The Drunken Sultan

The Drunken Sultan:

Selim II, often referred to as "Selim the Drunkard" or "Sarhoş Selim" in Turkish, was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1566 until his death in 1574. He was the son of the renowned Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hurrem Sultan. Selim's reign is notably marked by his penchant for indulgence, particularly in alcohol, which was unusual for an Ottoman ruler given Islam's prohibition on drinking.

Background and Ascension: Selim was born on May 28, 1524, in Constantinople, during a period when the Ottoman Empire was at its zenith under his father's rule. His path to the throne was not straightforward; he became sultan after a series of tragic events involving his siblings, including the death of his brothers Mehmed, Mustafa, Cihangir, and Bayezid, either through natural causes, execution, or in rebellion. Selim ascended the throne in September 1566, following his father's death.

Reign and Characteristics: Known for his lack of interest in governance, Selim delegated much of the state affairs to his Grand Vizier, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha. His reign is often seen as the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's decline due to his disinterest in military campaigns and administration, focusing instead on pleasures like wine and orgies. This was in stark contrast to his father, who was known for his military prowess and governance.

Notable Events:
Cyprus Campaign: One of the significant military actions during his reign was the invasion of Cyprus in 1570-1571, motivated by Selim's desire for Cypriot wine rather than strategic expansion. This led to the disastrous naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571, where the Ottoman fleet suffered a severe defeat against the Holy League, a coalition of European powers.
Cultural Impact: Despite his personal indulgences, Selim's era wasn't devoid of cultural contributions. The period continued to see the patronage of arts, though to a lesser extent than during his father's reign.

Legacy: Selim II's nickname, "the Drunkard," reflects his reputation for excess, which contributed to the narrative of Ottoman decline. His love for wine and disengagement from state affairs made him a unique figure among Ottoman sultans, remembered more for his personal habits than for his contributions to the empire's governance or expansion.

Death: Selim II died in December 1574, reportedly from slipping and falling in a bathhouse while under the influence, further cementing his reputation.

This depiction of Selim II as "the Drunken Sultan" is pieced together from historical records and narratives available on the web, highlighting his personal life over his political achievements during his brief and tumultuous reign.