslim population, rendering the Devshirme obsolete. Although occasional levies would still take place into the early years of the 18th century, by the 1650s the practice had for all intents and purposes come to an end.
Since the capture of Constantinople by the Turks on May 29th, 1453, Venice had seen its commercial positions in the Black Sea deteriorate. Numerous wars had been fought between 1456 and 1490, pitching the Republic against the Ottomans, with the consequence of Venice losing more pieces of her commercial empire (inherited from the 4th Crusade in 1204) in the Aegean Sea and in Greece (Athens in 1460, Negropont in 1470). A war erupted again in 1499, Venice losing fortresses in Morea such as Modon, Coron and Navarrin.
Murad III, a Sultan ruled by women, fought the Persians in an exhausting war (1578-90) that severely strained the Empire and forced heavy taxes upon the citizens. Though the war was not for nothing - Persia had to cede Azerbaijan, Tiflis and Hamadan to the Ottomans - the resources might have been better spent elsewhere.
The Treaty of Kasr-i Sirin, signed between the Ottoman Empire and Persia in 1635, established borders that have changed little to this day. Hostilities between the two great empires decreased remarkably following the treaty as their relations steadily improved until 1722 when war broke out again. However, the treaty was dusted off and renewed in 1747.
The Treaty of Kasr-i Sirin, signed between the Ottoman Empire and Persia in 1635, established borders that have changed little to this day. Hostilities between the two great empires decreased remarkably following the treaty as their relations steadily improved until 1722 when war broke out again. However, the treaty was dusted off and renewed in 1747.
Our embassy sent to Persia has returned with good news! They agreed to the terms of the treaty. May peace reign between our nations.
Our embassy sent to Persia has returned. They did not agree to the terms of the treaty!
Ever since the Safavid Shah Ismail the Great threw off the yoke of the White Sheep Turks to re-establish Persia as a nation, the Shiite heresy had grown stronger in Anatolia. Near the end of the reign of Bayezid II, the Kizilbash (Shiite Turkmen) rose up in revolt against the Sunni regime. Supported by Shah Ismail and Bayezid's own son Ahmed, the rebels threatened to change the course of Ottoman history...
The Spahi revolts in Eastern Anatolia encouraged the Persian Shah to seek revenge for the humiliating losses incurred by Murad III. War broke out yet again in 1603.
Cem Sultan, the governor of Karaman and Konya rebelled against his older brother Sultan Bayezid II upon the death of their father. However, Bayezid had broader support in court and Cem was ultimately defeated. He fled to Rhodes, where he remained a captive of the Knights of St. John until his death in 1494.
Yet again the Shiites of Eastern Anatolia rose up in rebellion, this time led by a charismatic man named Celal. For centuries, subsequent uprisings in Asia Minor, whether of religious nature or not, were to be called Celali.
The treacherous governor of the newly conquered Mamluk Egypt, Canbirdi Ghazeli, rose up in rebellion against the Ottomans hoping to re-establish the Mamluk state under his own leadership.
In the first decades of the 18th century the Beys and Deys (Janissary leaders) of Northern Africa were in a rebellious mood in the wake of the Peace of Carlowitz between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League. In 1705, Hussein bin Ali Agha of Cretan origin staged a coup and founded the Husseinic dynasty which ruled Tunisia until 1957. Tunisia did not become truly autonomous at once, but it gained a large measure of independence.
In 1711, Ahmad Karamanli, a Turkish cavalry officer and Janissary Dey, killed the Ottoman governor of Tripolitania and prevailed upon the Sultan to name him Bey. The post of governor remained hereditary in the Karamanli family until 1835. While the Karamanlis formally answered to Istanbul, Tripolitania was in effect an autonomous state.
When war broke out between Russia and Turkey, Ali Bey declared Egypt's independence and proposed to fight on the Russian side, refusing to pay any more taxes to the Ottomans. Next, he invaded Syria, but he was betrayed by his rival Ismaïl Bey and killed in 1773.
In the first decades of the 18th century the Beys and Deys (Janissary leaders) of Northern Africa were in a rebellious mood in the wake of the Peace of Carlowitz between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League. In 1710, it was the turn of the Bey of Algiers to begin to start down the road to independence.
His Imperial Majesty [Root.Monarch.GetName] [Root.Monarch.GetTitle], sovereign of the house of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the lord of the Universe, Custodian of the Two Noble Sanctuaries, Qayser-i Rum, Emperor of the Three Cities of Constantinople, Adrianople and Bursa has a reputation as a great man and is unchallenged as a ruler.
As befits a man of his caliber and stature the Sultan has fathered several capable children and many who show great promise as future rulers. Both the sons themselves and our government officials are acutely aware that only one can inherit and what awaits the others. Our Viziers are adamant that it is now high time for [Root.Monarch.GetName] to name a favorite among the possible successors. This is unlikely to end the competition for [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] favor but it will hopefully stop the worst succession struggles that might follow if our [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] should meet his maker without having picked a clear successor.
An Ottoman coronation ceremony is the most grand thing many will see in their lifetime and the coronation of [Root.Monarch.GetName] is no exception. As the Sword of Osman is girded upon [Root.Monarch.GetName] by the Sharif of Konya, however, our Viziers look upon [Root.Monarch.GetHerHim] with some amount of dread. [Root.Monarch.GetSheHeCap] was never the most likely of candidates and would likely never have taken the throne if a clear favorite had existed. Some would go as far as to say that it was [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] mediocrity that allowed [Root.Monarch.GetName] to triumph. Greater men never considered [Root.Monarch.GetHerHim] a threat and others hoped to control the Empire through [Root.Monarch.GetHerHim]. One thing our new [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] has clearly demonstrated: When the need arises [Root.Monarch.GetSheHe] will not shy away from sinking a dagger in the back of those that trust [Root.Monarch.GetHerHim].
Our favorite and heir, [Root.Heir.GetName], is young and still has a lot to learn about life and how to be a good ruler. Most of our Viziers feel it is our duty to uphold our dynastic tradition of appointing our sons to act as governors and rulers over small provinces. This way they can learn what it is to be a ruler. By assigning suitably powerful provinces we can also reduce the chance of a future succession struggle. [sancaga_cikma_province.GetName] has served as such a governorship at times in the past and would likely fit [Root.Heir.GetName] very well.
Others, including our Mother, the Valide Sultan, feel that young [Root.Heir.GetName] would benefit the most from an education within the walls of the Imperial Harem, where [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] will have constant access to good teachers and can be supervised by those who know him. This way [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] would also be far from any place [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] might develop premature political ambitions.
[Root.Heir.GetName] has returned from [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] time as a governor. According to [Root.Heir.GetHerselfHimself] the experience has enriched [Root.Heir.GetHerHim] in more ways than one and [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] is more ready than ever to succeed when God calls for our revered [Root.Monarch.GetTitle]. If our favorite did learn something, that is not very apparent to us, however, and in the Harem rumors are circulating that the only way [Root.Heir.GetName] enriched himself was by lining his pocket during the local revenue collection.
If the year is before 1465 or the capital is not Constantinople (151):
[Root.Heir.GetName] has returned to [Root.Capital.GetCapitalName] from [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] term as a governor of [heir_governorship_province.GetName]. [Root.Heir.GetSheHeCap] claims these years have taught [Root.Heir.GetHerHim] many things about what it means to be the head of a government and how our provincial system works on the local level. During [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] time away from [Root.Capital.GetCapitalName] [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] has had ample time to lead the local troops, oversee the administration and juggle the local strongmen.
As the practical details of succession are being handled for [Root.Monarch.GetName] news has reached us from [enthronement_or_death.GetName]. It seems one of the brothers of [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] Imperial Majesty would rather go down fighting than risk the traditional procedures of a lost succession. His name has been read during the Friday prayers in [enthronement_or_death.GetName] and in short time an army has been assembled to overthrow our new [Root.Monarch.GetTitle].
Like the Sultans of old [Root.Heir.GetName] hopes to make a name for [Root.Heir.GetHerselfHimself] as a conqueror and a [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] who will lead the Empire from the horseback. As [Root.Monarch.GetName] is still in good health, and as we have not allowed our heir to actually take to the field, the realization of this dream remain an uncertainty. It has come to the point that [Root.Heir.GetName] is being ridiculed by the other Sehzade and [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] mother is imploring [Root.Monarch.GetName] to give [Root.Heir.GetHerHim] a command of [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] own.
This is not an unreasonable request, though one must wonder about the motives of those that try to goad our favorite to risk [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] life and limb.
Word has reached us that the beloved and most favored of sons, [Root.Heir.GetName], is plotting against [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] father and aims to overthrow the state. Our trusted and closest consort, the Haseki Sultan, implores us to cut off this cancer from our body and have [Root.Heir.GetName] murdered.
There can be no doubt that the Haseki Sultan speaks out of her own interest in this matter, [Root.Heir.GetName] is no son of hers but his replacement is very likely to be. Our own ministers also speak of [Root.Heir.GetName]'s betrayal, however, and he could pose a very real threat.
Given time to present his case [Root.Heir.GetName] has fully convinced our [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] of his innocence and will remain the most favored of our heirs. This entire ordeal has strengthened his standing at court and with the public in [Root.Capital.GetCapitalName].
The time afforded by our indecisiveness was sufficient for [Root.Heir.GetName] to be able to assemble the rebel army he had intended. As the sun sets on the seventh day after his discovery an army is marching towards [Root.Capital.GetCapitalName].
The assassins we sent to kill the Vali Ahad have returned after successfully completing their mission. We shall never know if he was guilty of treason or not.
The assassins we sent to kill the Vali Ahad failed to perform their mission. Our former heir has fled the capital together with a group of his closest supporters and now prepares to fight for their lives.
If enemy_neighbor_ottomans province is not Muslim:
Our naming of [Root.Heir.GetName] as the preferred heir and Vali Ahad has been about as popular as one could expect among the other Imperial princes and their mothers. Even so [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] ascension has been far less smooth than one could have hoped for, something many would blame our Haseki Sultan, [Root.Consort.GetName] for.
However, determined to stop such destructive intrigue the Valide Sultan, mother of [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] Imperial Highness [Root.Monarch.GetHerselfHimself] has stepped in to protect [Root.Heir.GetName].
[Root.Monarch.GetName]'s most favored Consort, the Haseki Sultan, and [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] mother, the Valide Sultan, are women of great influence and ambition. Both also control a faction of their own in the Imperial Harem and while they both claim to have the best interests of [Root.Monarch.GetName] at heart a clash of wills have always been inevitable. [Root.Consort.GetName] has been maneuvering to have one of her sons take [Root.Heir.GetName]'s place as heir, but the Valide Sultan will have none of it. Both women have invested considerable prestige in the conflict by now.
As many of the Sultan's before [Root.Monarch.GetHerHim] [Root.Monarch.GetName] has a very close bond with [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] mother. As it please God the Valide Sultan is a powerful ally, friend and confidant for our [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] and to reflect this she has been granted a most generous allowance. Money that apart from being used for her personal needs she has been putting to use for the betterment of the state. Our mother is not content with this, however, and has asked for an even more generous arrangement that would allow her to fund ambitious building projects in [Root.Capital.GetCapitalName] itself.
[Root.Owner.Consort.GetName] has not only caught the heart of the [Root.Owner.Monarch.GetTitle] she is also a dynamic woman in her own right. Her constant work to strengthen [Root.Owner.Monarch.GetName]'s realm is a boon both to [Root.Owner.Monarch.GetHerHim] and [Root.Owner.Monarch.GetHerHis] subjects.
Recently a number of charitable projects funded by [Root.Owner.Consort.GetName] in [Root.GetName] and its surroundings has made the entire area blossom.
The Haseki Sultan is not only the favorite consort of the [Root.Monarch.GetTitle], she is also the mistress of the Imperial Harem and the most powerful woman in the Empire bar the Sultan Mother. Attaining and holding this position is the dream of every consort in the harem.
It should therefore come as no surprise that an ambitious and young woman has caught the [Root.Monarch.GetTitle]'s eye...
As [Root.Monarch.GetName] has yet to name a favorite among his consorts every one of them is maneuvering to take their rightful place alongside the Sultan. The Imperial Harem is rife with intrigue and right now making a well informed choice for the position of Haseki Sultan, one of the highest honors imaginable in the empire would seem all but impossible. Luckily [Root.Monarch.GetName]'s mother has a firm grip on the politics of the Harem and has presented [Root.Monarch.GetName] with a consort she feels would be a good candidate.
As is customary some of our provinces are governed by imperial princes so that they may learn what it is to be rulers one day. It is also understood that these provinces can serve as their base of power when the time comes to see to the succession. That struggle itself often gives ample opportunity to sort out the bad eggs.
Sometimes, however, the process can be even more hasty. It seems one of our Prince-Governors has managed to actively destroy the resources under his control. If nothing is done soon revenue will be permanently reduced. Unfortunately, however, the Royal Prince, while not our favorite does have support from some influential groups in [Root.Owner.Capital.GetCapitalName], if we are to withdraw his assignment there will be some backlash.
As the age of our [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] advances [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] sons grow impatient. Unfounded rumors are regularly circulating of [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] failing health and the various factions of the court are aligning with the many would-be heirs among [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] sons. For one the distance in the supposed line of succession was enough to risk the uncertainty of the rumor mill. In [revolter_prince.GetName] one of [Root.Monarch.GetName]'s sons has taken up arms against [Root.Monarch.GetHerHim].
The administration of [Root.GetName] was recently turned over to be administrated by one of our imperial princes. What we had not expected is that he would be able to do so much so quickly. The local economy is prospering and the urban centers are attracting more merchants and artisans to settle in them. Revenue seems to have been permanently improved.
Some would consider this an auspicious sign, perhaps we should elevate this son to be our new favorite?
The expulsion of the Jews from Spain has left a great many destitute and in need of a new home. A large number of these refugees have arrived in Selanik, hoping that tales of Ottoman tolerance are not exaggerated. Far from being a burden to the state, the Spanish Jews count among their number many skilled laborers and experienced merchants who are all too eager to set up shop in the thriving port city.
News of the good fortune of the Jews in Selanik has continued to attract Sephardic settlers to all corners of our nation. In several cities they have begun to dominate the local economy, to the extent that business all but comes to a halt on the Sabbath.
While the heir to our land is still too young to serve as ruler, the heir's mother Kösem Sultan have asked to officially serve as a regent ruler of the Ottoman Empire. She has already directed the affairs of this great state through her husband and one son. If she comes to power, she will rule in an era dubbed 'The Sultanate of Women'. She has never bowed to the whims of others but the madness and ineptitude of her progeny is a great concern. One promised made by Kösem Sultan is that she will use her wealth to support irrigation projects in the Egyptian desert. Shall we allow her to rule until her child is of age, and hope to influence her actions?
It may surprise you to learn that for many years, Ottoman sultans did not take legal wives – an effort to suppress competition in the harem. But the great Suleiman took Hurrem Sultan - Roxelana - as his legal wife and raised her above all women in the empire. The sultan takes her advice on diplomatic and military issues, and even let her act as an official correspondent to Christian monarchs on our borders. She persuaded Suleiman to limit Crimean slave raiding into her native Ukraine, and supported the construction of schools, mosques and hospitals.
Wife and widow of Selim I, Ayse Hafsa Sultan is the first 'Valide Sultan' or Queen Mother of the Ottoman Empire. Her marriage to the then-prince Selim secured for him a powerful and valuable ally in her father Menli I Giray which helped the prince in his struggle for the throne. The Mesir Festival is held every year to celebrate the healing concoction of herbs and spices administered to Ayse Hafsa Sultan when she became ill. She rules as her son's de facto co-regent which signals a shifting status of the sultans mother and her increased share in power.
The first and only concubine to Murad II for a long time became slightly bitter when her husband took more concubines and sired twenty more sons and twenty-seven daughters. She soon forgot her bitterness and Safiye Sultan earned the gratitude of the Sultan by procuring more concubines for him. Murad valued her and consulted with her on political matters. Their only son Mehmed became sultan after Murad's death and Safiye became Valide Sultan - mother sultan, a title with much power. She steered [Root.GetAdjective] politics together with Gazanfer Aga, chief of the white eunuchs and head of the enderun - the imperial inner palace. During her son's military campaigns Safiye was left in charge of the treasury and managed to persuade her son to follow her advice in many political matters. Safiye was described by a Venetian ambassador as 'a woman of her word, trustworthy, and I call say that in her alone have I found truth in Constantinople; therefore it will always benefit Your Serenity to promote her gratitude.'.
During the reign of Sultan Selim II, Nurbanu Sultan was his favorite consort and wife. Born in Venice and named Rachel Olivia de Nasi, she was abducted and taken to Prince Selim's royal harem where she was renamed Afife Nurbanu Sultan. Her beauty and intelligence, and the fact that she was the mother of the heir-apparent, made her husband ask her for advice as he respected her good judgement in various subjects. When her husband died, her son Murad was away, serving as Governor. Nurbanu realized that his abscence had created the prefect opportunity for someone else to seize the throne, with the Sultan dead and his son away from the capital. Fortunately for her and her son, Selim II had died in the harem and as security and privacy was strict, no one knew of his death. She kept it a secret, hid the body in an icebox and sent words to her son to return to the capital. Murad arrived twelve days later and with the death of Selim made public, their son became Sultan and Nurbanu became Queen Mother or Valide Sultan. Nurbanu is now a formidable figure with great power and far-reaching influence. Her management of the government is very effective and her diplomatic skills impressive.
This is a list of all of the 
Ottomans' dynamic historical events:[1]
Governance[edit | edit source]
id
The Economic Reforms of Mehmed II
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1444, but before 1481. |
Mean time to happen
100 months |
 Break the Agreements The
If
If
Honor the Agreements If
If | |
id
Land Reforms of Mehmed II
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country: The year is at least 1450, but before 1500. |
Mean time to happen
150 months |
Expand the Timar System. The
Leave the Ulema alone. The
| |
id
The Expansion of the Royal Bureaucracy
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1520, but before 1566. |
Mean time to happen
25 months |
Expand the Royal Bureaucracy The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% or 0% if stability is negative Limited reforms The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 50% or more if has less than Reduce the Royal Bureaucracy Ottomans has a stability of less than +3,
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% or 0% if stability is 3 | |
id
The Great Naval Reform
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1500, but before 1520. |
Mean time to happen
25 months |
Build the Imperial Halic Shipyard The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 60% or 0% if has less than half-year income Build a lesser shipyard The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 20% or 0% if has less than Reform the army instead The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 20% or 0% if has less than | |
id
Protector of the Pilgrimage
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country: |
Mean time to happen
36 months |
Assume the title of Khadim al-Haramayn. The
| |
id
Mimar Sinan's Great Constructions
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1519, but before 1560. |
Mean time to happen
100 months |
Appoint him royal architect The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 90% or 100% Enlist his services for a short time The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 10% or 0% if has more than | |
id
The Great Legal Reform
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1500, but before 1600. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
Codify the Ottoman Laws The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 75% Leave it be The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% | |
id
Kösem Sultana
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1600, but before 1650. |
Mean time to happen
100 months |
Wed Kösem The
Choose another wife The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 10% or 0% if has more than | |
id
The Murder of Kösem
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
300 months |
Kösem is murdered | |
id
The Age of the Köprülüs
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1600, but before 1650. |
Mean time to happen
100 months |
Support the Köprülü Family The
Rely on more popular advisors The
AI will chose this option with a probability of:
| |
id
The Reforms of Kemankes
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1600, but before 1650. |
Mean time to happen
100 months |
Empower Kemankes The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 90% Ignore his advice The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 10% | |
id
The Horrible Plague in Anatolia
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1700. |
Mean time to happen
300 months |
There is nothing we can do Every owned province (except capital) in the Anatolia region gets "Severe Plague" for
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% Try to contain it The
Every owned province (except capital) in the Anatolia region gets "Contained Plague" for
AI will chose this option with a probability of 75% | |
id
Fate of the Patriarchate
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
120 months |
Allow the Patriarchate to exist and keep the current Patriarch The
Every known
Close down the Patriarchate and confiscate its properties The
The
Every known
| |
id
The Decentralizing Effect of the Provincial System
The Beys are now demanding more power.
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1600. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
Give in to their demands Every province following trigger conditions:
Limit the concessions The
Every province following trigger conditions:
Rein them in The
Every province following trigger conditions:
| |
Military[edit | edit source]
id
Military Reforms
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1450, but before 1550. |
Mean time to happen
300 months |
Great Army Reform The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 50% Reform Army and Navy The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% Great Naval Reform The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% | |
id
Enderun Academy
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
100 months |
Found the Enderun The
Expand the Timariot system instead The
| |
id
The Janissaries
This event happens only once during a campaign.
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the |
Continue building up the Janissaries The country:
The | |
id
The Janissaries and the Bektashi Order
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
500 months |
Ok. The country:
| |
id
Janissary Reward
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Is triggered only by
When a new monarch takes the throne. Will trigger when heir comes of age. |
Give a reward and higher wages The country:
Refuse such blackmail The Janissaries units get "Janissaries Denied Reward" until the ruler's death, giving:
| |
id
Janissaries Demand Pay
| Trigger conditions
The country:
Can happen only once every 50 years. |
Mean time to happen
700 months |
Pay them immediately The country:
Pay them over time The Janissaries units get Greedy Janissaries until the ruler's death, giving:
Refuse their demands The country:
| |
id
Civilianization
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
It is not the |
Mean time to happen
500 months |
Everyone needs to make a living. The country:
The
The Janissaries units get "Janissary Landholders" for 10 years or the ruler's death, giving:
Let us increase drilling and salaries instead. The country:
The
If
Else,
| |
id
Dissolution of the Janissary Corp
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
10 months |
| Immediate effects
"The Janissaries" modifier is removed from the country. | |
Ok. No further effect. | |
id
Muslim-Born Men Enroll as Janissaries
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
It is not the |
Mean time to happen
500 months |
We must enforce all rules to the letter. The Janissaries units get "Strictly Enforced Discipline" for
No harm can come of this. The Janissaries units get "Growing Recruitment of Muslim Janissaries" for
| |
id
The Lapse of the Devshirme
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
It is not the |
Mean time to happen
500 months |
So be it. "Devshirme System" modifier is removed from the country. | |
Conflicts[edit | edit source]
id
The Veneto-Turkish Conflict
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Venetian |
Refuse even to discuss compensation
AI will chose this option with a probability of 90% or 100% Give Alexandria as compensation The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 10% if venitian army and navy is stronger than ottomans ones | |
id
Murad III's campaigns against Persia
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1550. |
Mean time to happen
250 months |
Fan the Flames of War The
Seek reconciliation
| |
id
The Treaty of Kasr-i Sirin
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
Both the |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
Suggest full reconciliation
Suggest a moderate Treaty
There will be no Treaty The | |
id
The Treaty of Kasr-i Sirin (Persia)
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Ottoman |
Option conditions
 Agree full reconciliation The
Agree on a moderate Treaty The
There will be no Treaty
The
| |
Enabled if:
The id
Persian Response (favorable)
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Persian |
Option conditions
EXCELLENT
| |
id
Persian Response (unfavorable)
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Persian |
They will pay for this insult None | |
Revolts[edit | edit source]
id
Turko-Persian Conflicts: Shiite rebels
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Persian |
Crush the Shiite rebellion
Give in to their demands A random owned
AI will chose this option with a probability of 10% if stability is negative | |
id
Persians take advantage of Ottoman instability
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Persian |
Crush the rebels and prepare for war!
| |
id
Cem Sultan's Rebellion
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1450, but before 1500. |
Mean time to happen
150 months |
Crush Cem's rebellion
Seek reconciliation The
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% or 0% if stability is negative | |
id
The Celali Uprising
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1500, but before 1550. |
Mean time to happen
150 months |
Crush Celali and the Shiites
Heed their demands A random owned
| |
id
Mamluk Uprising
id
The Tunisian Rebellion
id
The Tripolitanian Rebellion
id
Ali Bey's Rebellion in Egypt
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1700. |
Mean time to happen
24 months |
Crush them!
| |
id
The Algerian Rebellion
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is at least 1700, but before 1800. |
Mean time to happen
100 months |
Crush them!
| |
Harem[edit | edit source]
 |
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
id
The Sons of [Root.Monarch.GetName]
As befits a man of his caliber and stature the Sultan has fathered several capable children and many who show great promise as future rulers. Both the sons themselves and our government officials are acutely aware that only one can inherit and what awaits the others. Our Viziers are adamant that it is now high time for [Root.Monarch.GetName] to name a favorite among the possible successors. This is unlikely to end the competition for [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] favor but it will hopefully stop the worst succession struggles that might follow if our [Root.Monarch.GetTitle] should meet his maker without having picked a clear successor.
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
6 months |
The Pious son is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
The Strongest son is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
The Studious son is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
The Natural Leader is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
The Gregarious son is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
The Entrepreneurial son is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
The Most Gifted son is our favorite. Gain a new male heir of the current dynasty, aged 10, with:
| |
id
Kiliç alayi
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the ruler dying without an heir |
Long live the [Root.Monarch.GetTitle]! Gain a new male ruler of the current dynasty, aged 25, with:
| |
id
Sancaga çikma
Others, including our Mother, the Valide Sultan, feel that young [Root.Heir.GetName] would benefit the most from an education within the walls of the Imperial Harem, where [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] will have constant access to good teachers and can be supervised by those who know him. This way [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] would also be far from any place [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] might develop premature political ambitions.
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
1000 months |
Governing [sancaga_cikma_province] will do [him/her] a lot of good. The province (80% chance of Amasya (1846) if owned, else targeted province):
The Imperial Harem is the perfect place for a young [man/woman]! | |
id
Sancaga çikma (return)
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
1 month |
All is well then. | |
id
[Root.Heir.GetName]'s bid for the Throne
- Acting as a province governor can undoubtedly teach many valuable lessons for those who will one day rule an empire. It can also give a first taste of real power. Rumors about disease spreading in the Royal Palace must have reached [Root.Heir.GetName] and rather than investigate or pray for our health [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] decided that this was an excellent opportunity to seize what was rightfully going to be his eventually.
If the year is 1465 or later and the capital is Constantinople (151):
- Acting as a province governor can undoubtedly teach many valuable lessons for those who will one day rule an empire. It can also give a first taste of real power. Rumors about disease spreading in the Topkapi Palace must have reached [Root.Heir.GetName] and rather than investigate or pray for our health [Root.Heir.GetSheHe] decided that this was an excellent opportunity to seize what was rightfully going to be his eventually.''
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
60 months |
| Immediate effects
Remove the modifier "Heir Governor" from a province it is applied to.
| |
Treason! The province with the modifier "Heir Governor":
The country:
| |
id
The years in [heir_governorship_province.GetName]
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
60 months |
| Immediate effects
The province with the modifier "Heir Governor":
| |
Option conditions
Excellent... The heir:
Excellent... The heir:
Excellent... The heir:
| |
id
Fear of the Silk Cord
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Is triggered only by
(25/1425) getting a new ruler. |
Kill them. Kill them all.
| |
id
Death of the Valide Sultan
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
500 months
|
| Immediate effects
Set ruler flag death_of_valide_sultan. | |
The Empire shall mourn her for three days. The country:
We must set aside lands for a charitable foundation in her memory! The country:
A random stated province (except capital) in the same area as the capital gets "Endowment in Memory of the Valide Sultan" for
| |
id
Rites of Passage
This is not an unreasonable request, though one must wonder about the motives of those that try to goad our favorite to risk [Root.Heir.GetHerHis] life and limb.
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months |
This will do [Root.Heir.GetHerHim] good. The heir:
The Harem is much safer. The heir:
| |
id
Treachery within the Family
There can be no doubt that the Haseki Sultan speaks out of her own interest in this matter, [Root.Heir.GetName] is no son of hers but his replacement is very likely to be. Our own ministers also speak of [Root.Heir.GetName]'s betrayal, however, and he could pose a very real threat.
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
600 months |
[Root.Heir.GetName] must die...
Summon [Root.Heir.GetName] to defend himself.
Chance of bad event is increased to 75% if the heir has an Intricate Webweaver, Malevolent, or Cruel personality whereas and the queen-consort does not. Decreased to 25% for the opposite I will not listen to such lies!
Chance of bad event is increased to 75% if the heir has an Intricate Webweaver, Malevolent, or Cruel personality whereas and the queen-consort does not. Decreased to 25% for the opposite | |
id
[Root.Heir.GetName] is Innocent
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the |
I'm not one to be fooled so easily. The country:
The heir:
| |
id
The Plot of [Root.Heir.GetName]
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the |
Yes son?
| |
id
The Fate of a Vali Ahad (success)
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the |
| Immediate effects
Heir is killed. | |
A great tragedy. The country:
| |
id
The Fate of a Vali Ahad (failure)
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the |
A great tragedy.
| |
id
Prince-Governor on the Frontier
- True to our Turkic heritage we have allowed a number of the Sehzade to serve as governors of various provinces around our empire. The current war against the infidel [enemy_neighbor_ottomans.GetAdjective] has allowed the prince-governor of [ottoman_prince_here.GetName] to really prove his worth as a military commander and a Ghazi. According to reports he has gone to great lengths to defeat the enemy troops in his area, bringing the battle to the other side of the border. The faithful are flocking to his banners and the military elite and the Ulema has begun to take note and may well end up supporting him in a future succession struggle.
If enemy_neighbor_ottomans province is Muslim:
- True to our Turkic heritage we have allowed a number of the Sehzade to serve as governors of various provinces around our empire. The current war against the [enemy_neighbor_ottomans.GetAdjective] has allowed the prince-governor of [ottoman_prince_here.GetName] to really prove his worth as a military commander. According to reports he has gone to great lengths to defeat the enemy troops in his area, bringing the battle to the other side of the border. Recruits are flocking to his banners and the military elite has begun to take note and may well end up supporting him in a future succession struggle.''
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months |
He's proven himself worthy to be our new favorite. The country:
The targeted province:
He's proven himself a true son of Osman. The heir:
The targeted province:
| |
id
Support of the Valide Sultan
However, determined to stop such destructive intrigue the Valide Sultan, mother of [Root.Monarch.GetHerHis] Imperial Highness [Root.Monarch.GetHerselfHimself] has stepped in to protect [Root.Heir.GetName].
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months |
Thanks Mother! The heir:
| |
id
Conflict between [Root.Consort.GetName] and the Valide Sultan
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months |
Side with the Sultan's mother. The country:
Side with [Root.Consort.GetName]. The country:
Avoid taking sides. The heir:
| |
id
Ambitions of the Valide Sultan
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
500 months |
Anything for you.
She's doing great work but needs to know her limitations. The country:
| |
id
Influential Haseki Sultan
Recently a number of charitable projects funded by [Root.Owner.Consort.GetName] in [Root.GetName] and its surroundings has made the entire area blossom.
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
Targeted province:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months; scaled to the number of provinces the event can fire for. |
Such a great woman. All owned provinces (except capital) in the area get "Charitable work of The Haseki Sultan" for
| |
id
[Root.Consort.GetName] Challenged
It should therefore come as no surprise that an ambitious and young woman has caught the [Root.Monarch.GetTitle]'s eye...
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
240 months |
We could never abandon [Root.Consort.GetName]. The country:
It's time dear. The country:
| |
id
Competition for the [Root.Monarch.GetTitle]
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
240 months |
Excellent! A new consort is chosen. I will make my own choices, mother... A new consort is chosen. Let us keep our options open. Lose | |
id
[Root.GetName] and the Royal Princes
Sometimes, however, the process can be even more hasty. It seems one of our Prince-Governors has managed to actively destroy the resources under his control. If nothing is done soon revenue will be permanently reduced. Unfortunately, however, the Royal Prince, while not our favorite does have support from some influential groups in [Root.Owner.Capital.GetCapitalName], if we are to withdraw his assignment there will be some backlash.
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
Targeted province:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months; scaled to the number of provinces the event can fire for. |
Replace him immediately The country:
Find an excuse to call him back eventually. Targeted province:
| |
id
To Play the King
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months |
Kill them all.
| |
id
[Root.GetName] Prospers
Some would consider this an auspicious sign, perhaps we should elevate this son to be our new favorite?
|
|
Available only with the Rights of Man DLC enabled. |
| Trigger conditions
The country:
Targeted province:
|
Mean time to happen
400 months; scaled to the number of provinces the event can fire for. |
This is just the man we're looking for. The country:
Targeted province:
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The heir:
Targeted province:
| |
Salonika events[edit | edit source]
The following event chain is about 
Jewish refuges in Macedonia (148).[3]
id
Spanish Jews Seek Refuge in Selanik
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
|
Mean time to happen
30 months |
These Dhimmi are welcome here. Province Macedonia (148) gets “Sephardic Jews of Selanik” until the end of the game, giving:
If the country has the
Else, the country:
AI will always chose this option We can offer no refuge. If the country has the
Else, the country:
| |
id
Surge of Sephardic Migrants
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The |
Mean time to happen
600 months |
Encourage the Ottoman Jews to flourish. The
Province Macedonia (148):
AI will chose this option with a probability of 25% We should keep this under control. Province Macedonia (148):
| |
Women in History[edit | edit source]
The following events are the events related to the Ottomans out of the 'Woman in History' set.[4]
id
Kösem Sultan
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
The year is between 1590 and 1655. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
Make her Valide Sultan, regent ruler of the Ottoman Empire! Get a new female consort Kösem Sultan of Osmanoglu dynasty with:
If the country uses ‘Statists vs Monarchists’ mechanics:
She will serve the land better as advisor to her child. The
| |
id
Roxelana - Hurrem Sultan
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The country: The year is between 1500 and 1600. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
Make her an official advisor - a statesman.
Make her an official advisor - a spymaster
| |
id
Ayse Hafsa Sultan
This event happens only once during a campaign.
Trigger conditions
The year is between 1479 and 1550. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
A female ruler!? Well, why not? Get a new female ruler Ayse Hafsa Sultan of Osmanoglu dynasty with:
If the country uses ‘Statists vs Monarchists’ mechanics:
Keep her by her son's side as an advisor.
| |
id
Safiye Sultan
This event happens only once during a campaign.
| Trigger conditions
The year is between 1550 and 1605. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
She will advise us on monetary matters.
Her diplomatic skill will come in use as an advisor. Gain access to a female discounted | |
id
Nurbanu Sultan
This event happens only once during a campaign.
Trigger conditions
The year is between 1525 and 1583. |
Mean time to happen
200 months |
Besides being Valide Sultan, she will be awarded with a position as advisor.
We would have her rule $COUNTRY$. Get a new female consort Nurbanu Sultan Osmanoglu with: | |
