How important was Roxelana (Hurrem Sultan)

I've read some mention about her a number of times.
Why is she so famous? Is it just because she was the wife of Suleiman I or because she was European.
Second question, how much influence did she have on Suleiman I?
 

Keenir

Banned
I've read some mention about her a number of times.
Why is she so famous? Is it just because she was the wife of Suleiman I

that might very well be a part of it - he was called Suleiman {Solomon} the Great.

or because she was European.
Second question, how much influence did she have on Suleiman I?

lots of Ottoman Emperors had wives who were Greek or Armenian...not sure how many were Balkan in origin, though.

because of her, Suleiman broke tradition...before, heirs were always produced from concubines, not from wives.
(part of the reason was that wives were often given by foreign rulers - and you don't want to give the Tsar a claim to your kingdom through your son by the Tsar's daughter)
 
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