Ibrahim I

Ibrahim I (lived 1615—1648, reigned 1640—1648) was the 18th Ottoman sultan and the son of Ahmet I. He was called Ibrahim the Mad. Until Ibrahim was born, the Ottoman policy was to kill all sons of a new sultan to prevent wars between the brothers. Because this led to situations where the royal line might end, Ahmet I created the kafes, a luxurious cage in which any sons, nephews, and cousins who might try to seize the throne were kept under guard. No pleasure was denied them except their freedom when, upon the death of the reigning sultan, they took the throne or were killed. Ibrahim I was confined to the kafes from puberty until he became sultan and, therefore, was incompetent. His confinement is thought to have caused him psychiatric problems.