Roxelana first entered the Ottoman Empire as a Russian slave and then became a concubine in the imperial harem of Suleyman I (“the Magnificent”). After their first meeting, Suleyman was instantly, irreversibly smitten. His devotion positioned Roxelana—whose playful nature won her the nickname Hurrem, which means “laughing” or “joyful”—in a place of unprecedented power and influence that would have a lasting impact on the legacy of royal women of the empire.

Intelligent, politically savvy, and a quick study, Roxelana soon grasped the ways of the harem as well as those of Suleyman, who relied on the counsel of his inner circle, especially his mother. Roxelana therefore became his most trusted confidante and informant, advising him in political and diplomatic matters and gathering and passing on intelligence.

Because she was a slave and concubine, her controversial marriage to Suleyman in 1536 stunned the public, and the world. Together they raised six children (a shocking violation of the empire’s “one concubine, one son” rule), of whom five were male, elevating Roxelana’s status above that of her primary harem rival’s, whose son had previously been considered Suleyman’s heir.

When Roxelana became a sultana, she acquired the title Haseki Sultan, or “favorite,” and moved out of the harem and into lavish quarters within Suleyman’s own palace. This was yet another tradition-shattering move that laid the groundwork for the imperial harem’s eventual transformation into a legitimate political body within the Ottoman government.