Sofiya Lisovskaia

Lisovskaya

Sofiya Lisovskaia was a notable figure in the history of Ukraine and the Ottoman Empire. She is best known for her role as the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, the tenth and longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Sofiya Lisovskaia, also known as Roxelana or Hurrem Sultan, played a significant role in the political and cultural life of the empire.

Early Life

Sofiya Lisovskaia was born in the early 16th century in Rohatyn, a town in the Kingdom of Poland, which is now part of modern-day Ukraine. She was captured during a Tatar raid and sold into slavery, eventually ending up in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.

Rise to Power

In the harem of Topkapi Palace, Sofiya Lisovskaia caught the attention of Sultan Suleiman. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming his favorite consort and later his legal wife, a rare occurrence in the Ottoman tradition. She bore Suleiman several children, including Selim II, who would later succeed his father as Sultan.

Influence and Legacy

Sofiya Lisovskaia wielded considerable influence over Suleiman and the affairs of the state. She was known for her charitable works, including the construction of mosques, schools, and hospitals. Her influence extended beyond her lifetime, as her son Selim II continued her legacy.

Death and Burial

Sofiya Lisovskaia died in 1558 and was buried in a mausoleum adjacent to Suleiman's in the Süleymaniye Mosque complex in Istanbul.

See Also

• Suleiman the Magnificent
• Ottoman Empire
• Topkapi Palace
• Selim II
• Süleymaniye Mosque