Sultan Ahmed I's Early Reign
Born to Sultan Mehmed III, Sultan Ahmed I was the 14th Ottoman sovereign and the 79th Islamic caliph, reigning between 1603 and 1617.
A Unique Sultan
Ahmed was the first sultan who did not serve as governor, breaking away from his predecessors.
Challenges and Wars
War on three fronts When Sultan Ahmed assumed the throne, the Ottoman Empire was at war in the west, east and domestic fronts.
Treaties and Losses
The Treaty of Zsitvatorok signed in 1606 removed the annual tribute paid by Austrians to the Ottomans.
Suppression of Rebellions
In a bid to suppress the Celali Rebellions that were long ongoing and spreading in Anatolia, Sultan Ahmed enlisted Grand Vizier Kuyucu Murad Pasha.
Efforts for Order and Development
After calm was restored, the sultan worked for the development of the country.
Architectural Legacy
The big mosque, for which he broke the ground in Istanbul in 1609, was completed in seven years and aimed to overshadow the splendor of Hagia Sophia.
Diplomatic Relations and Trade
Diplomatic and commercial relations with the newly independent Netherlands were first launched in 1612 with the arrival of the first Dutch envoy Cornelis Haga to Istanbul.
Tobacco Ban and Death
Originating in the New World, tobacco first arrived in Istanbul during Sultan Ahmed I’s reign.
Sultan's Personality and Legacy
Sultan Ahmed I is remembered as a peace-loving sultan.