Bergüzar Korel – Star of Turkish Cinema and TV (Actress)
August 24, 2025
August 24, 2025
Orhan Pamuk stands as one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary world literature. Known for his thought-provoking narratives, rich symbolism, and exploration of identity, culture, and history, Pamuk has bridged the gap between East and West through his novels. His journey from Istanbul’s winding streets to becoming Turkey’s first Nobel Prize-winning author is both inspiring and deeply influential in the literary world. Early Life and Education Orhan Pamuk was born on June 7, 1952, in Istanbul, a city that would later serve as the heart and soul of much of his work. Raised in a secular, upper-middle-class family, Pamuk
Read moreJalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, more commonly known simply as Rumi, is one of the most celebrated poets and mystics in history. Born in 1207 in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan), Rumi’s life and works continue to inspire people across cultures and religions. He spent much of his life in Konya, a city in present-day Turkey, where his spiritual journey flourished and his literary genius was revealed. Known for his profound verses, he is regarded not only as a poet but also as a spiritual guide whose teachings transcend time. Early Life and Journey to Konya Rumi was born into a family of
Read moreThe Ottoman Empire, with its rich culture and powerful dynasty, produced many influential figures who shaped history. Among them was Hatice Sultan, a distinguished Ottoman princess whose life reflected both the grandeur and complexities of the imperial court. As the daughter of Sultan Selim I and the sister of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, Hatice Sultan held a prominent position in the royal family and played a significant role within the empire’s elite circles. Early Life and Royal Lineage Hatice Sultan was born into one of the most powerful dynasties of her time. Her father, Sultan Selim I (Selim the Grim),
Read moreHürrem Sultan, famously known in Europe as Roxelana, was one of the most influential women in Ottoman history. As the beloved wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, she rose from slavery to become queen consort, advisor, and a key political figure of the empire. Her remarkable journey from a concubine in the imperial harem to one of the most powerful women of the 16th century remains a story of ambition, intelligence, and resilience. Early Life and Entry into the Ottoman Court Hürrem Sultan was born around 1502, most likely in Ruthenia (modern-day Ukraine). Captured during a Tatar raid, she was
Read moreIntroduction Among the powerful women of the Ottoman Empire, Kösem Sultan remains one of the most influential and remarkable figures in history. She was not just the wife of a sultan but also the mother, grandmother, and regent of future rulers. Her political skills, intelligence, and ability to maintain authority in a male-dominated world made her one of the most dominant women in Ottoman history. Often remembered as the true power behind the throne, Kösem Sultan played a decisive role in shaping the empire during the 17th century. Early Life Kösem Sultan, originally named Anastasia, was born around 1589 in
Read moreThe history of the Ottoman Empire is filled with rulers whose reigns shaped the political, cultural, and social fabric of their time. Among them, Sultan Ahmed III stands out not only for his governance but also for ushering in one of the most remarkable cultural periods in Ottoman history—the Tulip Era. Known for peace, diplomacy, and artistic flourishing, his reign is remembered as a rare phase of cultural renaissance in an empire otherwise marked by wars and political turbulence. Early Life and Rise to Power Ahmed III was born on December 30, 1673, in Dobruja, as the son of Sultan
Read moreBayezid I, famously known as “Yıldırım” (The Thunderbolt), was one of the most dynamic and ambitious sultans of the Ottoman Empire. His reign, though relatively short, was marked by rapid military campaigns, decisive victories, and a bold expansion of Ottoman territories. However, his downfall at the hands of Timur the Lame (Tamerlane) remains one of the most dramatic episodes in Ottoman history. Early Life and Rise to Power Bayezid I was born in 1360, the son of Sultan Murad I. His early upbringing was shaped by both the Islamic traditions of the Ottoman dynasty and the military culture of the
Read moreThe Ottoman Empire witnessed rulers of diverse personalities, ranging from visionary reformers to ruthless disciplinarians. Among them, Murad IV (1623–1640) is remembered as one of the strictest and most authoritarian sultans in Ottoman history. His reign was marked by firm discipline, military campaigns, and strict enforcement of law and order, which earned him the title “The Strict Sultan.” Early Life and Rise to Power Murad IV was born on July 27, 1612, in Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. He was the son of Sultan Ahmed I and Kösem Sultan, one of the most influential women in Ottoman history.
Read moreSelim I, also known as Yavuz Sultan Selim or Selim the Grim, was one of the most influential rulers of the Ottoman Empire. His reign, though relatively short from 1512 to 1520, left a lasting impact on the empire’s political, religious, and territorial landscape. Known for his stern personality, military brilliance, and decisive leadership, Selim I transformed the Ottomans from a regional power into a global empire. Early Life and Rise to Power Selim was born in 1470 in Amasya, a region in Anatolia. He was the youngest son of Bayezid II, the Ottoman Sultan. From an early age, Selim
Read moreThe Ottoman Empire, which stood as one of the most influential empires in world history for over six centuries, witnessed its end under the reign of Mehmed VI Vahideddin. Serving as the 36th and last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed VI’s rule (1918–1922) marked the final chapter of an era that had shaped politics, culture, and religion across three continents. His reign coincided with a time of turmoil, as the empire faced defeat in World War I, foreign occupation, and the rise of Turkish nationalism. Early Life of Mehmed VI Mehmed VI was born on 14 January 1861 in
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