Mihrişah Kadın (mother of Mustafa III)

Mihrişah Kadın (died 1732) was a consort of Sultan Ahmed III of the Ottoman Empire and the mother of Sultan Mustafa III. Her origins are debated, with some sources suggesting she was of Italian or French descent. She was a significant figure within the Ottoman harem, wielding considerable influence during the reign of her son.

While specific details of her early life and rise within the harem are scarce, Mihrişah Kadın is known for her charitable endowments (vakf) and contributions to the architectural landscape of Istanbul. She commissioned the Mihrişah Sultan Complex in Eyüp, which included a mosque, a soup kitchen (imaret), a school (mektep), a library, and a fountain (sebil). This complex stands as a testament to her piety and her commitment to public welfare.

Mihrişah Kadın's influence extended beyond charitable works. As valide sultan (mother of the reigning sultan) during Mustafa III's reign (1757-1774), she played a role in political affairs, though the extent of her direct involvement remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some historians suggest she exerted considerable influence on her son, advising him on matters of state, while others argue that her role was primarily ceremonial and symbolic.

Her death in 1732, prior to her son's accession to the throne, prevented her from formally assuming the powerful role of valide sultan. She is buried in the Turhan Sultan mausoleum in the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) complex in Istanbul. Mihrişah Kadın's legacy is remembered primarily for her philanthropic endeavors and the architectural complex she commissioned, which continues to serve as a valuable part of Istanbul's cultural heritage.