The answer to this question depends on which Sultan you're referring to. Throughout history, several sultans have tragically killed their own sons, often for reasons of power, succession, or suspicion.
Here are a few examples:
- Sultan Mehmed II (1444-1446, 1451-1481): Also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, he ordered the execution of his son, Mustafa, in 1453. This event, though controversial, is believed to have stemmed from fears that Mustafa would challenge his rule.
- Sultan Selim I (1512-1520): This Ottoman sultan, also known as Selim the Grim, had his son, Şehzade Korkut, strangled in 1513. The reasons for this act remain unclear, but some historians suggest it was a preemptive move to secure his own position.
- Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566): The most famous Ottoman sultan, Suleiman, is known to have executed his son, Şehzade Mustafa, in 1553. The reasons for this are debated, but some believe it was due to suspicion that Mustafa was plotting a coup.
Note: The practice of fratricide, or killing one's own siblings, was not uncommon among the Ottoman Sultans. This practice, known as "fraternalicide," was a common strategy for consolidating power and preventing potential challenges to the throne.
