Valide Sultan

The Valide Sultan was the title given to the mother of the reigning Ottoman Sultan, making her a highly influential and respected figure within the Ottoman court. She often held significant political power, overseeing palace affairs and sometimes influencing royal decisions. Her role extended beyond motherhood, as she managed the harem, patronized charitable activities, and supported her children’s careers. The Valide Sultan was typically one of the most powerful women in the empire, especially during her son’s reign, shaping the political and social landscape of the Ottoman dynasty.