Tarhan Sultan

Tarhan is the precious daughter of a Slav family. Blonde and etherial, she is as extraordinarily beautiful as she is talented. She has grown up in the harem and educated in the fine arts. She writes tuneful poems which she sings like a lark. Sultan Ibrahim, the Lord of the harem as well as the entirety of the Ottoman world, is worried.

Although only in his twenties and intimate with a number of wives and concubines, he has no issue, no heir apparent to ensure the next generation of the dynasty. Worse than that, he has yet to find a woman whose love can sustain him and with whom he can share his throne. One magical, unforgettable day he notices the delightful Tarhan. The young Sultan loses himself in her sky-blue eyes. It is love at first sight.

They walk together along perfumed garden paths with dewy spring flowers that glitter in the warm sunlight like jewels. Tarhan sings softly so that only he can hear her. Ibrahim is joyful. His heart is telling him that she is the one he has been looking for. They’re exchanging glances full of love, but the Sultan is now fearful that he would have to lose her if she cannot give him a son.

One year has passed, and Istanbul rings with exultant news: Tarhan Sultana has become a mother at the age of fifteen! The empire now has an heir, and his name is Mehmed. But soon enough the Royal household meets with tragedy. First Ibrahim dies and then his mother Kösem. Tarhan, left alone with her young son, lives up to her promise.

She takes over the Ottoman Empire and rules it with great success until Mehmed comes of age.