Mehmed IV, Ottoman sultan (b. 1642)

Mehmed IV: The Hunter Sultan and His Tumultuous Reign in the Ottoman Empire

Mehmed IV (Ottoman Turkish: محمد رابع, romanized: Meḥmed-i rābi; Turkish: IV. Mehmed), born on January 2, 1642, and passing away on January 6, 1693, reigned as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1648 to 1687. Widely known as "Avcı Mehmed" or Mehmed the Hunter (Turkish: Avcı Mehmed), a moniker reflecting his deep passion for hunting, his nearly four-decade rule was one of significant contrasts, encompassing periods of remarkable resurgence and profound decline.

Early Accession and a Reign of Contrasts

Mehmed IV ascended to the throne at the tender age of six, a consequence of the turbulent political climate that led to the overthrow of his father, Sultan Ibrahim, in a Janissary-led coup. This early beginning meant his initial years were dominated by a regency, primarily overseen by his influential mother, the Valide Sultan Turhan Hatice. Despite the tumultuous start and a challenging end, Mehmed IV went on to become the second longest-reigning sultan in Ottoman history, commanding the empire for a remarkable 39 years, surpassed only by the illustrious Suleiman the Magnificent. His reign is often characterized by this stark dichotomy: initial instability and eventual military setbacks contrasted sharply with a powerful period of imperial revival during his middle years.

The Köprülü Era: A Resurgence of Ottoman Power

A defining feature of Mehmed IV's reign was the era dominated by the Köprülü family of Grand Viziers. This period, often referred to as the "Köprülü era" (roughly 1656-1683), marked a significant resurgence for the Ottoman Empire. The Köprülüs, beginning with Köprülü Mehmed Pasha and most notably continuing with his son Fazıl Ahmed Pasha, were strong, reform-minded statesmen who brought much-needed stability and administrative efficiency to the empire after years of internal strife and corruption. Their tenure saw the centralization of power, suppression of rebellions, and the restoration of military discipline, which directly contributed to a renewed offensive capability.

Under the Köprülü leadership, the empire experienced a period of renewed military success and territorial expansion. Significant victories included the successful conclusion of the protracted Cretan War (1645-1669) with the capture of Candia in 1669, marking the end of Venetian control over the island. Furthermore, Ottoman forces expanded into parts of Right-Bank Ukraine and Podolia, solidified by the Treaty of Buchach in 1672, which saw the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth cede these territories. This expansionist drive under Mehmed IV, particularly during the Köprülü period, saw the Ottoman Empire reach the zenith of its territorial control in Europe, extending its influence further into Central Europe than at any point since the peak of Suleiman's era.

A Pious Ruler and Passionate Hunter

Mehmed IV was deeply religious, known by his contemporaries as a particularly pious ruler. His devoutness influenced his approach to governance and his support for religious institutions. He was often referred to as a "gazi," or "holy warrior," a title bestowed upon him for his active role and patronage of the numerous military campaigns and conquests carried out throughout his long reign. His piety manifested in the patronage of mosques, madrasas (religious schools), and Sufi lodges, reinforcing the Islamic identity of the state.

Beyond his religious devotion, Mehmed IV harbored an unparalleled passion for hunting from a young age, earning him the enduring epithet "Avcı Mehmed" (Mehmed the Hunter). His love for the chase was legendary, often leading him to spend extended periods away from the capital in grand hunting expeditions across the empire's vast lands. These elaborate hunts, involving thousands of participants and extensive logistics, became a defining characteristic of his court, though they sometimes drew criticism for the immense resources they consumed and the Sultan's occasional detachment from pressing state affairs.

The Great Turkish War and Abdication

Despite the earlier successes, the final years of Mehmed IV's reign were marked by significant military defeats and renewed political instability. The turning point arrived with the disastrous Second Siege of Vienna in 1683, led by Grand Vizier Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Pasha. The Ottoman failure to capture the Habsburg capital, largely due to the timely arrival of a relief force led by Polish King Jan III Sobieski, marked a decisive shift in the balance of power in Europe and triggered the formation of the Holy League.

The War of the Holy League (1684-1699), also known as the Great Turkish War, united various European powers including the Holy Roman Empire, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Venice, and later Russia, against the Ottomans. This conflict saw a series of devastating Ottoman defeats, notably at the Battle of Mohács in 1687, mirroring the earlier Ottoman victory there in 1526. These continuous military setbacks, coupled with dwindling state finances and growing discontent among the Janissaries and other segments of the population, ultimately led to Mehmed IV's overthrow in 1687. He was deposed by disenchanted soldiers and officials, and his brother, Suleiman II, was placed on the throne.

Later Life and Legacy

Following his deposition, Mehmed IV retired to Edirne, a city he had favored throughout his reign, often preferring it over Istanbul for his hunting pursuits and administrative duties. He lived there under house arrest until his natural death on January 6, 1693. Despite the tragic end to his reign, Mehmed IV's legacy remains complex. He oversaw a period of significant administrative and military reform under the Köprülüs, during which the Ottoman Empire reclaimed much of its former strength and achieved its final territorial expansion in Europe. However, his reign also concluded with the beginning of a prolonged period of decline, marked by the strategic defeat at Vienna and the subsequent loss of territories during the Great Turkish War, fundamentally altering the course of Ottoman history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sultan Mehmed IV

When did Mehmed IV rule the Ottoman Empire?

Mehmed IV reigned as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1648 to 1687, making him the second longest-reigning sultan in Ottoman history.

Why was Mehmed IV known as "Avcı Mehmed" or Mehmed the Hunter?

He earned the epithet "Avcı Mehmed" due to his lifelong and intense passion for hunting. He dedicated considerable time and resources to elaborate hunting expeditions.

What was the Köprülü era, and how did it impact Mehmed IV's reign?

The Köprülü era (roughly 1656-1683) refers to a period when a series of powerful and effective Grand Viziers from the Köprülü family revitalized the Ottoman Empire. They brought stability, implemented administrative reforms, and led successful military campaigns, contributing to a significant resurgence of Ottoman power and territorial expansion during Mehmed IV's middle years.

What was the significance of the Second Siege of Vienna during Mehmed IV's rule?

The Second Siege of Vienna in 1683 was a pivotal moment. Its failure marked a significant turning point in Ottoman history, leading to the formation of the Holy League and initiating a prolonged period of military decline and territorial losses for the empire.

Why was Mehmed IV deposed?

Mehmed IV was deposed in 1687 by disgruntled soldiers, primarily Janissaries, and other factions within the empire. This overthrow was a direct consequence of the continuous and devastating defeats suffered by the Ottomans during the ongoing War of the Holy League, coupled with internal discontent.