Mahmud I

Mahmud I (2 August 1696 – 13 December 1754) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1730 to 1754. He was the son of Mustafa II and Saliha Sultan.

Mahmud's reign began with the deposition of his uncle, Ahmed III, as a result of the Patrona Halil rebellion. Mahmud initially relied on Halil's influence but eventually had him executed, consolidating his own power. His reign was characterized by attempts at reform, particularly in the military sphere, inspired by European models. He commissioned French officer Claude Alexandre de Bonneval (later known as Humbaracı Ahmed Pasha) to modernize the Ottoman army, especially the artillery corps.

Mahmud I faced various internal and external challenges. He engaged in wars with Persia under Nadir Shah, enduring significant territorial losses. He also fought in the Austro-Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739), which concluded with the Treaty of Belgrade, restoring some Ottoman territories in the Balkans.

Mahmud I was known for his interest in architecture and commissioned the construction of several mosques, libraries, and other public works in Istanbul. He also patronized the arts and sciences. He died in 1754 and was succeeded by his brother, Osman III.