Gevherhan Sultan (daughter of Ahmed I)

Gevherhan Sultan (1608 – 1660) was an Ottoman princess, daughter of Sultan Ahmed I and Kösem Sultan. She was a powerful and influential figure within the Ottoman court, particularly during the reigns of her brothers Murad IV and Ibrahim, and her nephew Mehmed IV. Known for her political acumen and considerable wealth, she was a key player in dynastic marriages and court intrigues.

Gevherhan Sultan was married multiple times, each marriage strategically arranged to solidify political alliances and enhance her family’s standing. Her husbands included Mirahur Mustafa Pasha, Çavuşbaşı Hüsrev Pasha, Siyavuş Pasha (later Grand Vizier), and finally, Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, also a future Grand Vizier. These unions demonstrate the significant role princesses played in Ottoman statecraft.

Her influence peaked during the tumultuous period of her brother Ibrahim's reign and the early years of Mehmed IV's reign, when Kösem Sultan held the regency. Gevherhan Sultan's relationship with her mother was complex, marked by both cooperation and competition for influence. Her close ties with powerful political figures, particularly after marrying Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, further cemented her position in the political landscape. She used her wealth and connections to impact court affairs and protect her own interests.

Gevherhan Sultan's death in 1660 marked the end of an era in Ottoman politics. Her life provides valuable insight into the roles and power wielded by Ottoman princesses during a period of significant political and social change.