Why did Turkey adopt the most bloody succession rule before Suleiman the Magnificent? What are the main reasons?
2024-06-11 14:47:32 中文版

Throughout history, many nations and dynasties have had their unique rules of succession. Among them, the Ottoman Empire's succession rules prior to Suleiman the Magnificent are considered the most bloody. This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.

Firstly, it is important to understand the Ottoman Empire's succession rules. Prior to Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Empire adhered to the rule of "survival of the fittest." This meant that upon the death of a sultan, all his sons were entitled to vie for the throne. Consequently, princes often resorted to violence to secure the throne, leading to extensive civil unrest and wars. This succession rule rendered the Ottoman Empire's political situation highly unstable and inflicted immense suffering on its people.

So, why did the Ottoman Empire adopt such a bloody succession rule? There are several main reasons:

1. Historical Tradition: Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, established a series of strict institutions to ensure the stability and prosperity of the nation. Among these institutions was this brutal succession rule. Over time, this rule was gradually inherited by subsequent generations and became a tradition within the Ottoman Empire.

2. Military Background: The Ottoman Empire was a military-dominated nation, with its ruling class primarily consisting of military nobility. These military nobles often supported different princes in their bids for the throne to safeguard their interests. Under such circumstances, bloody succession wars became the norm.

3. Political Struggles: Political struggles were always intense in the Ottoman Empire. Princes often resorted to various means to undermine their rivals in their bids for power and status. In this context, bloody succession wars emerged as an effective political tool.

However, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Empire embarked on a series of reforms, including reforms to the succession rules. Suleiman abolished the previous bloody succession rule and instituted primogeniture, whereby the eldest son inherited the throne. This reform gradually stabilized the Ottoman Empire's political situation and laid the foundation for its subsequent prosperity.

In summary, the Ottoman Empire's adoption of the most bloody succession rule prior to Suleiman the Magnificent was primarily influenced by various factors such as historical tradition, military background, and political struggles. However, under Suleiman's reforms, the Ottoman Empire gradually shed this bloody succession rule and embarked on a path of stability and prosperity.

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