Accession of Suleiman I to the Ottoman Throne

Succession to the Throne. Following the death of Selim I, who ruled from 1512 to 1520, Suleiman entered Constantinople and ascended to the throne. He became the tenth Ottoman sultan, beginning a reign that lasted until 1566. This succession marked the start of his rule as the head of the Ottoman state.

Entry of Roxelana. Roxelana, also known as Hürrem Sultan, entered Suleiman's harem around the time of his accession in 1520. She became his new favourite concubine, a status solidified by the birth of their first child in 1521. She was the first haseki sultan and the mother of his successor, Selim II.

Early Reign Context. By 1520, Suleiman was the father of four children from different concubines. However, after meeting Hürrem upon assuming his sultanate, all his children henceforth were born of her. This shift in parentage is noted in the sources as a key development following his accession.