What made Suleiman the Magnificent such a great military leader?

At the age of 26, Suleiman the Magnificent became the 10th sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1520 and is known as "Kanuni", the Lawgiver, in his homeland, but for Europeans he has always been "Suleiman the Magnificent". During the course of his substantial extension of the Ottoman Empire, he captured Belgrade in 1521 and Rhodes 1522, forcing the Knights of St. John to leave for Malta, defeated and killed King Lewis of Hungary at Mohacs (War) in 1526, taking Buda (Budin) in 1529 and unsuccessfully besieging Vienna in September and October of that year, and Transylvania came into his possession in 1562.

His domain extended far to the eastward and into Egypt and Persia, while his fleet was master of the Red Sea (including Yemen and Aden) and virtually the whole of the Mediterranean, waging war on the coasts of North Africa, Italy and Dalmatia under the command of its fearsome admiral Barbarossa.

Within the Empire, Suleiman was responsible for transforming the army and the judicial system. Suleiman himself was a poet and accomplished goldsmith. Suleiman died on September 6th 1566 during the war with Austria outside Szigetvar in Hungary led by his Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, which two days later fell to the Ottomans. During the siege, Austrian army didn't come to help the Hungarians so they had to defend their castle heroically but desperately. After Suleiman's death, he was taken back to Istanbul and was buried in the largest of Sinan's mausoleum situated within the complex of the Suleymaniye Mosque.

Suleiman the Magnificent ruled the Ottoman Empire for 46 years between 1520-1566 and doubled his territory. This was a rising period for Istanbul, as it was for the whole Empire. Many priceless buildings were constructed during this period which survived until our days with no or little damage thanks to the great architect Sinan. The city was restored with a better plan including new dams, aqueducts and fountains, theological schools (medreses), caravanserais, Turkish baths, botanical gardens and bridges.

The port of Golden Horn, of which the surveillance was made from Galata Tower, became one of the busiest ports. Some of the important monuments and mosques built during this period are: Suleymaniye Mosque and annexes, Sehzadebasi Mosque and establishments, Sultan Selim Mosque and establishments, Cihangir Mosque and Haseki establishments and baths built on behalf of the Hurrem Sultan (the only loved wife of the Sultan).

Istanbul had a detailed city plan for reconstruction during this time. Migration was prohibited. Building houses around the city wall was prohibited. Coffee houses were introduced to Istanbul during this period.

Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire, earned his reputation as a great military leader due to several factors:

1. Military Reforms: Suleiman implemented significant reforms in the Ottoman military, organizing it into a formidable fighting force. He established a highly efficient military structure, which included the Janissaries (elite infantry units), cavalry, artillery corps, and a powerful navy. These reforms strengthened the Ottoman military and enhanced its effectiveness on the battlefield.

2. Strategic Vision: Suleiman possessed exceptional strategic vision and was skilled in military tactics. He strategically planned and executed numerous successful military campaigns, expanding the Ottoman Empire's territories and influence across Europe, Asia, and Africa. His conquests included the capture of Belgrade, Rhodes, and most notably, the sieges of major European cities such as Budapest and Vienna.

3. Leadership and Inspiration: Suleiman was a charismatic leader who inspired loyalty and dedication among his troops. He led his army from the front lines, displaying courage and determination in battle. His personal leadership style instilled confidence in his soldiers and motivated them to achieve victory even in the face of formidable opponents.

4. Diplomatic Skill: In addition to his military prowess, Suleiman was adept at diplomacy. He formed strategic alliances with other powers when advantageous and negotiated treaties to consolidate Ottoman influence in the region. His diplomatic acumen enabled him to maintain stability within the empire while expanding its borders through military conquests.

5. Legal and Administrative Reforms: Suleiman's military success was also supported by his reforms in governance, law, and administration. He implemented a centralized administrative system, which facilitated efficient mobilization of resources for military campaigns. His legal reforms, including the codification of Islamic law (Sharia), provided a stable legal framework for the empire, contributing to its overall strength.

Overall, Suleiman the Magnificent's combination of military prowess, strategic vision, leadership skills, diplomatic finesse, and administrative reforms contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest military leaders in history. His achievements significantly expanded the Ottoman Empire's influence and left a lasting impact on the geopolitics of the era.