15 Facts About Murad V

Murad V was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 30 May to 31 August 1876.

Murad V's father was Sultan Abdulmejid I, son of Sultan Mahmud II and Bezmialem Sultan.

Murad V's family used to spend their winters in the crown prince's apartments located in the Dolmabahce Palace and the Nisbetiye Mansion.

Murad V participated in the visits of Abdulaziz to Egypt in 1863 and to Europe in 1867.

Murad V frequently communicated with the New Ottomans, who wanted a constitutional regime.

Murad V was the first member of the Ottoman dynasty to become a member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Turkey.

On 20 October 1872, Murad V was secretly inducted into the lodge, sponsored by his chamberlain Seyyid Bey.

Murad V struggled to appear normal in his new role, so at odds with his previously quiet life of dabbling in music.

Murad V's deposed uncle's death, only days after Murad's accession, stunned him, and, along with the distress over the abruptness with which he was brought to the throne as well as the demands put upon him as ruler, led to anxious thoughts that the world would interpret his uncle's death as something he had ordered.

Murad V began to manifest bizarre behavior that preceded his complete collapse.

The government leaders called in the Viennese specialist in psychiatric disorders, Max Leidesdorf, who concluded that Murad V could make a complete recovery with three months' treatment in a clinic, which the other Ottoman leaders were unwilling to attempt.

In 1877, some nine months into confinement, Murad V regained his mental faculties.

The Ottoman battleship Mesudiye was anchored offshore the palace to take Murad V and announce his accession.

The next day, Murad V's funeral was carried out without announcement and ceremony.

Murad V ordered and read books and magazines from France and was influenced by French culture.