The Ottoman rulers were deeply concerned about the danger of rebellion within the royal family. They feared that if princes lived freely in the imperial city, they might gather supporters and attempt to take the throne before the death of their father. For this reason, strict rules were created to prevent such ambition.
Princes were not allowed to remain in the capital with freedom and influence. If they lived too close to power, they might begin to act against the reigning Sultan. The Ottoman system aimed to stop this danger before it could even begin.
The Practice of Fratricide
Because of this fear, a harsh custom developed in the Ottoman dynasty. Soon after a new Sultan completed the ceremonies of his accession, he often ordered the execution of his brothers. This cruel practice was meant to remove all possible rivals to the throne Customized Turkey Tours.
This policy became firmly established during the reign of Bayezid I and later rulers continued it. Although it appears severe and inhuman, the Ottoman rulers believed it was necessary to prevent civil war. In earlier times, struggles between royal brothers had caused great destruction and suffering throughout the empire.
By removing rival princes at once, the new Sultan believed he was protecting the state from division and bloodshed on a larger scale.
Imprisonment Instead of Execution
However, not every Sultan chose to kill his brothers. If there were only a few princes, and if the new ruler had a more merciful character, he sometimes spared their lives. Instead of execution, they were confined within the palace.
This confinement took place in the imperial palace, known as the Topkapı Palace. The princes were kept under careful supervision, guarded closely, and educated by appointed teachers. Although this was called protection, in reality it was very similar to imprisonment.
They were not allowed to meet freely with others or to take part in public life. They lived in isolation, cut off from society and politics.
Life in Obscurity
During the reign of Mehmed IV, his two brothers lived in such confinement. They remained in obscurity, separated from the world, as if they had never been born into royal status. Their lives passed quietly, without influence or recognition.
This system, though severe, was designed to secure the throne and protect the unity of the empire. The Ottoman rulers believed that strong and even harsh measures were necessary to maintain order and prevent the greater disaster of civil war.