Historical Figures

What are the primary sources on Suleiman Magnificent?

There are many primary sources on Suleyman the Magnificent. Some of the most important ones include:

1) The Suleymanname

This is the official biography of Suleiman the Magnificent, written by Arifi in 1558. It provides a detailed account of the Sultan's life and reign, from his birth to his death.

2) The Baburnama

The Baburnama is the autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Babur, who was a contemporary of Suleiman. It provides a fascinating account of the rise of the Mughal Empire and its struggles against the Ottomans.

3) The Venetian Dispatches

The Venetian Dispatches are a collection of reports sent by Venetian ambassadors to the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 18th centuries. These reports provide valuable information on Ottoman politics, military campaigns, and economic affairs.

4) The Selanikname

Written in 1597 by Mehmed b. Mehmed, the Selanikname is another important biography of Suleiman the Magnificent. It contains detailed descriptions of the Sultan's court, his military campaigns, and his administrative reforms.

5) The Tarih-i Al-i Osman

The Tarih-i Al-i Osman is an Ottoman history written by Enveri in the 16th century. It provides a comprehensive account of the Ottoman Empire from its foundation to the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

6) The Law Code of Suleiman the Magnificent

This law code, known as the "Kanunname-i Sultan Süleyman", was issued by Suleiman in the 16th century. It is a comprehensive collection of laws that cover various aspects of Ottoman life, including criminal justice, civil law, and religious affairs.

7) Contemporary European Accounts

There are also many contemporary European accounts of Suleiman the Magnificent. These accounts include writings by diplomats, merchants, travelers, and soldiers who visited the Ottoman Empire during Suleiman's reign. They provide valuable insights into the Sultan's personality, his rule, and the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power.