Seljuk Shah Begum

Seljuk Shah Begum was one of the most powerful and influential women of the Aq Qoyunlu in present-day eastern Turkey. As the wife of King Uzun Hasan and mother of Sultan Khalil and Yaqub Aq Qoyunlu, she excelled in governance and state affairs, standing out among the women of her era. Whether during Uzun Hasan's lifetime or during her son Yaqub's reign, she wielded significant influence in matters of the state.

Khanji describes her as follows: “Even if there were a hundred queens like Bilqis (the Queen of Sheba), they would fall short compared to her chastity, and even a powerful and renowned woman like Turkan Khatun would not be worthy of serving her. Even if thousands were to harvest in her charitable fields, there would still be room.” This means she was extremely generous in giving alms and helping others.

Seljuk Shah excelled in governance and state affairs, standing out among the women of her era. Beyond her loyalty to her husband, Uzun Hasan, she was highly attentive to the reputation and prestige of the Aq Qoyunlu and had no desire to see their realm fragmented. She even denied her own son permission to act in ways that might have caused division.Seljuk Shah never had a good relationship with Despina Khatun, the Christian wife of Uzun Hasan.

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