Mahpeyker: Kösem Sultan

The best movie I have ever seen for Sultan kosem .. makes you overflowing with feelings

A great beautiful and colorful film, dramatic, with two interesting intrigues. Only here is the deprived Safiye Sultan, they say she did not leave so quickly and poisoned Sultan Ahmed.

This movie is not about Roxelana (Hurrem Sultan) and the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. It is about Ahmet I, and his favorite wife Mahpeyker Kosem Sultan. Ahmet I is mostly known for the Sultanahmet mosque (or Blue Mosque) he built and this is referred in the movie. Kosem Sultan was the most powerful woman in the period known as the Reign of Women (Kadinlar Saltanati). While Hurrem Sultan was the first woman to influence political decisions behind the scenes, Kosem Sultan actually reigned for 12 years until her son, Murad IV, became of age to ascend the throne.

The movie is really interesting and the costumes are fabulous. It is hard to say whether the story is accurate because very little is known about life within the Harem and this subject is still a taboo for many Turkish historians, especially the conservative Islamic ones. Still, it brings a new perspective to the story of Mahpeyker Kosem Sultan and how she became so harsh and ruthless as a result of her struggle to survive the Harem intrigues.

Roxelana was one of the most famous Sultanes of the Ottoman Period and this movie is about her life in a reminiscing way. Cleverly done and with beautiful costumes. Also partly filmed on historical grounds like the Harem of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. As not so many details are known about her life, part of the movie is a guess. The costumes and jewels are made after the very few paintings known to be representing Roxelana. Also the other principals like the Sultan Suleyman and the grand Vizir are well portrayed by the actors. The movie should be subtitled in English. Title music is beautiful played with violin and cello. Worthwhile viewing if you want to know more about this very interesting period of ottoman rule of Suleyman the Magnificent.