Murad IV Biography: Nationality, Parents, Siblings, Wives, Children, Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Death

Murad IV, the 17th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ruled from 1623 to 1640.

Ascending the throne at age 11, he assumed full control in 1632 by ending his mother Kösem Sultan‘s regency.

His reign is marked by the restoration of state authority during a period of unrest, enforced through strict laws banning tobacco, alcohol, and coffee, with harsh penalties for violations.

He is also noted for his military success, particularly the reconquest of Baghdad from the Safavids in 1638, a pivotal victory in Ottoman-Persian relations.

Profile

• Full Name: Murad IV
• Stage Name: Murad IV
• Born: 27 July 1612
• Died: 8 February 1640
• Age: 27 years old
• Birthplace: İstanbul, Türkiye
• Nationality: Turkey
• Occupation: Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Kösem Sultan, Ahmed I
• Siblings: Ibrahim I, Osman II, Gevherhan Sultan, Atike Sultan, Şehzade Kasım, Ayşe Sultan
• Spouse: Şemsişah Haseki Sultan (m. 1634), Şemsperi Hatun (m. 1626), Ayşe Sultan
• Children: Kaya Sultan, Şehzade Abdul Hamid, Şehzade Alaeddin, Safiye Sultan, Şehzade Orhan
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Murad IV was born on 27 July 1612 at Topkapı Palace in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey), the son of Sultan Ahmed I and Kösem Sultan, who was of ethnic Greek origin.

He had several siblings, including his elder brother Osman II and his successor, Ibrahim I.

As an Ottoman prince, Murad IV was educated within the palace, receiving training in Islamic studies, languages, governance, and military arts, in line with royal tradition.

While specific details of his tutors or curriculum are not documented, his upbringing prepared him for rulership.

He was of mixed Ottoman Turkish and Greek heritage and practiced Islam.

Career

Murad IV ascended to the Ottoman throne in 1623 at just 11 years old, following the deposition of his uncle, Mustafa I.

During the early years of his reign, power rested largely in the hands of his mother, Kösem Sultan, who served as regent.

This period was marked by deep internal turmoil—rampant corruption, weakened central authority, and significant territorial losses, most notably to the Safavid Persians in Baghdad.

The empire was plagued by lawlessness and the unchecked influence of the Janissaries and spahis, while provincial rebellions and a depleted treasury further eroded stability.

In 1632, Murad IV took direct control, removing his mother from power and executing several high-ranking officials and military leaders to reassert authority.

He swiftly enacted strict reforms, installing loyalists in key positions and enforcing harsh punishments to quell dissent.

Murad IV is particularly remembered for his authoritarian rule and moral crackdowns.

He banned alcohol, tobacco, and coffee—despite his personal indulgence in them—and closed establishments where sedition might brew.

His laws were enforced with brutality, often by the sultan himself.

On the battlefield, however, he proved a capable leader.

His most notable military success was the 1638 reconquest of Baghdad, a key victory over the Safavids that helped shape the modern borders of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.

Murad IV died in 1640 at the age of 27, likely from liver disease, leaving behind a legacy of restored order through force and firm governance.

Social Media

Murad IV does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Murad IV had several consorts and concubines during his reign, though only a few are well documented.

His principal consort was Ayşe Sultan, who held the prestigious title of Haseki Sultan and was likely his favorite.

She bore him children, though the exact number and their identities remain uncertain.

Other known concubines included Sanavber Hatun, Safiye Hatun, and possibly Şemsperi Hatun.

One controversial figure is Rosana Sultan, believed by some to have been a favored consort, though her existence is debated.

A violent incident involving Rosana reportedly led Murad IV to vow never to favor another woman.

Murad IV is said to have fathered around thirty-two children, although many died in infancy, and most of their mothers are unknown.

His surviving daughters included Kaya Sultan, Safiye Sultan, and Rukiye Sultan.

He died in 1640 in Constantinople at the age of 27, reportedly from liver cirrhosis.

Net Worth

Murad IV‘s exact net worth is unknown, but it stemmed from the vast revenues of the Ottoman Empire, which he boosted by curbing corruption and enforcing strict fiscal discipline.

Upon taking power, the treasury was nearly depleted, but through rigorous measures against bribery and tax evasion, he restored financial stability, reportedly leaving behind 15 million gold coins at his death.