Mustafa III

Mustafa III was the 25th sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ruling from 1757 to 1774. He was the son of Ahmed III and Mihrişah Kadın, and the half-brother of Mahmud I and Osman III. He was born in Edirne Palace on 28 January 1717. He received a good education and learned several languages. He was interested in literature, music, and calligraphy. He also admired the military achievements of Frederick the Great of Prussia, and sought to reform the Ottoman army and administration. He established a peace treaty with Prussia in 1761, and exchanged diplomats for the first time. He also tried to improve the economic and social conditions of the empire, by regulating coinage, building granaries, maintaining aqueducts, and enforcing a strict fiscal policy. He traveled frequently and inspected the implementation of his laws. He was a patron of arts and sciences, and supported many poets, scholars, and architects. He also built several mosques, fountains, and schools. He was known as a just and benevolent ruler, who cared for the welfare of his subjects. He was also a devout Muslim, who performed the pilgrimage to Mecca in 1766. He faced several challenges during his reign, such as rebellions, plagues, famines, and earthquakes. He also had to deal with the increasing influence of Russia over the Caucasus and Poland, which threatened the Ottoman interests. He declared war on Russia in 1768, hoping to regain the lost territories and prestige. However, the war proved disastrous for the Ottomans, who suffered several defeats and losses. Mustafa was deeply affected by the news of the Ottoman defeats, and his health deteriorated. He died of a heart attack on 21 January 1774, at the Topkapı Palace. He was buried in his own mausoleum at the Laleli Mosque, which he had built. He was succeeded by his brother Abdul Hamid I. He was the father of Selim III, who became the sultan in 1789 and continued his reform efforts.