Hurrem Sultan

Hürrem Sultan (1502-1558) also known as Alexandra Lisowska, was the favorite concubine, chief consort and legal wife of Süleiman the Magnificent. She was the mother of five of his children: Şehzade Mehmed, Mihrimah Sultan, Şehzade Selim, Şehzade Bayezid and Şehzade Çihangir. In history, she was the first "Haseki Sultan" (chief consort of the Sultan.) In the series, Mahidevran Sultan was the first Haseki Sultan. She achieved power and influenced the politics of the Ottoman Empire through her husband, and played an active role in state affairs. In her reign, the people once believed that she was a witch, as she seduced Sultan Süleiman and was strong in politics.

Early life
Alexandra Lisowska was born in 1502 in the town of Rohatyn, in the land of Ruthenia, then occupied by Poland. She was the daughter of a Ruthenian Orthodox priest and his wife and her native language was Ruthenian, a precursor to Ukrainian. In the 1520s Crimean Tatars captured her during one of their frequent raids into this region, took her as a slave (first selling her to the Crimean city of Kaffa, a major center of the slave trade, then to Constantinople), and she and her friend from her village, Maria, were sent to Sultan Süleiman's harem.

Becoming Hürrem Sultan
Hürrem was a young woman who seduced Sultan Süleiman in order to gain more power. Although, eventually she came to truly love Süleiman. When Şehzade Mehmed was born, she vowed to her newborn son with pride and conviction "My Şehzade, you will become the Padishah. You will make me Valide Sultan, and we will rule over the world.” Hürrem was brutal, territorial, and fierce. She bested many rivals who ever came close to Sultan Süleiman. In the beginning, Alexandra is inconsolable, and miserable in her fate. Wanting to die in order to reunite with her dead family and former fiancé. However Nigar Kalfa (one of the main Harem leaders) explains to Alexandra that all of them arrived as slaves, and if Alexandra behaves herself and does as she is told, she will be summoned by the Sultan. If she wins his heart, and gives him a son, she will rule the world as a Sultan.

The next day, Hürrem, taking in Nigar's words, takes a drastic step to capture the attention of Süleiman. While he was walking past the harem, she suddenly calls out his name, and then swoons in his arms. The scheme is successful, and Süleiman is intrigued by her. The next evening, there is a big celebration in Süleiman's honor. Many concubines, including Alexandra, are chosen to dance for him at the order of Ibrahim Ağa (Later Ibrahim Paşa.) Süleiman can't take his eyes off of Alexandra during the entirety of her seductive solo, and he invites her to spend the night with him the next evening. However, Mahidevran Sultan (the mother of his first heir Şehzade Mustafa), fearing losing Süleiman's attention, suddenly enters Süleiman's chambers instead while Alexandra is sent back to the harem.

The next evening, Alexandra again is invited to spend the night with the Sultan. While Nigar Kalfa is explaining the rules of her impending night with the Sultan, she reminds Alexandra that Mahidevran Sultan is his only woman, and that she spends every Thursday night with him. The reason being that the night connecting Thursday and Friday is a sacred night in Islam, and that the Sultan only sees his favorite Hatun (lady) on that night. If one conceives on that night, the child will be plentifully blessed. Hearing this, Alexandra is determined to spend not just this Wednesday night with him, but the next one as well. Alexandra and Süleiman have an enchanting night together, and spend all of Thursday together as well. This news devastates Mahidevran, who was readying herself for the Halvet (private chamber.)

During their time together, they laugh gaily and play games. Süleiman is so delighted by Alexandra’s cheerful and playful personality, that he affectionately changes her name to "Hürrem", which means "The cheerful one” or “The one who makes us smile.” One night, at a gathering in the harem, Mahidevran intimidates Hürrem by making her dance for everyone. She calls Hürrem by her old name "Alexandra", and Hürrem corrects her. This is considered an offense, and the Valide Hafsa Sultan (Süleiman's mother) sends Hürrem to the dungeons for her disrespect. Mahidevran later visits Hürrem in the dungeon, and gloats that if she wishes to be freed all she must do is kiss her dress hem, and ask for forgiveness. Hürrem refuses, though, claiming she has nothing to apologize for. Mahidevran then angrily leaves her in the dungeon. Days afterward, Süleiman commands to see Hürrem, but he is informed by Sümbül Ağa that she is in the dungeons. Furious at this news, he orders her immediate release. When the the Valide Sultan finds out about this, Hürrem falls further from the Valide's grace. Hürrem is in weak condition, and is ill for several days. She spends the next while recuperating from her ordeal, while growing closer to Süleiman. So close in fact, that the Sultan decides to gift her the coveted emerald ring he made himself, that was originally thought to be for Mahidevran Sultan.

Hürrem leaves the private chamber, feeling triumphant that she was given the coveted ring, when she suddenly runs into the young Şehzade Mustafa, who is running on his own through the halls looking for his father. She tells him it's forbidden for him to go alone, and grabs his hand to take him back to his mother. Mahidevran sees them walking towards her, and she is instantly upset and demands Hürrem unhand her son. Mahidevran suddenly notices the emerald ring on Hürrem's finger, and becomes enraged at Hürrem's supposed theft of her ring. She tries to forcefully remove it, but Hürrem holds fast. She manages to escape, and as Mahidevran loudly accuses her of theft, she suddenly faints. It becomes evident that Mahidevran is pregnant, which pleases Sultan Süleiman. He comes to see her in her chambers, and brings her a beautiful necklace to show his gratitude and respect. However, Mahidevran is affronted that he gave Hürrem the emerald ring she wanted, and asks him how he could do that to her. Süleiman, offended at her lack of gratitude, then tells her that it was his decision, and she needs to respect it. Mahidevran is burning with envy at the attention Hürrem is receiving, and is wallowing at the fact the Hürrem now wears the emerald ring. She and her maid Gülşah Hatun then conspire to steal it. Gülşah enlists the help of a reluctant Ayşe Hatun, one of the Sultan's favorites. When Hürrem and the other concubines are in the Hamam, she takes off her ring while she bathes. While she isn't looking, Ayşe Hatun takes Hürrem’s ring. Hürrem notices it’s disappearance, and furiously interrogates the other concubines. Nigar Kalfa walks in and breaks up the fighting. It is brought to the Valide Sultan’s attention, and she commands Daye Hatun to get to the bottom of the theft. The harem is in a small uproar as everyone starts searching for the ring, but no one can find it. Hürrem’s first instinct is that Mahidevran Sultan has it. As the ring continues to be missing, Hürrem subtly threatens Sümbül Ağa that if he doesn't find it, she will tell the His Majesty. Sümbül informs Ibrahim Paşa, who then begins questioning everyone. Ibrahim interrogates a suspicious Ayşe Hatun, and she reveals that GüIşah Hatun and Mahidevran Sultan put her up to it. Ibrahim tells her to keep her mouth shut. Ibrahim informs the Valide Sultan in private, and they come up with a plan to secretly get the ring back while protecting Mahidevran from the Sultan's wrath. Valide Sultan summons Mahidevran to her chamber under the guise of concern for her health, and the health of her unborn grandchild. Meanwhile Daye Hatun forces Gülşah to hand over the ring. The blame is then placed on an innocent concubine, but Hürrem knows the truth. The ring is returned to its owner. Later that evening, the Valide Sultan scolds Mahidevran Sultan for her foolish actions, and sternly reminds her that she is the Haseki Sultan so she should start acting like it. Mahidevran goes to her wardrobe, and sees the ring has been taken back. She weeps all night at her misfortune. In the morning she awakens to a pain in her abdomen, and notices blood on her bed. In horror, she realizes she had a miscarriage, and bellows in grief. After being seen by physicians, she stumbles in a trance towards the private chamber to tell Süleiman what happened. She notices Hürrem leaving the private chamber herself. Unstable from her grief and pain, Mahidevran assaults Hürrem viciously. Erroneously blaming Hürrem for her miscarriage as Mahidevran believes it was caused by her deep sorrow at Süleiman’s attention for Hürrem. Gülşah finds the two in the corridor, and drags Mahidevran Sultan away before anyone can see what she’s done. Daye Hatun and Sümbül Ağa find Hürrem unconscious on the floor, bruised and bloodied from Mahidevran’s attack. They quickly get her to her room before anyone notices, and begin to treat her wounds. Hürrem regains consciousness, and walks over to the mirror to see her reflection. Her face is badly swollen, bruised, and scarred. She sobs in despair at her condition believing Süleiman will never love her again, while Daye and Sümbül try to keep her calm and quiet. Meanwhile, when Daye finds out that Mahidevran has had a miscarriage, she runs to tell the Valide the news. Hatice Sultan is sitting in her mother’s chambers, daydreaming about her secret lover Ibrahim Paşa, when Daye Hatun bursts into the room with news of not only Mahidevran’s miscarriage, but of her brutal assault of Hürrem Hatun. Hatice Sultan attempts to console Mahidevran’s loss when Valide Sultan enters, and asks Hatice to go tend to Şehzade Mustafa. Bewildered and frustrated with Mahidevran’s reckless behavior, she berates her for her actions. Mahidevran lies and say that Hürrem provoked her, and spoke badly of the dynasty. That evening, Sultan Süleiman requests Hürrem to come to his chambers, but she refuses because she is ashamed of her damaged face. Süleiman storms into her chamber demanding an explanation, but stops cold when he sees her face. Shocked at her painful appearance, he gently comforts her and asks her who did this to her. Hürrem tearfully tells him it was Mahidevran Sultan. Furious, he confronts Mahidevran, and heatedly denounces her. Leaving her alone in her chamber while she sobs in despair. He then takes Hürrem to his chambers, and tends to her wounds himself. Süleiman tells the Valide that he wants Mahidevran out of his palace. Valide says that exile is an extreme punishment for the mother of his Şehzade. Süleiman insists that Mahidevran went against him, and harmed one of his harem. He then states that it is only because she’s the mother of his first child that she lives still. He is later convinced by Ibrahim and the Valide to keep her in the palace for Mustafa’s sake.

Süleiman departs on his first campaign. In order to get rid of Hürrem in Süleiman's absence, the Valide Sultan plans to marry Hürrem to Casim Paşa's son. Hürrem refuses to leave and in an act of desperation, lies to the Valide Sultan and tells her she cannot leave because she is pregnant with Süleiman's child. The Valide Sultan believes the lie and lets Hürrem stay, but she tells Daye Hatun to take Hürrem to the midwife in secret to confirm this. Hürrem asks Maria (her best friend in the harem, who was kidnapped with her in her village) to help her run away. Maria refuses as it would be impossible. When Daye Hatun and Nigar Kalfa come to take Hürrem to the midwife, Hürrem breaks a nearby vase, and threatens to commit suicide with a shard of glass if they come any closer. Nigar convinces Hürrem to put the glass down. They take her to the midwife, and Hürrem discovers that she actually is pregnant. Süleiman receives news about Hürrem's pregnancy, and is overjoyed. Several weeks later, he returns from his campaign. He greets his mother, his sister, his former consort Gülfem, his son, and barely greets Mahidevran. He then summons Hürrem to his chambers, and they joyfully reunite. He then gifts her a beautiful necklace as a sign of his love and gratitude, and he admires her growing belly. Mahidevran, burning with hatred and envy of Hürrem’s pregnancy, and the love she and Süleiman share, decides that she’s had enough of the neglect and disrespect from Süleiman and Hürrem respectively. She conspires with her maid Gülşah, who enlists another concubine, Hasibe Hatun, to put poison in Hürrem’s dessert. Telling the concubine that it will only make Hürrem Hatun sick so that she'll be unable to lie with the Sultan that evening. Though deeply apprehensive, Hasibe Hatun succeeds in her task. Mahidevran prays in her chambers, and asks Allah to forgive her for her grave sin. Clinging to the hope that with Hürrem dead, things will go back to the way they used to be for her, Mustafa, and Süleiman. While Hürrem and Süleiman are laughing and dining together, Hürrem suddenly cries out in pain as the poison reaches her belly, and then faints. Süleiman frantically tries to wake her, but she is motionless. Süleiman commands the chief physician be brought at once, while yelling for his concierge Ibrahim. Gülşah learns that the poison has indeed been taken by Hürrem Hatun, and that she may die. The liable concubine, Hasibe Hatun, learns of the unfolding events, and is riddled with guilt and fear at what she has done. Worried that Hasibe would give them away, Gülşah smothers the girl to death with a pillow, and then strings her up to make it seem as though she hung herself. Meanwhile the Sultan summons the physicians, and they just barely save Hürrem’s life. The physicians then inform the Sultan that she was poisoned, and hope that her unborn child hasn't been harmed. Ibrahim Paşa then finally arrives in utter shock. Süleiman, enraged that his concierge wasn’t around, and hadn’t prevented something like this from happening, berates Ibrahim on how he could’ve let poison come to the Sultan’s table. He then orders Ibrahim to personally find the culprit. And when he does, no matter who they are, they will be beheaded. The Valide Sultan, and Hatice Sultan hear of this troubling news from Daye Hatun, and race to the private chamber. Süleiman informs his mother and sister that Hürrem was most assuredly poisoned, because he saw with his own eyes what came out of her. Her insides were rotting. Hürrem, who is very ill and delirious, calls out to her dead family, asking them to take her. Süleiman, commands Hürrem to fight the poison as she is his Sultan, and he’ll never let her go. This declaration visibly surprises Valide Sultan and Hatice Sultan. Hürrem worries her baby was hurt, as he’s not moving around in her belly. Süleiman affirms that the baby will live. He has to. Süleiman sleeps next to Hürrem all night, and never leaves her side. The next morning Hürrem awakens to her son kicking, to her utter delight. She awakens Süleiman, and places his hand on her belly to feel the kicking. They laugh and cry with relief that their baby lives.

Meanwhile Ibrahim Paşa interrogates anyone and everyone to find the culprit. He learns that the concubine who did it is dead from allegedly hanging herself. However, Ibrahim believes there is a piece of the story missing. He later questions Gülşah Hatun, to the point of beating the truth out of her. She relents and tells him she's committed no sin as she was commanded to do it by Mahidevran Sultan. Ibrahim threatens her to not breathe a word of this to anyone or he will kill her. Mahidevran is in good spirits, and is feeling hopeful for the future as she heard that last night Hürrem was fighting for her life, and believes Hürrem to be on her death bed if not already dead. She is summoned by Sümbül Ağa to Ibrahim Paşa’s chamber. She jovially inquires to Hürrem’s health, but learns quickly from Sümbül, as well as the trays of food coming in and out of the private chamber, that Hürrem survived, and is recuperating in the private chamber under Süleiman’s care. This news fills her with anguish and dread. Ibrahim invites her into his chamber, and tells her that he knows it was her who was responsible for Hürrem's poisoning, and berates her as she very well could’ve poisoned the Sultan for which the consequences would be grave. She maintains that Süleiman is already poisoned by Hürrem’s wicked presence, and she has no remorse. Ibrahim tells her he can’t protect her if she continues to make these rash mistakes. Mahidevran defiantly questions how can the Paşa protect what the Sultan himself doesn’t protect. Ibrahim commands her to stay away from Hürrem, and to ignore her and the Sultan’s relationship. Hearing the lilt of Hürrem and Süleiman’s laughter next door in the private chamber, Mahidevran bitterly remarks how Ibrahim is asking her to repress herself, her heart, and her feelings. To turn herself to stone. Ibrahim tells her how much he cares for her and Mustafa, and that he’ll always be there to protect them. Mahidevran begs Ibrahim not to punish Gülsah as she is all she has in the harem. Ibrahim tells Mahidevran to send Gülsah away for a while, until things calm down. They both agree that Hürrem must be destroyed.

The Sultan leaves to tend to his state affairs, and Hürrem approaches Ibrahim Paşa and asks him if he has found her would-be murderer. He coldly tells her that the matter is closed, and to let it go. She then implies that he wasn’t there to serve/save their Sultan or herself, and he’s more involved than he’s letting on. In the mean time, the Valide Sultan decides Hürrem should have a bigger chamber so that she’ll be more comfortable during her pregnancy, and have help when her child is born. She will also be given concubines who will tend to her and serve her now that she’s becoming a member of the dynasty. She chooses Ayşe, Nigar, and her best friend Maria. Hürrem enters her new chamber, and is very pleased. Maria enters not long after, and marvels at Hürrem’s luxurious and spacious new chamber. Hürrem giddily informs Maria that she will be staying there with her, as she has chosen Maria to be her personal concubine. The two embrace happily, and Maria decides to inform Hürrem that she has converted to Islam, and was renamed by Sümbül Ağa. Her new name is now Gülnihal which means “Young and beautiful.” Hürrem is disgusted to hear this news, and demands to know why Maria would do such a thing. This information now makes Hürrem view her only friend as a rival. She then decides to trust her friend wouldn’t betray her, and accepts her new name. What Hürrem doesn’t know is that Gülnihal wants to become a Sultan herself, and has recruited Sümbül Ağa to help her rise through the Harem. In the middle of the night, Hürrem goes into labor and calls out for Gülnihal, but she doesn’t appear. She’s screaming in pain through the halls begging for help when Nigar Kalfa finds her, and summons the midwife. While this is going on Süleiman wanted to summon Hürrem to his chamber, but he is then informed that she is in labor. Süleiman is very happy at this news. He then decides that since Hürrem cannot come to him, he will summon her best friend Gülnihal to his chamber. While Gülnihal is excited at this news, she is also apprehensive, and terrified of Hürrem’s probable wrath should she find out. Sümbül tells her to forget about Hürrem, and think of herself and the life she could have if she’ll take it for herself. After a difficult, and arduous labor, Hürrem gives birth to a boy, Şehzade Mehmed.

Later on, after much gloating and boasting that she’ll give birth to another Şehzade, Hürrem gives birth to a daughter whom (while Süleiman is off on a campaign) the Valide Sultan names Mihrimah, meaning “sun and moon.” This news mildly devastates Hürrem as she had been so sure and hopeful that she would have another Şehzade. For some time she would not even hold Mihrimah or feed her, wanting nothing to do with her female child. Süleiman, hearing of the birth, returns from the campaign to meet his daughter. Hürrem is afraid that he will be disappointed and upset with her for not giving him another son, but this turns out to be false. His child is still his child, and he loves her with all his heart. This revelation warms Hürrem to her daughter.

Meanwhile Süleiman's and Hürrem's relationship begins to sour, and the Sultan prefers to spend time with others. He also brings Mahidevran Sultan back into his favor. After being wrongfully accused of killing Ayşe Hatun (who’s real killer is Viktoria/Sadika Hatun) Hürrem is sent into exile at the old palace in Edirne with only her daughter Mihrimah, as Mehmed is an heir to the throne and cannot leave Topkapı Palace. Hürrem is torn apart by the thought of abandoning her son, and her beloved Sülieman thinking such evil of her. Her innocence is later proven, however, when a concubine comes forth with information about the murder. The murderer that killed Ayşe Hatun was not as tall as Hürrem, therefore absolving her of any crime. She returns to Topkapı Palace with Mihrimah Sultan, and she and Süleiman finally reconcile. Hürrem once again becomes his most favorite concubine.

Hürrem later gives Süleiman a second son, Şehzade Selim, but she is still unsatisfied because as the Ottoman traditions require, Sultan Süleiman must grace other concubines with his favors. When a Russian slave girl, Tanya, is brought as a personal gift to the Sultan, Hürrem cannot contain her jealousy and hurt. She decides to confront Süleiman. With the ornate dagger he had given her as a gift clenched tightly and painfully in her hand, Hürrem tearfully asks Süleiman to kill her and end her pain. She reminds him that she is not Mahidevran Sultan, and she will not share their love with anyone. If he doesn’t love only her, she may as well be dead. Süleiman is irate at Hürrem’s gall and blatant disrespect of his authority, and he angrily orders her to return to her chamber. As he takes the bloody dagger from her hand, Hürrem gives Süleiman a daring ultimatum--either he sends the Russian concubines away, or she will leave the palace herself. Overnight, Hürrem attempts to make plans to leave the palace, even though it would be impossible to escape with her children. The next day, Mahidevran Sultan and Gülşah bask in the joy of Hürrem’s impudent behavior, believing she will be seriously punished or even banished. However, they soon learn from Sümbül Ağa that Sultan Süleiman decided to send the Russian concubines away, effectively choosing Hürrem. This news deeply upsets Mahidevran as well as Valide Sultan. The pair of them believing that this is a disgrace for tradition and the rules, and that Hürrem has the Sultan wrapped around her finger. Süleiman goes to Hürrem’s chamber, and asks for her forgiveness. He gifts her a beautiful, handcrafted tulip brooch (tulips being the symbol of the Ottoman Dynasty) that he made himself, and he reaffirms his love for Hürrem.

Later on, Leopold (Leo), Hürrem's presumed dead former fiancé during her early years in Ruthenia, arrives in an attempt to find her and take her home. He is recognized as a talented painter, and is commissioned by the Sultan to decorate his sister Hatice Sultan's palace. He is also commissioned to paint two portraits: Süleiman alone, and together with Hürrem. Once Hürrem finally lays eyes on him, she is absolutely baffled by his presence. All this time she believed he was dead, killed in the slave raid in their village years ago. This shock is almost too much for her to take. Leo makes many attempts to speak with her alone and reaffirm his adoration of her, but according to Hürrem, that time has passed and she believes their love is over. Hürrem still deeply cares for him, but she is the Sultan’s love, and is the mother of his children. Hürrem tries to warn Leo that it is very dangerous for him to be here given the circumstances, and that he should go back home as soon as possible before either one of them get hurt. But Leo will not go without Alexandra, his long lost love. During this time, Hürrem and Leo’s history is unfortunately learned by Ibrahim Paşa. Because of the rivalry and developing hatred between Ibrahim and Hürrem, Ibrahim seizes the opportunity to blackmail and destroy Hürrem. He leaves a bowl of poisoned delights for her and Leo, and tells them to decide who leaves the room alive. Distraught by the tragic turn of events, and the idea of having to choose whether she lives or if her former fiancé lives, Hürrem weeps in despair. Realizing that this is truly the end, Leo sacrifices himself and eats the poisoned delight. Soon after, he dies in Hürrem's arms, proving his everlasting love and honor.

She later on gives birth to her fourth child, Şehzade Bayezid. Once again, Sultan Süleiman is overjoyed, while Mahidevran despairs over her own son, Şehzade Mustafa, having yet another rival for the Ottoman throne.

The Legal wife of the Sultan
Castilian Princess Isabella Fortuna and her servant are kidnapped by Turkish pirates, and are sold to Sultan Süleiman's harem. Hürrem is very jealous of the attention that the striking Isabella receives from Süleiman, and threatens her life multiple times. She even sends a venomous snake to the hunting lodge where Isabella has been staying. Süleiman, however, was there to save her life when the snake bit her ankle. This incident brings the two closer and Isabella, though at first utterly disgusted by Süleiman and his allegedly barbaric ways, begins to begrudgingly return Süleiman’s attraction. Desperate, Hürrem decides that she’ll help Princess Isabella escape. The two agree on an escape plan, and Hürrem forcefully takes back the necklace Süleiman made for the princess that she herself wanted. They attempt the plan, but the princess desists when her guard Malkoçoğlu Bali Bey’s life is threatened by those who would liberate her. Eventually, Princess Isabella falls in love with Süleiman. She moves into the harem, and becomes Süleiman's favorite. Valide Sultan takes a deep liking to Princess Isabella, and believes her to be a more suitable match for Süleiman than Hürrem because Princess Isabella is a noblewoman, and Hürrem is only a concubine. Mahidevran Sultan sees Isabella as the perfect tool to destroy Hürrem, even though she is now the lover of the Sultan and her new rival as well. Hürrem decides once and for all to be rid of Princess Isabella, and with the help of Gül Ağa, Nigar Kalfa, and her new servant Nilüfer, she succeeds in sending Princess Isabella to Vienna, where she returns to the monastery.

Mahidevran Sultan gives the Valide Sultan Leo's old diary with pages covered in Hürrem, which Gülşah picked up after Hürrem threw it out of window in a desperate attempt to get rid of it. The Valide calls Hürrem to her chambers, but then she faints. Hürrem calls for help and then she attempts to take the diary. Daye notices it, and takes it before Hürrem can. She later gives it to the Valide Sultan, and she tries to use it to make Hürrem Sultan leave. To save herself, Hürrem offers an estate to Daye which she eventually accepts, and in exchange Daye gives the diary to Hürrem. When the Valide Sultan comes to Hürrem's chambers, she throws the diary into fire, destroying the only evidence of her and Leo's former affair.

When Süleiman returns home from another campaign, Hürrem greets him passionately. Later, the two are dining together, and Hürrem laments that she cannot practice charity because she is a slave. Süleiman, after having four children with Hürrem, decides to finally free her. She is overjoyed at this news, and brags to the harem that she is now above them all, including Mahidevran, as she is now a free woman. This promotion is the perfect oppurtunity for Hürrem to achieve what she has so long desired; to become the Sultan's legal wife. One night, Süleiman requests Hürrem come to his chambers, but she refuses. He demands again, but she won't budge. He storms over to her chambers demanding an explanation, and she calmly tells him that while she loves and adores him, she cannot share a bed with him anymore because she is a free woman. It is forbidden in their religion for a free woman to share a bed with a man if she is not married to him. Süleiman then deduces that she has concocted the excuse about charity because she wanted to marry him. Valide Sultan finds out about this disgrace, and confronts Hürrem who defends her actions stating that she is only trying to be a good muslim. Valide silently decides that this is the perfect oppurtunity for her to get what she has long desired; to be rid of Hürrem. She congratulates Hürrem on making the proper decison, but that she still must follow harem rules. Enraged by Hürrem's supposed betrayal, Süleiman sends her away to the old palace with the assitance of the Valide Sultan, who sets a trap for her. Valide feigns sending for Hürrem to return to the palace, but sends assailants to kill Hürrem on her journey. Malkoçoğlu Balı Bey defeats most of them, but spares one for interrogation. In the chaos however, Hürrem has gone missing. This news reaches a remorseful Süleiman who orders a search mission for her. The Sultan sends Bali Bey to interrogate the remaining assailant to find out who ordered this attack. Several janissaries search the woods near where the ambush occured, but no one can find her anywhere. Wandering into the forest himself, Süleiman wonders where his lost love has gone, as he can feel in his heart that she's still alive somewhere. Hürrem, clinging to life by a thread on the forrest floor hears Süleiman searching for her. She is so weak however, that she cannot call out to him loud enough. She nearly resigns herself to her fate when she is finally found by Sultan Süleiman. He returns Topkapı Palace with Hürrem Sultan in his arms. While she is ill and injured, she will survive and she is reunited with her beloved sons. Valide Sultan, irritated that her trap failed, advises her son that Hürrem's act of defiance still needs proper punishment, and that once she recovers enough, Hürrem shoud be sent away again, albeit to a closer location. This ordeal however has softened Süleiman's anger, and made the Sultan realize the depth of his love for Hürrem. He decides not to banish the mother of his children, and then decides instead that he will marry her. After legally marrying Hürrem Sultan, Sultan Süleiman goes to give the Valide Sultan the great news. In the presence of his mother, Hatice Sultan, Gülfem Hatun, and Mahidevran Sultan, Sultan Süleiman announces his marriage to Hürrem Sultan. This sends a shockwave throughout the room, and for a moment everyone is speechless. Hürrem is beaming with joy, Nigar Kalfa secretly smiles at this news, Valide Sultan is frozen in place, and Mahidevran Sultan is silently devastated. Expecting a warmer response than this, Süleiman sends Hürrem over to pay respect to his mother. But when Hürrem tries to kiss her hand, the Valide Sultan stands up, and vents her displeasure with their marriage which she considers unacceptable and disgraceful. Valide, overwhelmed with this appalling and scandalous break in tradition, faints in the her son's arms, and she is taken to her chambers to rest. Meanwhile, İbrahim Paşa is shot during the marriage ceremony with an arrow, and it turns out that it was poisoned. Hürrem is afraid that she will be blamed for this because she had sent an archer to kill İbrahim Paşa, but she called off the attack at the last minute when she saw Hatice Sultan's sadness.

Hurrem later becomes pregnant, and gives birth to her fifth and final child, Şehzade Cihangir.

Becoming Haseki Sultan
Time passes, while the Sultan goes to war, and the Valide Sultan and Mahidevran Sultan conspire against Hürrem. The Valide places a spy, and pretends to let Hürrem lead the harem for a while. During the rebellion provoked by the Valide's spy, Fatma Hatun, one of the slaves is accused of stealing gold, and the innocent girl burns herself. The slaves take torches and march towards Hürrem's chambers to try to burn her alive. Daye and the guards save her, but not without the slaves severely scarring Hürrem's face. Daye gets fired for this.

When the Sultan comes back and finds out what has happened, he tells his mother that she is not capable of leading the harem, and he is tired of all the fighting. Hürrem Sultan and Mahidevran Sultan fight after Gülşah Hatun gets Daye's old position, and Mahidevran tries to slap her. Süleiman arrives which stops Mahidevran in her tracks. Later Mustafa barges into Hürrem's chambers to talk to his father, and they have a heated discussion about the way Hürrem manipulates him, which makes Süleiman very angry.

Later Hürrem argues with Mustafa, and Süleiman makes her apologize for it. Hürrem is displeased so they too have an argument.

Mustafa falls in love with a concubine named Nora (whom he later names later Efsun), and she becomes pregnant with his child. He doesn't know that Efsun works for Hürrem Sultan, and she has orders to poison him. She puts poison in his meal, but at the last moment she regrets it and overturns the food.

Cihangir, Hürrem's youngest son becomes ill, and she doesn't tell Süleiman which infuriates him. But after seeing his son so sick, he and Hürrem unite and he calls a doctor. Cihangir is developing a hump on his back, and they try to fix it while he is still a baby with physiotherapy. Cihangir gets better even though he can't recover fully, and Süleiman suddenly has a heart attack. Mahidevran Sultan is conscious that when Süleiman dies, her son could be the Sultan. She tries to convince Mustafa that he needs to take precautions with his brothers, but he refuses. She then talks to İbrahim Paşa about Mustafa's possible succession to the throne, and Ibrahim warns Mahidevran to not be so eager to watch their Sultan die, as it wouldn't end well for her. Mahidevran says that Süleiman stopped caring about her so long ago that all she associates him with is pain and rejection, and that any love she has left is for her son to become the next Sultan of the Ottomans. It's time for the era of Valide Mahidevran Sultan. The Valide Hafsa Sultan, who stood just outside of Mahidevran's chamber door, hears this and sends Hürrem and her children to Hatice Sultan's palace in order to protect them from Mahidevran. During the time of his unconsciousness, Süleiman heard the words of those around him, including Mahidevran's vicious scheming. At Hatice Sultan's palace, Hürrem Sultan is beside herself with sadness and fear for her children's fates. She has Gül Ağa prepare a poison for her and her children, wanting to take charge of their fate and not leave it to Mahidevran Sultan, should Süleiman die soon. Süleiman finally wakes up, with Ibrahim Paşa by his side, who orders Sümbül Ağa to summon the physicians, and share the news with the palace. Nigar Kalfa arrives at Ibrahim Paşa and Hatice Sultan's palace to deliver the excellent news to Hürrem and her children. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, Hürrem falls to her knees weeping, and the family prepares to return to Topkapı Palace. At Süleiman's bedside, Valide Sultan, Hatice Sultan, Gülfem Hatun, Şehzade Mustafa, and Mahidevran Sultan share their relief that he has rejoined them. Although Valide Sultan, fully aware of Mahidevran's failed plot to seize the throne, knows that Mahidevran's well wishes are only out of self-preservation. Trumphant, Hürrem Sultan and her children arrive at the palace, and visit an alive and well Sultan Süleiman. Once he recovers, Sultan Süleiman arrives to greet his harem. Hürrem Sultan finds her place in line, and it's ahead of Mahidevran Sultan, who has fallen even farther from grace due to her machinations.

Mahidevran finds out that Efsun is pregnant and wants to make her abort, but Mustafa stops her in time and sends Efsun to his chambers. Hürrem Sultan tells the Valide about Efsun's pregnancy, and she sends Daye Hatun to get rid of the baby. Mustafa doesn't manage to save her this time, and both the baby and Efsun Hatun die. Before her death however, she warns Mustafa to stay away from Hürrem as she had tried to make her poison him. Mahidevran tells this to Süleiman who gives poison to Hürrem. As Hürrem shows no reluctance in drinking the poison, Süleiman believes that she is innocent. She survives as Süleiman was just testing her with a medicine. After Valide Sultan has a stroke, Hürrem comes to her chambers, and tells her shocking news that her daughter Hatice Sultan's husband Ibrahim Paşa is having an affair with Nigar Hatun. This news causes the Valide Sultan another stroke, and she dies. Hürrem gets her revenge on the Valide, despite their relationship becoming better.

Now Mahidevran Sultan rules the harem, which makes Hürrem try to get rid of her and Mustafa. Mustafa leaves for the province of Manisa, but Ibrahim convinces Süleiman to let Mahidevran Sultan stay in the harem.

Hürrem conspires against Mahidevran by making her appear to be the person who had ordered a servant to strangle Gülfem Hatun. Sultan Süleiman gives Hürrem Sultan the leadership of the harem.

Haseki Hürrem Sultan
Hürrem Sultan is furious once she is informed by Hatice Sultan that she and Ibrahim Paşa will not divorce, despite him cheating on her with Nigar Hatun, and quickly begins to devise another plan. She seizes the chambers of the late Valide Sultan which enrages Hatice Sultan, and the two women argue. Hatice Sultan then informs Sultan Süleiman, and he orders Hürrem to vacate the chambers immediately. However Mihrimah Sultan, who has fallen from a horse, now resides in her mother's previous chambers to recuperate. She convinces her father to give the chambers of the late Valide Sultan to her mother Hürrem Sultan so that she can stay in her mother's former chambers. Süleiman accepts this.

Hızır Reis finds a young woman amongst a shipwreck, and sells her to Topkapı Palace. Hatice Sultan suffers a stroke in the corridors of Topkapı after seeing Hürrem Sultan mock her from the terrace. The unknown young woman heals her. Gülfem Hatun witnesses this, and asks the woman's name. Her name is Firuze, and she came from Assyria. Once Hatice Sultan fully recovers, she thanks Firuze for saving her life. Then Sultan Süleiman arrives, and Firuze has a strange vision of him. The rumor of Firuze's healing talent spreads through the harem. Afife Hatun chooses her as a concubine for the Sultan, and unbeknownst to Hürrem Sultan, Afife sends her to Sultan Süleiman's chambers, and he quickly falls in love with her.

Hürrem Sultan orders her servants to search for the young woman, but Hatice Sultan and Mahidevran Sultan pretend that it was Firuze's friend Nadia that had been sent to Süleiman's chambers, not Firuze. Hürrem executes the girl in by hanging her from the ceiling in the harem, and takes her revenge on Hatice Sultan by bringing Nigar Hatun back to the palace. Hürrem then threatens that she will inform everyone about Ibrahim and Nigar's relationship. Hatice Sultan later sends the letter that Süleiman had written for Firuze Hatun to Hürrem's chambers in order to make her angry. Hatice later puts Gülşah Hatun in dungeons as she had overheared her conversation with Firuze about her and the Sultan's relationship. Hürrem Sultan helps Gülşah Hatun escape, and orders her to kill Hatice Sultan at midnight, but Nigar Hatun saves Hatice Sultan's life and kills Gülşah Hatun.

Years go by, and Hürrem Sultan finally discovers Firuze Hatun's deceit as she had sent her as a concubine to her eldest son Şehzade Mehmed per a suggestion by Nigar Hatun, who already knew the truth. But as Firuze Hatun was the Sultan's concubine, it was forbidden for her to have relations with a Şehzade. Firuze, deciding that Hürrem Sultan was going to learn the truth sooner rather than later, confesses to the Haseki that she has been sharing a bed with her husband the Sultan. Hürrem, enraged at Firuze's betrayal and deceit, grabs the young Hatun in a chokehold until her youngest son, Şehzade Cihangir, walks in on the violent scene. Hürrem furiously promises Afife Hatun that she will destroy Firuze in such a manner that the Hatun will beg for death. Sultan Süleiman decides to go on a hunting trip with his family, but Mihrimah Sultan doesn't agree to accompany them as Firuze Hatun has been chosen to be by the Sultan's side instead of her mother the Haseki. This news frustrates Hürrem Sultan because while she appreciates her daughter defending her, Mihrimah cannot disrespect her father, the Sultan, this way. However, Mihrimah Sultan's interference proves somewhat successful as her father decides to not bring Firuze, and only brings his sons.

A few years later Hürrem finally finds Kadar, the daughter of Nigar Hatun and İbrahim Paşa. She notifies İbrahim Paşa, and threatens that she may kill Kadar, but ultimately gives the child to him. İbrahim Paşa also later makes Hürrem Sultan think that he has killed Şehzade Mehmed as a revenge for what she did to his daughter. While trying to kill Firuze on Hürrem Sultan's command, Rüstem Paşa finds out that the tattoo on the back of Firuze's neck is connected to the Safavid dynasty. He notifies Hürrem Sultan, who vindictively decides to inform Süleiman. Hatice Sultan and İbrahim Paşa learn of Firuze's deception soon after, and both are shocked. Seeing as they both had a heavy hand in installing Firuze as his majesty's favorite, this news could very negatively implicate them. After hearing Firuze Hatun's explanation for her ruse, Süleiman ultimately feels betrayed, and decides to send Firuze away, much to Hürrem's profound relief. Firuze was to be sent to a hunting lodge in Amaysa, but on her journey the Persian soldiers find her, and escort her back to Persia, telling her that the Shah Tahmasp I and the real Firuze Begumhan Sultan have been concerned for her return, insinuating that she truly fooled everyone in the Topkapı Palace.

Hürrem and İbrahim Paşa continue to plot against each other. She later summons İbrahim to a place outside the city in order to kill him, but her men don't succeed and he survives. Meanwhile, Hürrem Sultan sends a spy to Manisa to kill Şehzade Mustafa, but the girl doesn't succeed and confesses in front of Şehzade Mustafa that it was Hürrem Sultan who had sent her to assassinate him. Şehzade Mustafa informs Ibrahim Paşa who brings the girl to Sultan Süleiman, but instead of accusing Hürrem Sultan, she accuses Ibrahim Paşa telling the Sultan that Ibrahim Paşa had asked her to accuse Hürrem Sultan of trying to kill Mustafa. Then she immediately commits suicide. Sultan Süleiman grows suspicious about İbrahim as a result of Hürrem's plots. Hürrem Sultan and Ayas Paşa gather the government documents which show that Ibrahim Paşa had abused the power that was given to him by the Sultan. Meanwhile, the Sultan's sister Şah Sultan and her family arrive to the palace at Hatice Sultan's invitation, and she pretends that she doesn't want to stand against Hürrem Sultan.

Sultan Süleiman ultimately decides to execute his longtime freind, confidant, and adviser İbrahim Paşa for treason after inviting him for dinner. He then sends his corpse to Hatice Sultan's palace for his sister to discover. Hatice Sultan becomes devastated at the death of her beloved husband, and disowns her brother Süleiman just as their sister Beyhan Sultan had when her husband Ferhat Paşa was executed by Süleiman. Together, Hatice and Mahidevran plan to murder Hürrem by sending Diana, Mahidevran Sultan's servant, as revenge since they see her soley responsible for the execution of İbrahim. The girl doesn't succeed as the guards arrive, but she pretends that it was another servant who wanted to kill Hürrem Sultan. Hatice Sultan is banished to Manisa after Süleiman finds out that it was her plan to assassinate Hürrem. Finally, Şah Sultan decides to stand against Hürrem Sultan for her self-interests.

Diana, who hadn't succeeded in killing Hürrem, is now serving her loyally. Şah Sultan makes Hürrem think that Şehzade Mustafa is coming to usurp the throne from his father while Süleiman is on a campaign, and that Süleiman and her sons are wounded and trapped. Hürrem decides to take her sons, Şehzade Bayezid and Şehzade Cihangir (who had remained at the palace) away from Mustafa, but Şah takes Hürrem's sons to an old farm. Hürrem finds out, and goes there personally to save her sons. Şah Sultan is waiting for her there, and tells Hürrem that all of this was only a game. Hürrem then decides to finish Şah. Mihrimah Sultan is warned by her mother not to trust anyone except her.

Hatice Sultan returns to the palace, unbeknownst to Süleiman, and decides to finish Hürrem herself because she believes Şah is doing nothing. Hürrem secretly sends Şah's old love letter for Ibrahim Paşa to Hatice, and in turn Hatice she asks Şah to leave her palace immediately. She finally convinces Hatice that it would only please Hürrem if she sends her away so she lets her remain, and goes to the Topkapı Palace herself.

Hatice sends someone to tell Hürrem Sultan that Mihrimah Sultan was at the Marble Palace, but in reality Mihrimah never left Topkapı Palace. When Hürrem gets there, Hatice Sultan orders a woman who practices black magic to put a hanker chief with witch craft in Hürrem's mouth. Hürrem is found unconscious by Sümbül Ağa, her most loyal servant, and she is taken back to the palace. After some time, Hürrem discovers that she's being bewitched, and she warns Hatice not to mess with her. She later beats Hatice Sultan on her way to Süleiman's chambers, and orders her servants to throw her body in the woods. She is later found and brought back to the palace, but Hürrem convinces Süleiman that his sister is mad, and she had done this to herself so she could accuse Hürrem. Süleiman believes Hürrem, and sends Hatice to stay with Şah. Şah gets angry with Hatice. She has another plan to get rid of Hürrem Sultan. Hürrem later speaks with a priest, and she recites the Quran to feel well. Hatice shows a great amount of gold underneath her palace, and tells Şah to use it against Hürrem. Meanwhile Hürrem, who has been informed of Ibrahim's hidden treasure, tells Süleiman that his sisters have kept a huge amount of money hidden instead of paying it to the government after Ibrahim's death, but Bali Bey saves the Sultans by saying that they didn't know anything about this treasure.

Hürrem decides to borrow money from Rakilah, a wealthy loaner, but the money is stolen by Şah. Hürrem is forced to rent money from another woman, named Portia, before the Harem's girls start to make problems. Rakilah took orders from Şah to tell Hürrem Sultan that Portia could perhaps help Hürrem. Portia is a Venetian woman, and the Sultan was at war with Venice at that time. Hürrem took the money from Portia, and then gives her the gold she had received by selling one of her properties.

The Sultan returns from the campaign and arrives in Edirne. Şah has taken the papers of Hürrem and Portia's trade, and departs for Edirne to reveal everything to Süleiman, but Hürrem sends soldiers to attack her. Şah gives them the fake papers, and gives the real one to Süleiman. He decides to banish Hürrem to Edirne, and then returns to Topkapı Palace. Şah orders Rüstem Paşa to kill Hürrem Sultan while she's in Edirne, but he refuses and decides to stay loyal to Hürrem Sultan. He then demands a marriage to Mihrimah Sultan, which would make him closer to Sultan Süleiman, and he will be able to enter the Diwan. Hürrem Sultan accepts, but Mihrimah Sultan refuses after meeting her mother in Edirne. A Black Death epidemic breaks out, and Ayas Mehmed Paşa and Mustafa Paşa die from the epidemic. Then, Lütfi Paşa becomes Grand Vizier, and Şah Sultan becomes more powerful. A doctor saves Hürrem Sultan by telling Sultan Süleiman that the illness is spreading in Edirne. Hürrem returns to Topkapı by Süleiman's orders. Mihrimah Sultan is betrothed to Rüstem Paşa.

Hürrem informs Mihrimah Sultan of her decision to marry her to Rüstem Paşa which makes Mihrimah upset. Mihrimah continues to attract Malkoçoğlu Balı Bey toward herself, and secretly threatens the girl that he is in love with. In order to convince her daughter to let him go, Hürrem Sultan meets Balı Bey at the Marble Palace with Mihrimah hiding in the room next door. She overhears Balı Bey when he tells Hürrem Sultan that he still sees Mihrimah Sultan as a child, and he has no interest in her past that. This makes her very sad, but she decides to forget about Malkoçoğlu Balı Bey and marries Rüstem Paşa.

A forged letter is sent to Hürrem Sultan informing her that her son Şehzade Selim is seriously ill. Hürrem decides to go to Konya in order to see her son, but in reality he is well. Hürrem Sultan is captured on her way, and is imprisoned in a secret place. Mihrimah Sultan accuses Şah Sultan, Hatice Sultan and Mahidevran Sultan for this, but they don't accept their guilt. Süleiman gets very upset, and he begins a search for his wife, but doesn't find her.

Hatice Sultan reconciles with her brother, but then she commits suicide, fearing the Sultan's wrath as he had learned that she was indeed responsible for Hürrem's disappearance. She died believing that she avenged her husband's execution. Sultan Süleiman decides to go to war against Charles V, and he achieves a victory, while on the other hand Malkoçoğlu Balı Bey finds a lead on Ali Ağa (who was Hatice Sultan's servant, and is responsible for abducting Hürrem Sultan), and he goes to follow this lead without informing Sultan Süleiman in order to find Hürrem Sultan.

Mihrimah Sultan discovers that her aunt Şah Sultan has a spy in the Harem. She confronts and threatens the spy that she'll inform her father if she doesn't leave the city, and give away her money to Hürrem Sultan's charity institute. Meanwhile, Süleiman and Hürrem's son, Şehzade Mehmed is murdered by his closest Şahin Bey (Ilyas who has been working for Mahidevran Sultan) by wounding him, and transferring a contiguous disease into his body. This news reaches Sultan Süleiman who falls into deep sorrow, and feels that everything is falling apart. Malkoçoğlu Balı Bey succeeds in finding and rescuing Hürrem Sultan, and brings her back to the palace.

Death
A soothesayer tells Hürrem Sultan that one of her children will become the next Sultan, but the Empire will be filled with blood. She is reluctant to this, and sends the witch away. Meanwhile, Sultan Süleiman blames himself for the death of Mehmed, and struggles to recover from the loss. Upon the death of Mehmed, the Şehzades are called from their assigned provinces to the capital so that Süleiman can choose the next governor of Manisa.

Şehzade Selim arrives to the capital first, and gains the approval of most of the people in the palace. Süleiman is having trouble choosing a suitable governor for Manisa, so he asks Hürrem's opinion. She suggests Selim. Hürrem has a secret salon where she can listen to the meeting of the Imperial Council. Süleiman announces his decision. Şehzade Selim is chosen as the new governor of Manisa. Hürrem hears this news from the secret salon, and is relieved. Şehzade Bayezid lashes out in anger because he believes he deserves the position more than his brother Selim. He blames his mother because he believes she must have influenced this decision. Mihrimah Sultan is upset about her father's decision, so she consults her mother and asks if she had anything to do with it. Hürrem confesses she did recommend Selim, but that the only reason she did was to protect Bayezid.

Hürrem orders Sümbül to look for strong and beautiful concubines to be chosen for Selim's harem. Cecilia is out at night looking at the stars before she gets captured by guards. She is brought to Hürrem Sultan's chambers, and tells her that she saw that the stars showing her that she would be chosen by Hürrem Sultan to be with Şehzade Selim. Hürrem considers this ridiculous, and she tells Cecilia that she will lose her head if she asks this again. Cecilia attempts to bribe Sümbül to let her join Selim by offering him a very expensive Venetian necklace. He agrees. In the middle of the night, Valeria (Cecilia's former maid) finds out about the deal, and she hands Sümbül the necklace on account of her going with Şehzade Selim. Valeria is chosen instead of Cecilia, much to Cecilia's surprise. At the last moment, Cecilia throws herself at Hürrem Sultan's feet, and begs her one last time. Hürrem finally accepts, and she makes Cecilia vow loyalty to her. She changes Cecilia's name to Nurbanu. Nurbanu warns Hürrem that Valeria is unsuitable for Şehzade Selim, so Hürrem expels Valeria from the journey.

Hürrem Sultan faints at night on her balcony, and the doctors discover that she cannot have children anymore. Embarrassed, she orders them to keep it a secret from everyone except Sümbül and Fariye, who were with her. Fatma Sultan, another one of Süleiman's sisters, arrives to the capital with Hatice' Sultan's daughter Huricihan Sultan. All of the girls in the palace are surprised, including Hürrem Sultan, who was not expecting any visitor. Fatma Sultan tells her handmaid Melek that Mustafa actually has sent her to get rid of Hürrem. Fatma suspects something is wrong with Hürrem, so she blackmails the doctor into telling her about Hürrem's condition. Fatma doesn't hesitate, and tells everything to Süleiman which makes Hürrem embarrassed. Süleiman tells Hürrem that she shouldn't have hidden it from him, and that no matter what, he will always love her. After alerting Süleiman, Fatma announces Hürrem's condition to the whole harem during a ceremony. Mirhimah Sultan is offended because she was not trusted with this important information, but warns Fatma Sultan to behave herself. Afife Hatun, having heard of Hürrem's current situation, suggests that it was possibly time for the sultan to move on, but Hürrem Sultan refuses to accept sharing him with another woman. But, with Fatma Sultan's consent, a beautiful woman is prepared and sent to Süleiman. Sümbül finds out and tells Hürrem Sultan, who entrusts the doorman, Lokman, with the task of getting rid of the girl. Lokman completes this task, and kills her before she could reach the sultan's door.

Hürrem, realizing that she can no longer give Süleiman children, prepares and sends a concubine to him herself. She picks Valeria. Süleiman spends the night with her, but everyone is surprised when they hear that Hürrem Sultan actually approved it. Süleiman discovers that Hürrem had sent Valeria. He is shocked, but reassures her he did not feel anything for Valeria.

Hürrem discovers that Fatma Sultan divorced her husband because she was unfaithful to him, and tells Süleiman that Fatma Sultan wishes to marry him again, but she just couldn't tell him herself. Süleiman believes it, and plans for Fatma to marry her former husband again. She accepts but only because she is forced to do it by Hürrem.

Fatma Sultan meets Valeria, and prepares her for Süleiman again. Valeria tells her that Hürrem Sultan had told her that she could only go one time. Fatma Sultan orders Valeria to stay away from Hürrem Sultan, and promises Valeria that she will help her become a sultana. Fatma renames Valeria Nazenin.

A few weeks later, Bayezid decides to go to the capital to see Huricihan, but his mother finds out, and scolds him. He says that he will lose her if she bans him from seeing Huricihan, so she agrees to cover for them, but only this one time. However, much to their dismay, Süleiman ends up finding out, and sends Huricihan to live with Beyhan Sultan.

For a few weeks Fatma continues to send Nazenin in secret to Süleiman, though he is unaware of the secrecy. After a few weeks, Nazenin admits a secret to Fatma. She is pregnant. Fatma takes advantage of the opportunity, and announces it in front of Süleiman and Hürrem, who is shocked and furious. Hürrem tries to get rid of the baby, but she regrets it at the last moment, and saves Nazenin from drinking poisoned medicine. Finally, after much struggle, Nazenin gives birth to a baby girl named Raziye.

Fatma finally gets married with her former husband. She is very upset because she doesn't love him. During their wedding night, Fatma intentionally overfeeds him, so that he has a heart attack and dies. Fatma finds out about Hürrem's secret salon because of a trick played by Mustafa, so she tells Süleiman. He becomes heartbroken, and feels that he can never trust Hürrem again. Instead of taking Hürrem, Süleiman takes Nazenin with himself to Manisa to bless the baby. Hürrem orders Nurbanu to prove her loyalty by killing Nazenin. Nurbanu is hesitant, but she succeeds by making it seem like she fell from the balcony, even though the rail was rigged and she was pushed. Süleiman decides to exile Hürrem to Kutaya. On such short notice, Bayezid has to find a place to hide Huricihan. Hürrem arrives, and Bayezid had enough time to send Huricihan to a safe place, hiding her until Hurrem leaves. Rana, Bayezid's concubine, is jealous of Huricihan, so she tells Hürrem about Huricihan and where she is hiding. Hürrem confronts Huricihan and slaps her, but Huricihan tells that her she never forgot what Hürrem did to her parents, and that she will be forced to take vengeance if she separates her from Bayezid.

After a few days, Hürrem returns to the capital without Süleiman's permission, which makes him furious. He tells her that he can forgive her, but he will never be able to trust her again.

Hürrem orders Lala to get rid of Huricihan, but in order to stay with Bayezid, Huricihan strikes a deal with Lala telling him that Mustafa and Mihrünnisa are married. Hürrem uses this to her advantage. Mustafa gets a letter from Süleiman stating that he is very disappointed in him because he lied and disobeyed his orders.

Piri Paşa decides that they should kill Hürrem Sultan because she is threatening Mustafa's path to the throne. During Mehmed's death anniversary, Hürrem heads to her son's mosque to pray over his tomb, but she becomes the victim of an assassination attempt on her way. Yavuz releases a pile of boulders hanging over them. Afife, in an attempt to protect Hürrem, gets in the way and is hit by most of the rocks. They all end up unconscious. When Hürrem wakes up, she finds out that Afife is dying. She gets up and goes to see her. On her death bed, Afife warns Hürrem that Süleiman is extremely ill. Then, she dies.

Süleiman returns from his campaign because his illness got terribly worse. Everyone says that he is dying. His illness has gotten worse. Hürrem is worried, but she clings to the hope that Süleiman will survive. Süleiman murmurs the name of his oldest son Mustafa. Hürrem tells Rüstem "This may be his last wish". Hürrem has no choice but to call him. She concedes the power of Mustafa, and tells Rüstem that Süleiman wants Mustafa to come. Hürrem, with the help of Rüstem and Mihirmah, sends a fake letter to the Persian Shah Tahmasp. In the letter that has been sent without Mustafa's knowledge they write about ruling the empire and getting on throne while disposing Süleiman. The Sultan believes that Mustafa has betrayed him when he sees his son's seal on the letter.

In year 1553 in Konya, Sultan Süleiman orders Mustafa's execution. Süleiman mourns the loss of his son Mustafa, and begins to question his decision of killing him. Meanwhile, Bayezid comes to console Mahidevran Sultan, and assures her by swearing to Allah that he was not involved in his brother's murder. Mihrimah is also distraught with her brother's death, while Cihangir dies of heartbreak after Mustafa's death.

Mahidevran and Mihrünnisa arrive at Topkapı shortly. Soon after, Mustafa's wife Mihrünnisa tells Hürrem that her winter is over, but Hürrem’s has just begun. She then commits suicide by slitting her throat in front of everyone in the harem. Hürrem is travelling to Manisa, and on her way she feels sick. It is then revealed that she has an illness which has no cure, and that her death is near. Bayezid and Selim declare open war against each other. Bayezid with many janissary soldiers sets out for Manisa to take Selim accountable for all that he has done. Bayezid reaches Manisa, and they both start to fight, but suddenly Hürrem arrives and stops them. She says that she would prefer Bayezid to be the next sultan, with Mihrimah and Rüstem's support, but later decides that she cannot choose between her sons.

After Hürrem's arrival to Istanbul, Sümbül tells the Sultan about his wife's illness. Süleiman, in order to find a cure for her disease, takes Hürrem to Bursa where she visits Mahidevran Sultan. After all these years, they finally forgive each other. Then with the help of Sümbül, she also finds the grave of İbrahim. She thanks him for choosing, and sending her to the Sultan's chamber for the first time many years ago. After visiting with her family one last time, Hürrem dies in the arms of her beloved husband.

Physical description
Hürrem Sultan is a strikingly beautiful Ruthenian woman. She is tall, ivory-skinned, has a curvaceous figure, sparkling blue-grey eyes, and long, wavy, brilliant copper hair, which can be considered her most attractive feature. Her clothing has varied over time, becoming more glamorous as she rose in rank. In her youth, Hürrem mostly wears her hair down with styled hair ornaments and veils, but after becoming Süleiman's legal wife and the Haseki Sultan, she begins to style it up to enhance the crowns and tiaras she begins to wear. Her beauty is a significant rival to Mahidevran Sultan.

Behind the scenes
The actress who plays Hürrem Sultan until Episode 101 is Meryem Uzerli.

The actress who plays Hürrem Sultan after Episode 101 is Vahide Perçin.

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