Turhan Sultan

Turhan Sultan (also called Turhan Hatice) was a Haseki Sultan (Chief Consort) of Sultan Ibrahim (reigned 1640—1648) and the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother) of her son Murat, who would later become Sultan Murat IV (reigned 1648—1687). Before Murat became sultan, Turhan had supreme control over the Ottoman Empire. Turhan is also known for her patronage and building projects, resulting in two fortresses being built on the European and the Asian sides of the Bosphorus strait (both can still be visited today). She also commissioned the Yeni Mosque (or New Mosque) in the Eminönü neighborhood of the Fatih district of Istanbul and its külliye, including the Spice Bazaar on the southern shore of the Golden Horn tributary.