How a former slave became the most powerful woman in the Ottoman Empire

Cultures · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Gifted as a slave at age thirteen, Safiye Sultan rose to become the Valide Sultan, wielding unprecedented political influence. She corresponded with Elizabeth I, managed state finances, and directed imperial policy for decades. Her dominance was so absolute that she effectively ruled the Ottoman Empire alongside her son, Mehmed III.

Born around 1550, likely of Albanian descent, Safiye entered the Ottoman court in 1563. She became the primary consort of Murad III, maintaining a monogamous relationship with him for nearly two decades. Her ascent was not without conflict; she faced intense rivalry from Murad’s mother, Nurbanu Sultan, who feared Safiye’s growing political ambitions. This power struggle culminated in 1580 when Safiye was briefly exiled to the Old Palace following accusations of witchcraft. However, after Nurbanu’s death in 1583, Safiye returned to Topkapi Palace, cementing her position as the most influential figure in the harem.

Upon the accession of her son, Mehmed III, in 1595, Safiye reached the pinnacle of her power as Valide Sultan. She commanded a daily allowance of 3,000 aspers—the highest in the empire—and held authority over the imperial treasury. Her influence extended into foreign diplomacy, where she maintained a pro-Venetian stance and engaged in direct correspondence with Queen Elizabeth I of England. This relationship was unique for the era; the two women exchanged gifts, including a carriage that Safiye famously used for public excursions, challenging traditional gender dynamics in international politics.

Safiye’s dominance was not without detractors. Her meddling in state affairs, reliance on intermediaries like her kira Esperanza Malchi, and the immense costs of projects like the Yeni Mosque triggered public and military unrest. In 1600, a rebellion forced her to distance herself from official decrees. Following Mehmed III’s death in 1603, her grandson Ahmed I permanently exiled her to the Old Palace. She remained there until her death in 1619, leaving behind a legacy as a central figure of the Sultanate of Women, having shaped the reigns of seven different sultans.

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