Osman III

Osman III was the 25th sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ruling from 1754 to 1757. He was the son of Mustafa II and Şehsuvar Sultan, and the younger half-brother of Mahmud I. He spent most of his life as a prisoner in the palace, and as a result, he developed some eccentric habits and a dislike for music. He ascended to the throne at the age of 55, after the death of his brother. He was a modest and religious ruler, who tried to reform the administration and the army. He also issued several decrees to protect the rights of Christians and Jews in the empire. He was interested in foreign affairs and maintained good relations with France and Russia. He died of a heart attack in 1757 and was succeeded by his cousin Mustafa III. He was buried in the Tomb of Turhan Sultan, the mother of Mehmed IV, in the New Mosque complex in Istanbul. He had four consorts, but no children. He was the last Ottoman sultan to have a full beard.