Dashed left edge = started before October 1553 ·
Dashed right edge = ongoing beyond October 1553
Events in October 1553 2
1553The murder of Mustafa -- the succession destroyedPrince Mustafa (c.1515-1553), Suleiman's eldest son by his first consort Mahidevran Sultan, is widely considered the most capable of the imperial princes and the obvious successor. He is popular with the Janissaries (who openly prefer him to Roxelana's sons) and praised by foreign observers. In October 1553, while Suleiman is on campaign in Persia, Mustafa is summoned to his father's tent and strangled by mutes. The execution follows accusations -- almost certainly orchestrated by Roxelana and Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha -- of treasonous contact with Safavid Persia. The Janissaries nearly mutiny. A popular lament (Şehzade Mustafa Mersiyesi) mourns him as the empire's lost future.
1553 – 1599Luca MarenzioItalian madrigal composerLuca Marenzio was the most prolific and influential Italian madrigalist of the late 16th century. His expressive text-painting and harmonic refinement made him famous throughout Europe.