Her family is unknown. Her birth name is only reported. And twice, as the sultan's mother, Kösem Sultan held power.
Born around 1589. Her given name is reported as Mahpeyker; "Kösem" was probably a nickname, possibly for her smooth skin. Origin? One encyclopedia says probably an Orthodox priest's daughter, possibly Bosnian; others think Greek, possibly from Tinos. "Anastasia" is unverified.
She became Ahmed I's leading consort and bore three princes. In 1623 her son Murad IV took the throne at about twelve, and she became valide sultan, the sultan's mother, sharing influence with officials until about 1631–32.
Round two came under İbrahim. She backed his deposition in 1648, and her grandson Mehmed IV took the throne. Then she clashed with his mother, Turhan Sultan.
It ended on the night of 2–3 September 1651. On Turhan's orders, men led by Başlala Uzun Süleyman Ağa entered the Harem and found her hiding.
What she left is in stone, and in rent. In Üsküdar, the Çinili Mosque, finished in 1640, its tiles from Kütahya, not İznik: mostly blue, turquoise and grey, with tulips, peonies and hyacinths. Its income: the Büyük Valide Han near the Grand Bazaar, built to fund her charities, mainly this mosque.
About 210 rooms around three courtyards. The twist: the building that funded the mosque is still a working han, today severely dilapidated, part offices and workshops.
You may have read about the han's rooftop view. Don't count on it; access can't be promised, and it's a workplace, so ask before entering. The Çinili Mosque is a working mosque: go outside prayer times and look at the tiles. Visiting hours weren't found when we checked.
