Mehmed IV, Ottoman sultan (d. 1693)

Mehmed IV (Ottoman Turkish: محمد رابع, romanized: Meḥmed-i rābi; Turkish: IV. Mehmed), born on 2 January 1642 and passing away on 6 January 1693, held the esteemed position of Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1648 to 1687. Widely recognized by his epithet, "Avcı Mehmed" or "Mehmed the Hunter" (Turkish: Avcı Mehmed), his reign was one of the longest and most complex in Ottoman history.

Early Life and an Unexpected Accession

Mehmed IV ascended to the imperial throne at the tender age of six in 1648, a consequence of the tumultuous political climate following the deposition of his father, Sultan Ibrahim. Ibrahim's erratic behavior, which earned him the moniker "Deli Ibrahim" (Mad Ibrahim), led to a coup orchestrated by high-ranking officials and the Janissaries, highlighting the significant power struggles within the Ottoman court. This early trauma meant that for much of his formative years, Mehmed's rule was largely nominal, influenced heavily by powerful female regents, most notably his grandmother, Kösem Sultan, one of the most influential figures in Ottoman history.

Despite his youth at accession, Mehmed IV went on to become the second longest-reigning sultan in Ottoman history, surpassed only by the legendary Suleiman the Magnificent. His extended tenure oversaw a period of profound transformation for the empire, marked by both remarkable resurgence and significant decline.

The Köprülü Era: A Resurgence of Ottoman Power

While the initial years of Mehmed IV's reign were characterized by profound political instability, palace intrigues, and military setbacks, his middle years witnessed a dramatic revival of the empire's fortunes. This resurgence is inextricably linked to the "Köprülü era," named after a remarkable Albanian noble family who provided a series of highly capable Grand Viziers, effectively serving as the empire's de facto rulers.

Architects of the Revival: The Köprülü Grand Viziers

The first of these influential figures was Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, appointed Grand Vizier in 1656. He accepted the office only under strict conditions, demanding unprecedented autonomy to implement sweeping reforms and purge corruption. His tenure, and that of his equally capable son, Köprülü Fazıl Ahmed Pasha, brought a much-needed period of strong central authority, fiscal discipline, and military revitalization. Under their leadership, the empire saw:

These successes allowed the Ottoman Empire to reach the zenith of its territorial expansion in Europe under Mehmed IV's reign, a testament to the strategic prowess of the Köprülü viziers and the revitalized Ottoman war machine.

Conquests and the "Gazi" Legacy

Reflecting the expansive military campaigns carried out during his long reign, particularly under the Köprülü administration, Mehmed IV was revered by his contemporaries as a particularly pious ruler. He was often referred to as a "gazi," a revered title signifying a "holy warrior" or "veteran of war." This title underscored his perceived role in defending and expanding Islamic lands, a significant aspect of his public image and religious standing.

Avcı Mehmed: The Sultan's Passion for Hunting

From a very young age, Sultan Mehmed IV developed an extraordinary passion for hunting, an activity that became a defining characteristic of his personal life and public persona. This profound interest led to his enduring epithet, "Avcı Mehmed," or "Mehmed the Hunter." He dedicated significant time and resources to large-scale hunting expeditions, often relocating the imperial court to Edirne, a city favored for its surrounding forests and rich game. While his devotion to hunting sometimes drew criticism for perceived neglect of state affairs in Istanbul, it also symbolized his physical vigor and connection to traditional Ottoman martial prowess.

The War of the Holy League and Mehmed IV's Deposition

Despite the resurgence under the Köprülü viziers, the latter part of Mehmed IV's reign was marked by a dramatic shift in fortunes. The empire became embroiled in the disastrous War of the Holy League, a protracted conflict against a powerful European coalition comprising the Holy Roman Empire, Poland-Lithuania, Venice, and later Russia. The pivotal moment in this war, and arguably in Mehmed IV's reign, was the failed Siege of Vienna in 1683. The catastrophic defeat at Vienna, led by Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa Pasha, not only shattered Ottoman military prestige but also triggered a series of relentless counter-offensives from the united European powers.

The End of a Long Reign

The continuous military defeats, heavy casualties, and severe economic strain caused by the ongoing war gradually eroded the morale of the Ottoman army and and the loyalty of the populace. By 1687, disenchantment among the Janissaries and other military units reached a breaking point. Facing widespread discontent and mutiny, Mehmed IV was overthrown in another coup, bringing an end to his nearly four-decade reign. Following his deposition, he retired to Edirne, his beloved hunting grounds, where he lived out his remaining years in relative quietude until his natural death on 6 January 1693.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sultan Mehmed IV

What was Mehmed IV's nickname?
Mehmed IV was widely known as "Avcı Mehmed," which translates to "Mehmed the Hunter," owing to his deep passion for hunting.
How long did Mehmed IV reign as Sultan?
He reigned for nearly 40 years, from 1648 to 1687, making him the second longest-reigning Ottoman Sultan after Suleiman the Magnificent.
What was the Köprülü Era?
The Köprülü Era refers to a significant period during Mehmed IV's reign (roughly 1656-1683) when a series of highly competent Grand Viziers from the Köprülü family effectively governed the Ottoman Empire. They are credited with restoring stability, reforming the administration, and achieving significant military successes after a period of decline.
Why was Mehmed IV overthrown?
Mehmed IV was overthrown in 1687 primarily due to the widespread disillusionment among the military and the public following a series of devastating defeats during the War of the Holy League, notably the failed Siege of Vienna in 1683. The continuous losses and economic strain led to a mutiny that culminated in his deposition.