22 Facts About Roxelana

Roxelana became one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history, and the first of a series of prominent Ottoman women who reigned during the period known as the Sultanate of Women.

Roxelana entered the Imperial Harem where her name was changed to Hurrem, rose through the ranks and became the favourite concubine of Sultan Suleiman.

Roxelana was the first imperial consort to receive the title, created for her, Haseki Sultan.

Roxelana died in 1558, in Constantinople and was buried in a mausoleum within the Suleymaniye Mosque complex.

European ambassadors of that period called her Roxelana, meaning "Ruthenian woman" or "the Ruthenian one" for her alleged Ruthenian origins.

Roxelana is the sultan's consort with the most portraits in her name in the Ottoman Empire, though the portraits are imaginary depictions by painters.

Roxelana soon became Suleiman's most prominent consort beside Gulbahar Mahidevran Hatun and their relationship was monogamous.

Roxelana wrote many love letters to Suleiman when he was away for campaigns.

Roxelana officially became Suleiman's wife, and although there were no laws at the time prohibiting marriages between sultans and concubines, the entire Ottoman court was against the marriage.

Roxelana freely communicated with the ambassadors of European countries, corresponded with the rulers of Venice and Persia, and stood by Suleiman at receptions and banquets.

Roxelana imprinted her seal and watched the council meetings through a wire mesh window.

Roxelana did not spend her last years in poverty, as Hurrem's son, Selim II, the new sultan after 1566, put her on a lavish salary.

Roxelana's rehabilitation had been possible after the death of Hurrem in 1558.

Roxelana pleads with the King to trust her envoy Hassan Aga, who verbally delivered another message from her.

Roxelana commissioned a bath, the Hurrem Sultan Bathhouse, to serve the community of worshippers in the nearby Hagia Sophia.

Roxelana had a Kira who acted as her secretary and intermediary on several occasions, although the identity of the kira is uncertain.

Roxelana did not leave Hurrem's bed until the last day, when she died.

Roxelana was buried in a domed mausoleum decorated in exquisite Iznik tiles depicting the garden of paradise, perhaps in homage to her smiling and joyful nature.

Roxelana's mausoleum is adjacent to Suleiman's, a more somber, domed structure, at the courtyard of the Suleymaniye Mosque.

Roxelana's love of poetry is considered one of the reasons behind her being heavily favoured by Suleiman, who was a great admirer of poetry.

Roxelana built numerous mosques, madrasahs, hammams, and resting places for pilgrims travelling to the Islamic holy city of Makkah.

Roxelana has inspired paintings, musical works, an opera by Denys Sichynsky, a ballet, plays, and several novels written mainly in Russian and Ukrainian, but in English, French, German and Polish.