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[dominadespina]

Hey @dominadespina,

About Olivera’s wehreabout, I believe she was in a monastery in Serbia for that time? Just letting you know.

👋

I doubt it, there are no records or mention of her being there in her time. Most likely it is just like one of her many Serbian folktales, and though tales may come from some truth there is no certainty she was ever there.

[dominadespina]

LAZAREVIC SISTERS V

Olivera Lazarevic

Early Life

Olivera Lazarević, also often referred to in Byzantine and Greek sources as Maria, was the fifth child and youngest daughter of Knez Lazar and his wife Milica.

She was likely born around 1372/1373 and raised in her father’s capital, Kruševac, receiving the same education as her elder sisters, under the guidance of their mother and maternal aunt, Nun Jefimija.

Like most in her family, she was a fanatic of the arts and literature. Though she was never an artist in her own right, she acted as a patron of it.

There is a folk legend that in her youth, Olivera caught the attention of the Serbian knight, Miloš Obilić, who happened to be a frequent visitor at her father’s court and was considered one of the family.

This attraction led to a marriage proposal by Obilić, yet he was refused by her father, using her young age as an excuse.

Marriage to Sultan Bayezid I

Following the Battle of Kosovo in the summer of 1389, and the death of Sultan Murad I and execution of Knez Lazar, the Serbs abided themselves in a vassalage to the Ottomans due to the Hungarian attacks, who wanted to take charge of Serbia and the advancement of the Ottomans.

To officialize this "ending" vendetta, a proposal was made to the then regent, Milica, of a union of peace with the newly crowned Sultan Bayezid, son of Sultan Murad. Although the mother tried to fight and prolong her final decision, by the end of that same year, her youngest daughter was betrothed to the new Sultan.

The Serbian lords, who were quite unhappy about this betrothal, involved themselves in some sort of intrigues to make Bayezid suspicious in order to prevent this union. However, it obviously did not prevail.

It is unclear if the wedding reception took place in late 1389 or in the spring of 1390. As stated by Konstantin Kostenecki in his biography of Stefan Lazarević written in 1431, he reports that after the Ottoman ambassadors and Milica agreed on the marriage, Stefan appeared before Bayezid with his sister Olivera and the marriage took place. As far as we know, the proposal was accepted in late 1389.

Nonetheless, one thing is for sure, and that is the fact that the reception took place no later than the spring of 1390. This is because the joint action of the Serbs and Turks against the Hungarians in northern Serbia, southern Hungary, and eastern Bosnia took place already in the spring or at the latest in the summer of that year, meaning by the spring of 1390, Olivera was married to the same man who gave orders for her father’s execution.

The wedding seems to have been kept quiet as it appears to have taken place in a mosque, following a Muslim ceremony. Many Serbian lords and people were unhappy about their Orthodox Christian Princess marrying a Muslim, even if it brought some temporary peace to Serbia.

According to Ducas, a 15th-century historian, on top of many talents of silver from Serbia's mines, Bayezid received "a tender virgin."

With this marriage came a new title and epithet. Ottomans referred to her as "Devlet Hatun," meaning "State Woman" or "Queen," while she also earned a Greek nickname/epithet, "Despina," meaning female despot, queen, or mistress.

It appears that for the rest of her life, she was referred to by this epithet instead of her actual name.

A Woman of Great Influence

Despite the unfavorable circumstances in which this political marriage began, it is noted by historical and contemporary historians that Bayezid loved and valued the counsel of his wife, Despina. It is accepted that the couple welcomed three daughters together; the eldest bears an unknown name, the second in line is Pasa Melek, and the youngest is Oruz.

Her legendary beauty, noble background, and education played a key role in Bayezid’s favoritism of her over all his other consorts and in his trust in her counsel.

From the moment she arrived until his last breath, she remained his main and favorite wife, and had influence on her husband's politics, which played in favor of her people.

Despina was, of course, blamed for having introduced European customs, wine, and mass partying into the once "pious" Ottoman court, and for "whispering in her brother’s favor." However, these criticisms were mostly due to the fact that she was a Christian wife and remained one even though she had influence over her husband. This of course, played a role in the Muslim Ottomans distain of her.

Though it is unknown if Despina reciprocated the same sentiment towards her husband, it is noted that wherever Bayezid went, he could not sperate from the Serbian Princess, and thus he took her everywhere with him, suggesting that throughout their marriage she remained a loyal companion.

Throughout his reign, and despite coming and going concubines, Bayezid remained devoted to one woman: Despina.

According to Serbian sources, her biggest accomplishments were to partake in Bayezid’s decision to transfer a vast portion of Vuk Branković’s lands (her brother-in-law through Mara) in 1397, following the man’s death and place them under the governance of her younger brother, Stefan.

The other was to save her brother from Bayezid’s wrath in 1398 when he was accused of conspiring with the King of Hungary. Stefan came to the Sultan after the failed attempt of his mother to defend him. It is believed that Olivera was the one who stepped up, and her brother was forgiven upon admitting his fault.

Captivity

Following the aftermath of the Battle of Ankara in 1402, a battle which Bayezid and his sons, Mustafa and Musa, lost and were taken as captives, Timur sent his generals to plunder Bursa, taking many treasures from the palace with them, including Bayezid's concubines. Eventually, they made their way to Yenisehir, where Despina was hiding with two of her daughters.

Despina and her household were brought to Timur and later to Bayezid, who was being kept captive in a tent. Although they were treated with respect at first, events occurred that led to Bayezid being humiliated and kept in an iron cage, while his wife was forced to perform menial tasks at festivities.

Unable to bear the insult made towards his wife, Bayezid committed suicide in his iron cage and was temporarily buried in Akşehir, where he had passed.

Timur is believed to have felt great guilt because of this and released Bayezid’s entourage. He married Despina’s daughters to the son of one of his generals and the other to his grandson, Ebu Bakr Mirza. Both daughters moved to Samarkand where they lived with their families.

In 1404, Despina was released along with her step-son, Musa, during the transfer of Bayezid’s body to his personal mosque in Bursa. It is assumed she attended his second funeral.

As the Advisor of the Despots

Following her release, nothing is known or recorded about Despina's whereabouts until the 1420s. It is believed by some that she might have stayed in Bursa or somewhere nearby with her youngest daughter until she grew tired of the battle for the throne going on between Bayezid’s sons and later moved to Serbia.

Or, she might have stayed until the time her youngest daughter was married off.

After her return to Serbia, she took her place at her already widowed brother's side as his comforter and trusted advisor. However, she never lived at court but instead had her own residence in the courtyard of Belgrade.

She was extremely popular, respected, and valued in her homeland. Even during her lifetime, the Serbs referred to her as “Esther” due to her sacrificial marriage to a persecutor of the Christians.

During her stay in Dubrovnik, it is plausible she met with her sister and brother-in-law, Sandalj Hranic, though some historians believe she was there for diplomatic reasons, possibly to acquire information on her brother-in-law to inform her younger brother; the now Despot Stefan Lazarevic.

In 1427, her younger brother passed away, but this did not end her influence. Soon after, she acted as an advisor to her nephew, Durad Brankovic, and from 1430 onwards, moved with his family to Smederevo, the new capital.

Murad II, the Ottoman Sultan at the time, must have believed that since Stefan Lazarevic had died without any children to proclaim as heir, then the state should pass from Stefan to his step-grandmother, Olivera, and thus to himself.

As a result of this situation and threat to their state, historians believe it was Despina who planned Mara Brankovic's marriage to Murad in order to prevent the Ottomans from advancing. And thus, the marriage was concluded in 1435 in the Ottoman capital.

Though this marriage, unlike Olivera's own marriage, did not prevent Ottoman expansion in Serbia.

In 1441, while her nephew Durad was in exile, she traveled from Dubrovnik to Bar, where it is believed she was able to convey secret diplomatic letters to her nephew.

Later Life

Nothing is known about the later life of Despina from 1443 onwards; they lost track of her.

The last time she is mentioned alive is in a 1443 document, in which her sister, Jelena, names her as her executor in her will. She left money to Despina in order to build a burial place for her and to distribute some of the money to the poor.

After this, nothing more is recorded; it is unknown when, where, and how she died.

Issue

Unkown Hatun

Pasa Melek Hatun

Oruz/Uruz Hatun

( Sources: Osmanlı Sarayı’nda Bir Sırp Prenses/ Mileva Olivera Lazarevic by Mustafa Çağhan Keskin, КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР by Jelka Redep, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen, “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” by Jelka Redep, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen, The European Sultanas of the Ottoman Empire by Anna Ivanova Buxton )

[dominadespina]

LAZAREVIC SISTERS IV

Princess Teodora Lazarevic 

Early Life

She was likely born after 1366 and before 1371 as Princess Teodora Lazarevic, the fourth child and daughter of Lazar and Milica of Serbia. Like her elder sisters she was likely born in Prilepac and later moved to Krusevac. 

Though it is unkown if Teodora was a fanatic of the arts as most in her family, the constructions in Krusevac ended around 1377, so she mostly had time for various branches of resources for entertainments to watch merchants, craftmans and entertainers perform at her father’s court or at the town squares. 

She was likely closer to her younger sister; Olivera, as in the late 1380s they were the only unmarried daughters left of the royal couple. 

However her marital status did not remain chaste for much longer. 

Marriage to Nikola II Garai 

Like many of her sisters’ previous marriages this one was another political tool of their father; Lazar of Serbia. 

At the beginning of Lazar’s reign he acted as a vassal for the Kingdom of Hungary until he eventual got a way to get his state annulled away from the vassalage. 

However Lazar still wanted to remain informed of King Sigismund, his thoughts and diplomatic plans. As a result, he married one of his youngest daughters to an assiociate of the then monarcch, Nikola II Garai.

Nikola II Garai was a Roman Catholic Ban of Masco and Hungarian Palatine. It is believed the two were wed after 1386 and before 1389. It is also possible that Teodora, who was an Orthodox Christian up until her marriage took “Helen” as her name of conversion. 

Though no information has been recorded nor preserved about the intimacy of their union, Nikola proved himself to be a reliable son-in-law as in 1389-a short time before the Battle of Kosovo-he convieced King Sigismund to abondon his plans to return Lazar into some sort of vassalage, and that same year the monarchs “reconciled” through the mediation of Nikola.

Despite the divide in sources about the maternity of two of Nikola’s children, the noble couple most likely share two children with eachother, the eldest and Nikola’s namesaker; Nikola III Garai, and a daughter called Katerina Garai. Their date of births are unknown. 

From 1390 to 1402, Nikola was promoted and served as the Ban of Croatia and Dalmatia. As a result of this, he was transfered to another location, it is possible and probbale that Helen moved with him. 

Later Life 

We have no information about the later life of Helen, she passed away between 1396-1405, because by 1405 her widowed husband had remarried a woman named Anna with whom he shared a few more children with. 

Her reason of early death is unknown. Compared to the rest of her family she died quite young, still remaining in her 30s. The Lazarevics are deemed quite healthy, tall, and beautidul so her reason of death might have been something else. Even if she was in her late 30s, it is still quite a young age for a aristocrat woman to pass away at. 

{While looking for her reason of death, I couldn’t find an outbreak of the plague or a fatal virus in the location she occuped when she was alive, so more probable her reason of death might be childbirth, or pregnancy complications, or perhaps Helen always had a fragile dealth.} 

Issue

Nikola III Garai

Katarina Garai  

( Sources: “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” by Jelka Redep, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen, http://istorijska-biblioteka.wikidot.com/art:teodora-kci-kneza-lazara )

[dominadespina]

LAZAREVIC SISTERS III

Princess Jelena Lazarevic 

Early Life

Often referred to as “Jela” or “Lady Lena,” Jelena Lazarevic is renowned as a determined, beautiful, and courageous woman. She was born as the third in line of the royal daughters of Prince Lazar. It is noted that she was about 39 years old in 1403, this determines that she was born around 1364-1365. 

Jelena was most than likely born in Prilepac and raised there for some time before moving to Krusevac where she continued her strict education under the guide of her mother; Milica and aunt; Jefimija.

As for the rest of her early life, nothing is known other than plausible education and living situation. The first information we have of her is in her early twenties when she married Durad II Balsic.

First Marriage

Around 1386 or 1387, Durad; Lord of Zeta, recognized Lazar’s as his ruler and lord and so to officialize his authority over the state of Zeta Lazar married his eldest unmarried daughter to him.

The couple had a single child together, Durad’s father namesaker and future successor; Balsa Balsic also known as ‘Balsa III’. 

The purpose of this marriage remain political and sole purpose was to create an alliance as well as heirs. There are no mention of a possible love marriage between the two of them. Though it is noted that Durad often entrusted his wife to manage state affairs.

In early 1392, in fear of the uprising Turks, Durad sent word for his wife arrival in Dubrovnik in order to protect her and his heir, and though the government of Dubrovnik were aquiring the necessities for Jelena, she never arrived. 

In September of that same year there was talk about her upcoming arrival, but she never came, yet again. 

It was not until November of 1396 that Jelena would reach out to the Dubrovnik authorities for a ship to escort her to a meeting with Sandalj Hranić (who will later on become her second husband) as he had been fighting against the Balsic family for some time at that point. 

This meeting might be one of tasks given to her by her husband. Jelena was noted to have a significant influence on the man. 

As Regent of Zeta

In 1403, her late husband; Durad, passed away, and of course; the wise Jelena wasted no time and made her appearance as a subtitute ruler in full light. Due to her son’s inexperience and age, Jelena acted as his regent.

Many of the territories that belonged to Zeta were under Venitian rule and Jelena decided to reclaim said territories. 

For five years she fought the Venitians to defend Zeta and her son’s inheritance despite facing harsh-trials. Through the uprising threats and council of disagreements, she followed as suited the interest of Zeta and her son. 

In the reports of Jelka Redep in her book: КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР…

“Jelena’s idea of rebellion was not just an empty desire. In the first days of 1405, a rebellion was planned in Zeta. Skadar revolted against Venitian rule, and the Prince barely escaped with his life. Durazzo also rose up in arms and recognized Jelena’s son as their ruler.” 

In the early birth of this rebellion Jelena reached out to her younger brother; Despot Stefan Lazarevic, for aid, but due to his close-knit relationship with the Venitians he was unable to help her. Yet, she continued in her conquest with a temporary help from the Turks. 

[Her own brother, the despot Stefan, was friends with both the Venetians and the Hungarians. Only the Turks agreed to help her, but even they only for a short time. Jela did not agree to her brother's proposals to reconcile with Venice, but persistently continued to fight, until 1406, when she had to agree to negotiations that lasted more than three years.

Miodrag Purković spares no words when he talks about how energetically and uncompromisingly Jela, as a widow, fought for the freedom of her country and her son's inheritance. She always took all the "blame" on herself instead of her son. In order to protect him, at the end of 1409, she went alone to negotiations in Venice, where she was kept for three months. 

Purković points out how brave Jela was during those negotiations, and especially points to the fact that she was "neither confused nor afraid", unlike her mother, who once found herself in a similar situation before Bayazit in 1398. } - Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen, pg 169

Yet, despite this “Peace” Balsa continued his fight against the Venitians, but this only cost him great loss in territory.

Second Marriage 

Prior to this marriage Duke of Bosnia; Sandalj Hranić (remember him?), who used to be married to a kin of Hrovoje Vukcic separated from his wife after this one's family lost influence in their political position. 

Wishing to be associated with someone of more influence, Sandalj would later step a foot further and annulled his marriage to his wife; Katerina, since they shared no children, and instead offered for Princess Jelena Lazarevic or as she was known at the time Jelena Balsic; who at the time was the sister of a great ally of Sigismund. 

This marriage, which was Sandalj's third marriage, benefited all parties involved, as Sandalj regained his position, Jelena now had one less enemy to worry about, and lastly Stefan was able to tie his new brother-in-law to him politically. 

Strangely enough, this marriage could be considered a content union between the two. Sandalj is said to have been enchanted by his new bride/former enemy and to hold his step-son to high status and protect him at times.

Jelena is credited for this as she was known to have a powerful influence on this husband of hers who some would describe as an ‘arrogant man’. 

Later Life 

In April of 1421, the exhausted Balsa met with his uncle in Belgrade and transfered the remaining of his lands under this one’s protection. He soon passed away that same year. It is unkown how Jelena reacted to the news. 

In 1423, she was visited by her youngest sister; Olivera, though this one might have been there more for diplomatic reasons to get news on her brother-in-law than for the sake of meeting her sister after 30 plus years apart. 

Not much information has been recorded about Jelena’s where abouts until 1425. That year, the threat of the upcoming Turks were increasing and so as a result of this situation, Sandalj moved his family, including his wife, to Dubrovnik for protection. 

After her husband death in 1435, she retired from state affairs as the state passed down to her late husband’s nephew, and she obviously could not have any influence on him. 

She must have retired to her husband’s court in Novi, where it is assumed she lived an aristocratic lifestyle up and until her death. 

Jelena passed away in 1443, living a good amount of her properties to her granddaughter and namesaker; Jelena. She left 200 ducats and a gilded icon to her only living sibling; Olivera, to be spent on a memorial for her as well as distribution to the poor. 

Issue

Balsa III Balsic

( Sources: “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” by Jelka Redep, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen)

[dominadespina]

LAZAREVIC SISTERS II

Princess Dragana Lazarevic 

Early Life

She was born as the second out of five daughters of Lazar of Serbia with his wife; Milica. Her date of birth might be around the late-1350s or early-1360s. 

She is the namesaker of her paternal aunt; Dragana Hrebeljanović, the wife of a man named Musa.  She was likely born and raised in Prilepac with her eldest sister; Mara, before moving to Krusevac. 

Not much is recorded or known about her early or later life, but most people believe her to the second wife of Emperor Ivan Shishman. 

Marriage to…….. Shishman

A lot of Serbian sources are divided about the identidy of her husband, but he certainly was an imperial representative of the Shishman family, and they married around 1386. 

Though Nikola Giljen, mentions her as the wife of Emperor Ivan Shishman, this seems highly unlikely, as Ivan was executated in June 3rd of 1395, and later that year in September, Dragana’s mother; Milica (Now Nun Eugenia) met with the fraternal council of the St. Paptelejmona monastery to discuss financial support that should be given to her daughters in case of poverty in widowhood. 

Nowhere does it mention the recent widowhood of one of her daughters, it can then be concluded that she is not the second wife of Ivan Sishman, but instead the wife of his eldest son; Aleksander Shishman. 

The confusion of her husband’s identidy might be due to the fact that Ivan Shishman proclaimed his eldest son; Aleksander as co-ruler and so by their marriage right both Dragana and Ivan Shishman’s second wife were referred to as “Empress Consorts.”

Nonetheless, nothing is known about the relationship she shared with her husband. Like most royal marriages at the time, it had more to do with the union of two houses into a paternership than a privy love affair. 

As Turks

In 1393, Sultan Bayezid Han conquered Trpovo on July 17. Ivan and his family were captured, it does seems like Dragana was one of the family members who were captured. 

In 1395, Ivan Shishman was executed by order of Sultan Bayezid. In the meantime Aleksander converted to Islam (It is unknown if Dragana converted with him) and became Iskender. Bayezid showed mercy to his kin and put him in a position of power, Iskender became the governer of an area near the Black Sea and was now referred to as "Iskender Bey". 

Later Life 

Nothing is known about the later life of Dragana, after 1395 Serbian sources lost track of her.

Wether or not she outlived her husband is unknown, but if she did this might confirm that she did in fact convert to Islam along side her husband and became Turk, which is why she never returned home; to Serbia.

Issue

There are no known decsendants of either Iskender Bey or Dragana. 

( Sources: “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” by Jelka Redep, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen )

[dominadespina]

LAZAREVIC SISTERS I

Princess Mara Lazarevic

Early Life

Though her date of birth is unknown, she is regarded as the eldest child of Lazar by his beloved wife Milica. The harmonious couple married in 1353, Mara was certainly born around the first years of their marriage, perhaps the following year or in the mid-1350s. 

Not much is known about her early childhood, but she was certainly born in Prilepac or Novi Brdo. She most likely received the same education as her younger sisters, though she might have not received the same privileges and comfort as them.

As her father’s power and prestige grew immensely following the battle of Maritsa in 1371, he moved his capital to a new area and named it Krusevac, that same year Mara was married off, so she did not grow up in the Krusevac Fortress, or even received her education or entertainments there. 

Marriage to Vuk Brankovic 

In 1371, Mara married Lord Vuk Branković through a political alliance between the Lazarevics and the Brankovićs. The marriage was beneficial to Vuk and Lazar as it offered them both advantages to the other’s resources. 

Nothing is known about the private relationship Mara shared with Vuk, though it must have been built on mutual understanding on equal grounds. The couple had three sons together. It is noted that by 1375, Mara had welcomed her second son Durad Branković which places Grgur Branković as the eldest son and Lazar Branković as the youngest of the trio. 

In 1389, following the bloody Battle of Kosovo, Milica became regent for her 13 years old son; Prince Stefan, and Vuk Branković not only refused to ally himself with his mother-in-law’s politics -which were in favor of the Turks- but also rebelled against them. 

While sealing documents, Vuk often signed his title as “Lord of Serbs and Podunavlje” when he was only recognized as “Lord Vuk,” though it seems that only he and his entourage referred to him as such. The ownership of the title “Lord of Serbs and Podunavlje” was only reserved for Prince Lazar and his successor; Prince Stefan Lazarevic. There are no documents that give any statement of the Lazarevics reaction to Vuk’s action to go by a title reserved for them only, but it must have added distance and contributed to future hatred between the two houses. 

It appears that Mara stood by her husband’s ideals throughout these familial vendettas. 

As Rebels

From 1389-1392 the Brankovićs resisted Ottoman rule the most compared to other Serbian dynasties, but they, unfortunately, were forced into vassalage upon the capture of Skopje. Nonetheless, Vuk refused to act as a vassal and only remained one by name. He continued his diplomatic relations with Hungary and denied any call to battle alongside the Ottomans.

As a result of these actions, Vuk was captured in 1396 following the aftermath of the Battle of Nicopolis. He passed away the following year in 1397 and in 1398 the majority of his lands were seized and given to Stefan Lazarevic through the influence of his sister-in-law; Olivera Lazarevic. 

Only two towns remained under Brankovićs rule, but the conditions meant they had to remain in a vassalage to the Turks. 

If the respective dynasties had disagreed before, then this caused the Brankovićs to build up hatred against the Lazarevics. Mara must have felt not only abandoned by her family but also revengeful. 

Widowhood 

After her husband’s unfortunate death, Mara permanently settled in Dubrovnik and started to withdraw money and hidden valuables. 

In 1402, after the Battle of Ankara, Mara’s eldest son Grgur was captured on the battlefield and stayed in captivity for a short while. 

In September of that year, a battle broke out near the Kosovo field between Stefan and his nephew; Durad. A battle which Stefan had won. This conflict not only created a huge gap between Mara and Stefan but also extremely worried the merchants of Dubrovnik; who only wished to trade in peace. 

This war and the absence of her eldest son must have left her in great distress as in December of that same year, the people of Dubrovnik tried their best to reassure her by expressing their blessings, and that they pray to God that Grgur come to her soon. 

As a result of this tension, Stefan was blamed by the Brankovićs, especially by Durad who blamed him not only for the loss of their lands but also the death of their father. Mara is noted to have supported her sons against their uncle. 

Ottoman Interregnum

During the Ottoman Interregnum Mara lost two of her sons; Grgur who became a sorcerer died under the monastery name of Maxim in 1408. Her youngest son; Lazar, was executed by Musa on July 11 or 12 of 1410 after failing to convince Durad to return his loyalty to Musa. He was killed not only a full week after the execution of his youngest uncle; Vuk Lazarevic. 

Mara, who only had one son left was probably worried about her sole child and his future. For this reason, in 1412, she reached out to her youngest sister; Olivera, for help to reconcile with Stefan. 

Though it is stated in Miodrag Purkovic's book “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” that it was Milica who acted as a mediator for their reconciliation, she was far dead by then so it could only be Olivera. 

Durad, who must have been fearing for himself by then sided with his uncle, and was warmly welcomed back into the family. Stefan trusted him enough to send him as a commander against Musa. Around 1412 or 1413, Durad and Musa battled, Durad won and Musa was later captured to be executed by his half-brother; Mehmed. 

Later Life

From 1417 to 1423, Mara is mentioned in a few Dubrovnik documents about familial valuables and repayment for damages. Soon after 1423 she became a nun and took the name ‘Marima.’ After this date, not much is recorded about her or her life as a nun. 

In 1425 or 1426, the childless Stefan Lazarevic proclaim his nephew; Durad, as heir. 

Mara passed away in 1426, never to see her sole child become the Despot of Serbia, and regain the lands they had previously lost. There is not a single information about her cause of death, though it might been due to old age or a disease related to her age. 

Issue

Grgur Branković 

Durad Branković

Lazar Branković

(Sources: “КЋЕРИ КНЕЗА ЛАЗАРА ИСТОРИЈСКА СТУДИЈА ПОГОВОР” by Miodrag Purkovic, Dve srpske sultanije : Olivera Lazarevic (1373-1444) : Mara Brankovic (1418-1487) by Nikola Giljen)

[dominadespina]

THE SINS OF DESPINA HATUN

Since the 14th century, one woman has haunted the history of the Ottoman Empire and the very minds of their historians with her influence over a Sultan who suffered a hummiliating fate.

The only wife of a Sultan who has been the target of curses; Despina Hatun. 

The reason for this great hatred of her has to do with the fact that she was influential and remain christian throughout her marriage. She was able to maitain the first and main place in the harem of her husband and to make him like her. A likeness that overtime grew into love and devotion. 

Her wishes did not remain mere wishes, and for this reason the muslim associates of Sultan Yildirim Bayezid Han, as well as later Turksih historians resented her. Today most people remember her as “Bayezid’s great love”. 

To Ottoman sources she was a fatal woman who lured their Sultan into sin. It can be concluded from that amount of hatred that she was allowed privileges and more power than was allowed for a foreign wife of a Sultan, or an imperial wife in general.

SHE MADE THE SULTAN FALL FOR HER

"As for Yıldırım, let's say that he fell in love with the princess." - Necdet Sakaoğlu. Bu Mülkün Kadın Sultanları, pg 83

"Throughout his life he was devoted to Despina, and his brother-in-law Stephen in turn was a devoted and steadfast friend." - Herbert Gibbons. The Foundation of the Ottoman Empire

According to Chalkokondyles, when Bayazit's favorite wife, Lazareva [daughter], whom he took everywhere with him into battle, was captured and handed over to Tamerlane, he ordered that wine be served to him there, in front of her husband. The enraged Bayazit told Tamerlane that what he was doing was not worthy of his father and mother. - Две српске султаније : Оливера Лазаревић (1373-1444), Мара Бранковић (1418-1487), pg 107

"When the latter's wife, the daughter of Lazar, whom he loved more than any of the others, had been taken away, and Timur was taking her around in the camp with him, he made her pour his wine in front of Bayezid, her husband." - Laonikos Chalkokondyles

"He kept her close – she accompanied him everywhere - he appeared unable to part from her. She was the one person, who influenced him most and was of course blamed by the Ottoman chroniclers for the fall of Beyazid’s empire into the hands of Timur. They considered the young sultan totally captivated by her."- Anna Buxton. The European Sultanas of the Ottoman Empire

It is widely understood that throughout their marriage Despina and Bayezid shared a devoted sentiment-perhaps more on his part-despite the circumstances that brought them together. The couple had similar interests such as politics, wine, partying, European customs, conversations and according to historians found constant erotic pleasure with each other. Though all of these cited interests might just be Ottoman historians attempts to depict this woman as deceitful.

" The sexually robust woman – she satisfies all his desires- but remains a Christian." - Richard Franz Kreutel performs a service to Ottoman polemic.

It is said that for some days, Bayezid remained in Despina's chamber and completely forgot about state affairs.

Olivera (Despina Hatun) is accused by Ottoman historians of using her charms and beauty to lure Bayezid to her. This seems highly untrue as Bayezid's harem is labeled as being filled with "forbidden beauties." He could have set his sight on another with more charm and beauty, and in fact he did, but still remained devoted to Despina.

It seems they use her beauty and political influence only as a means to label her as a Femme Fatale who is cunning, power-hungry and worst even, an infidel. Yet, when we look at foreign sources about the personality of Despina Hatun, she is describe as being gentle and flowery.

SHE WAS ALLOWED POLITICAL INFLUENCE

According to Dr. Zeljko Fajfric in his work "Srpske kraljice i princeze," released in 2007, no sultana before Olivera, who did not convert to Islam, managed to become so influential.

Yet something that is enough to critize him on is that he only puts this influence of hers to be due to her charms and beauty, yet again unintentionally labeling her as a femme fatale.

If beauty was all it took to have political influence, dozens more like her would have succeeded in that aspect, but she remains the only wife of Bayezid who had significant importance on politics.

Either Bayezid often sought after her opinion in matters of state or he took her as an advisor which might be the reason she was often with him, but no, a good scent, a soft spoken voice, long hair or enchanting glances will work, at least not for very long, even for a man prone to pleasure like Bayezi, and as we know Despina's political influence grew more with time than it decline.

A few things that are attributed to her council...

I: She helped accelerate the transfer of Prince Lazar's body back to Serbia.

II: She freed and paid ransoms for enslaved christians with the help of her brother; Stefan.

SHE BROUGHT DEBAUCHERY TO THE OTTOMAN COURT

Despina is often blamed for having introduced wine at the Ottoman court.

This sin that Bayezid's partook in can not be credited to Despina because he was already throwing such feasting assemblies ever since his princehood. Him and Despina married in 1390, he was well too familiar with wine and pleasure prior to their marriage.

Despina, later on, might have organized such festivities for him.

" Wine and kebab assembly was established. The infidel's daughter came and toasted Ali Pasha. The lady said, see the moment." - Aşıkpaşazade.

Still it is highly unlikely that Despina, who comes from a culture where married women do not speak in the presence of men would even partake in such assemblies filled with drunk men.

What is more likely is that she organized her own wine assemblies in the harem, with the presence of other women, but the chances of her doing such a thing as drinking in the presence of men is highly unlikely.

She might have even brought wine and so called debauchery to the once "pious" court of the harem, but as for the men; who take up the majority parties in politics and war, they were already familiar with the beverage.

[dominadespina]

A DIVINE BEAUTY IN EDIRNE

"Laz Bey had a fortunate daughter whose beauty was like that of an immaculate houri of paradise, flawless and noble, free in her beauty like a tall cypress tree, distinguished among beauties as a fairy born." - Kemalpaşazâde.

With this poem of his time, Kemalpaşazâde draws attention and describe the beauty of Despina Hatun as divine-like grace to the world.

" Distinguished among beauties as fairy born." In this last part of the poem elevate the physical attributes of Despina Hatun as being unattainable even to those who are considered beautiful.

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WHAT HAPPENED TO COUNTESS MARIA OF SALONA?

Maria Fadrique was born around 1370, the daughter of the last Catalan Count of Salona, Don Louis Fadrique, and his Greek wife, Princess Helena Fadrique, also known as Helena Kantakouzene or The Despina, Helena Asenina.

Not much information about her early childhood has been preserved. We do know that she grew up as an only child to the noble couple and was likely prepared and claimed as the only heir to the County of Salona.

In 1382, at the age of 12, she lost her father and became the Countess of Salona in her own right. However, due to her age, she was deemed too young to manage the county, so her mother, the Dowager Countess Helena Fadrique, took charge as regent. That same year, she was betrothed to Bernat Hug, a son of Felip Dalmau, but the betrothal was annulled.

Despite reaching the age of maturity in 1386, at 16, an age when she was now deemed fully capable of managing the County of Salona, her mother remained in power over all state affairs, and Maria had yet to step a toe into the world of politics. That same year, her mother betrothed her to a son of the Serbian Emperor Symeon Uros for political reasons, but this betrothal, like the first one was annulled. That same year, she was betrothed to an alienated associate of the King of Aragon, but the wedding never took place.

From the years of 1388-1391, Helena refused to repay damages to a Venetian citizen who suffered the loss of property aboard a ship from Ancona by her late husband, Don Luis Fadrique, in 1380. This made her mother very unpopular with Venice.

Her mother was quite hated by the people, who most likely would have preferred Maria to take charge over state affairs, but this never happened. Even at the age of 20, Maria had not taken charge over state affairs. This decision to keep the Dowager Countess in charge would eventually cause their deaths.

Though Necdet Sakaoğlu in his work “Bu Mülkün Kadın Sultanları” claims she was betrothed to Manuel II in 1393, I have not seen another source to confirm this claim.

In this same work, Sakaoğlu tells the story of the capture of Maria and her mother in late 1393 or early 1394. “Turkish soldiers captured the Frankish ship that was bringing Maria to Istanbul in the Dardanelles and captured its occupants.” - Necdet Sakaoğlu, “Bu Mülkün Kadın Sultanları,” pg 88.

Upon meeting the beautiful and affianced Countess, Sultan Yildirim Bayezid Han was smitten with her, and both the mother and the daughter were brought to his harem in Edirne, and Maria became his concubine.

That same year in 1394, Helena died, but it is not clear if it was due to an execution or other reasons. According to Laonikos Chalkokondyles, the Countess Helena disgraced herself and brought shame upon the people of "Delphi" by committing her authority into the hands of her lover, a priest called Strateus, for which reason the Archbishop of Larissa denounced her to the Basileus (Sultan) and gave him the pretext for taking over the County of Salona. - The Byzantine Family of Kantakouzenos (Cantacuzenus) Ca. 1100-1460: A Genealogical and Prosopographical, pg 161.

As for Maria, she was executed a year later in 1395 after Bayezid found her unworthy of him, and eventually lost interest in her. However, this reason seems highly improbable.

When Bayezid lost interest in her, he wouldn’t have executed her but instead discarded her or even sent her away to the old palace in Bursa. The reason for her execution must be something else, either she was executed for political reasons or she went against the rules or even committed a crime. Nonetheless, it is highly unlikely for a Sultan to execute a concubine because he lost interest in her.

( Sources: The Byzantine Family of Kantakouzenos (Cantacuzenus) Ca. 1100-1460: A Genealogical and Prosopographical, Necdet Sakaoğlu, “Bu Mülkün Kadın Sultanları".)

[dominadespina]

DESPINA HATUN IN FICTION III 

Arpasia

“ Let it come; This Moment then shall shew I am a Greek, And speak my Country's Courage in my suffering.” - The final adieux of Arpasia to Bajazet in the play “ Tamerlane: A Tragedy “ by Nicholas Rowe. 

The play named “ Tamerlane: A Tragedy “ was first performed in 1701 at the Lincoln’s Inn Fields Theater in London. 

The play which has various historical characters, both fictional and non-fictional, contains two characters inspired by a 14th-century couple from the Ottoman Empire; Despina Hatun and Yildirim Bayezid, Arpasia and Bajazet.

In this artwork, Despina Hatun has heavily influenced the character of Arpasia; the sorrowful bride of Bajazet who has great disdain for her husband, and instead finds solace and comfort in the presence of the fictional Moneses; a prince who shares both her heritage and faith. 

The relationship between Arpasia and Bajazet is quite complex in this play. On his part, he is content to have the company of his bride with him during his captivity by Tamerlane though he is quite possessive of her. On her part, she is disgusted by him, not only for his actions towards her but also for their religious differences. 

No matter what he does, and what he says he can not win the affection of his wife, though it seems this has been their relationship since the very beginning. 

Arpasia accused Bajazet of acting like a tyrant, not only towards her in the past but also towards his people, and yet Bajazet seemed to not care for her words. Though we do not get exact examples of those Tyrant actions he took upon her, some believe it could be related to marital abuse. 

Jealous and tired of waiting for his bride to fall upon him, Bajazet gives her an ultimatum; to give herself willingly or he will use another method to have her. 

In the end, she ends her life knowing that will be the only way to save herself from him and have the final laugh, in death. Though Bajazet tries to save her, showing that he does have some affection for her, other than his possessiveness ideas over her person, his attempt fails and that is the last we have of them in the play. 

The aftermath of her death is probably one of the first times we have an essence of remorse from Bajazet, though it does not last long.

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Overall, I would say the play and the story of Arpasia (Despina Hatun) do have aspects of early-media feminism, such as her being against her husband's views of seeing her as something to possess at his own time, and her death being some activism against his ideas. 

But the play fails, to go more in-depth into what previously happened between them, leaving some confusion in the viewer. 

Throughout the whole play, I could sense some biases of the author’s hatred of Bajazet, and his softness towards the character; Tamerlane (Timur) who in real life was not much quite different from the tyrant Bajazet, and yet he appears as one in this deviation. 

Yes, I do call it a deviation as the whole time I was focused on finishing this artwork, I could get a sense of deja-vue. As if it was mere fanfiction of the play by Marlowe, but with some changes, as if the author was avoiding the chance to get sued. 

[dominadespina]

Ms. Hopkins; also known as Priscilla Kemble in the character of Selima; Bajazet’s fictional daughter. 

This line engraving, released in the 18th century was utilized as a commercial advertisement for the play; Tamerlane: A Tragedy, by Nicholas Rowe. 

[dominadespina]

Gülçiçek Valide Hatun

One of the first enslaved imperial mothers to have a tomb dedicated to her; Gülçiçek Valide Hatun.

Same as her date of birth, her birth name is unknown though it is sometimes suggested to be Maria.

Though the year of her capture is not documented, nor how she ended up in the Ottoman imperial harem there is a legend about her person; that she was never a concubine but instead a wife of Murad I.

The tale goes as such...

Maria was the young noble Byzantine widow of Aclan Bey and the mother of Yakhsi Bey. She was captured in 1344 when Orhan Ghazi captured the principality of Karasi. After 15 years of widowhood, the troubled mother of Murad: Nilufer, who on her end suggested many suitors for her, all of whom she refused.

Eventually, Murad offered himself and she accepted, changing her name to Gülçiçek. - ( " The European Sultanas of The Ottoman Empire " by Anna Ivanova Buxton )

The tale seems highly improbable as the Ottoman rulers, do not have a strong history of marrying widows, especially ones who have been captured, and thus are considered slaves.

When looking at her name origin Gülçiçek means "rose blossom" in Turkish, meaning she was of slave origin and a convert.

The Gülçiçek in kinship with Aclan Bey and Yakhsi Bey is most likely different than the consort of Murad I, as the dates do not match.

Gülçiçek became Valide Hatun in 1389, after her son ascended the throne upon the death of his father; Murad, sometime after the battle of Kosovo. She will served as Valide Hatun from 1389 to 1400, upon her death.

Not much is known about her relationship with her sole child; Bayezid. The only thing I found and noticed is that she is not mentioned as one of the attendees of Bayezid's wedding to Devletşah Hatun in 1381. Instead, his unnamed governess was in attendance. - ( " Bu Mulkun Sultanari " by Necdet Sakaoglu, pg 54, narrated passage by Ashikpasazade )

An interesting point about the mosque in which she was buried is located in a Greek neighborhood in Bursa called the " Night Quarter ". This also indicates her Greek origin, and that she was still related or saw herself as a Greek woman which is why she was buried in this quarter; which had yet to be Islamized at the time. - ( Bu Mülkün Kadın Sultanları by Necdet Sakaoglu )

[dominadespina]

THE LIFE OF NEFISE HATUN

The one who is considered the first imperial princess to intervene in politics; Nefise Melek Hatun. She, who was given various honorific titles such as Sultan Hatun, and Mirhiali Hatun.

She was born as the daughter of Murad I, and sister of Bayezid I around 1355 and 1360 in Bursa. Not much is known about her early life, we do not have proven information about the identity of her mother.

The first time Nefise Hatun is noticed is during her political betrothal to Alaeddin Bey.

The wedding, which took place around 1377-1381 consisted of a large bride price of; 100 thousand coins, 100 horses, 10 balls of silk, Turkish velvet, gold jewelry, corals, diamonds, red rubies, turquoises, ten thousand camels and many more. - ( Necdet Sakaoğlu, Bu Mülkün Kadın Sultanları, pg 69)

Together the couple had three sons, though only two survived past infancy; Mehmed and Bengi Ali.

Even though the goal of this political marriage was to bring peace between the Ottomans and Karamans, it barely worked out. She first acted as a mediator between her father and husband in 1386. Upon learning that Alaeddin Bey was massacring Ottoman lands, Murad I went to Anatolia seeking his son-in-law, refusing to acknowledge Alaeddin's ambassadors he continued his march to Konya.

Alaeddin was hiding in the Konya fortress that was being besieged. Knowing he would not win he sent his wife; Nefise to seek peace from her father; Murad.

Nesri; who chose to narrate these events says as followed;

He ( Alaeddin) sent a message to her ( Nefise ) and said: - If you do not ask for me from your father, he will take Konya and destroy me. You should be kind to me and kiss the sultan's hand and beg for me. He said to forgive my sin. Sultan Hatun even came and fell at the feet of her father and begged."

The narration ends with Murad forgiving Aleaddin and the Karamans out of piety for his daughter; who obtained peace through loud cries.

The second time she acted as a mediator between her husband and the Ottomans was through her brother; Bayezid I. When Bayezid besieged Konya in 1390, Nefise once again acted in the defense of her husband and was able to obtain forgiveness for him and the people of Konya.

This unfortunately did not work a second time, for soon after the two battled in 1397, Alaeddin was captured and beheaded. Though it seems the command was not given by Bayezid himself, he felt enough piety to behead whoever it was who beheaded his brother-in-law but in the end, he saw this as an advantage to make the Karamans surrender to him by parading his brother-in-law's head around with a spear. ( Christian Slaves of the Ottoman Empire/ An analysis of the fifteenth-century - pg 67 )

Soon after, Nefise and her sons were sent to Bursa by Bayezid's command, but seemed to have been separated, as it is noted the Sultan assigned one of his lord to raise his nephews. ( Christian Slaves of the Ottoman Empire/ An analysis of the fifteenth-century - pg 67 )

Not much is known about her captivity in the Bursa palace. It is possible she was possible she was given charge of the residence containing retired concubines, but then again she is described as a captive so there is no way to be certain.

After the plunder of Bursa in 1402 by the command of Timur, Nefise and her sons were taken to Kutahya to stay with some family members, and later on made their way back to the Kamaranid Principality where it believed she passed away around the year 1402 and 1403.

[dominadespina]

INTERESTS OF DESPINA HATUN

Diplomacy 

During her stay in the Ottoman court, Olivera was proven to be a good diplomat. She had been introduced to diplomacy during her childhood through private tutors, and her mother; Milica.

One of the other reasons Turkish sources have a great disdain for Olivera is because of her influence over Bayezid; who often sought her advice on state affairs.

She saved her brother not once but twice. The first time was in 1394, when he ( Stefan ) failed a campaign because of the harsh winter, and the second time was in 1398 when Stefan was accused of allying with the Hungarians. Both under the influence of Olivera, Stefan was saved and even regarded by Bayezid as his eldest son - Constantine the Philosopher; The Life of Despot Stefan.

Olivera was always aware of the art of diplomacy but I believe she was able to practice it in the Ottoman court and excel in it during the mostly peaceful reign of her younger brother as Despot (1402-1427). This gives her more insight into her possible personality. 

One who is a good diplomat has good charisma, and one who has good charisma finds it easy to influence. 

Needlework

Like most women in medieval Serbia, including noble women, needlework was a regular hobby of theirs, most women, no matter the rank were experts or had experience with embroidery and needlework. Noble women like Olivera had access to better and more luxurious fabrics to work with, of course. 

Olivera was raised with the help of Nun Jefimija, an expert embroiderer and regarded as the first female poet from Serbia. Her work influenced other women to publish their work. She is most known for her poetry and embroidered art such as her econium of Prince Lazar. 

Due to this, some believe it was Olivera who embroidered the silk textile of Sultan Bayezid during her time at his court, which was later donated to a monastery. Though this claim has never been proven. No one knows how this property of Bayezid’s got into the hands of Olivera and later the Studenica monastery. 

Literature

Based on her family history with literature, it is no shocker that Olivera would later become a patron of it. From parents to sisters to brothers; most in her family were great authors and poets. Growing she had access to various books from different nations; which can be concluded, contributed to her love for literature. While she never published any literature like the rest of her family, Olivera did financially support authors.

Art

While most of her family were mostly interested in literature, Olivera and her foster mother; Nun Jefimija, were interested in both. Olivera was a patron of it and Jefimija was an expert in it. This also suggests that she might have created a silk fabric with golden Ottoman designs for Bayezid. 

Wine Feasts

Now coming to the substance most commonly associated with Olivera; wine. The Serbs loved their wine, a bit too much even, they even dedicated various songs to red wine - https://rodoslovlje.com/medieval_serbia/eng/life.htm. Do not be fooled, Olivera is not responsible for Bayezid’s drinking problems nor did she introduce it to the palace, he (Bayezid) was noted to live luxuriously and enjoy wine in his princehood. 

She is often accused of establishing wine assemblies. If truly she did, she would never plan or enjoy such parties in the presence of men who were not her husband as Turkish sources claim. It most likely occurred in the harem. If she influenced people to drink then it would be the harem; where the women of the palace lived. The men already had their taste of wine before her arrival, as it was most likely Ali Pasha who influenced Bayezid/Yildirm into such entertainment. 

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These are just assumptions based on her family's activities, the culture at the time for noble women, and information/rumors from Turkish sources.

[dominadespina]

DESPINA HATUN IN FICTION II

“Olivera; this blonde beauty of the Slavic race had a body as beautiful as Venus and coquetry as a Cleopatra (…) She was a woman with blond hair, blue eyes, a slim waist, and a nice figure. With this beauty of hers, she could have captured anyone she encountered. "Here was a great ruler who dominated the world, this woman's slave, the toy of her desires." Enver Benhan Sapolyo describes Bayezid's love for Olivera with these sentences. ---> Osmanlı Sarayı’nda Bir Sırp Prenses: Mileva Olivera Lazarevic by Mustafa Caghan Keskin.

The novel that was release to the public in 1944 follows the usual hatred and scapegoating by Ottoman/Turkish historians to Despina Hatun. As always it starts with compliments towards her beauty and charms and ends with distain towards her person.

By comparing her to Cleopatra, Şapolyo draws attention to the false idea that like Cleopatra, Olivera used her beauty and flirtations to make a devoted slave out of Bayezid/Yildirim.

Cleopatra wasn't a seductress and neither was Despina Hatun. Both women were highly educated and had leading personalities that played in their favor during their times.

Cleopatra wasn't as beautiful as many believe, she was a scholar, a woman with a wise tongue, that's how she attracted. And though by the statements of many Turkish sources who often describe the beauty of Despina Hatun as ethereal. I do not believe that in a harem full of beautiful concubines, beauty is what kept Despina Hatun in high status in the eyes of Sultan Bayezid, even if she was the most beautiful and alluring during Bayezid's reign.

It ( her beauty ) might have attracted him to her, but beauty does only that. It attracts, it does not keep and maintain one's devotion to another, especially for 12 years.

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Arriving at the end of the novel he ( Şapolyo ) finish his novel by making Despina Hatun turn into a seductress no longer interested in Bayezid. no no no, his version of Despina Hatun has her eyes set on a bigger target; Timur. Yes, the same man who could have possibly made her serve him half naked at a banquet during her captivity.

The heartbroken Bayezid spits in the direction of Despina's face (as one does) then calls her a b!tch (because why not just add that in) and then take his own life by drinking poison.

This novel like many Turkish beliefs about Despina Hatun scapegoat her for Bayezid's own demise. It ignores the trauma she suffered by not only her own humiliation but also her husband.

Overall the whole novel is yet again a scapegoat projects of Turkish writers. I woudn't read it, neither will I even think of spending money on it.

I'll give it a 1.5/10. 1 for decent scapegoating. 0.5 for imagination and creativity, it would have been a whole 1, but the plot has been done before.

[dominadespina]

Despina Hatun In Fiction I

ZABINA

The earliest work of fiction, other than some verbal legends about the aftermath of the Battle of Ankara is " Tamburlaine the Great " by English dramatist; Christopher Marlowe ( 1564-1593 ).

The play published in 1590, which focuses mainly on Timur and the brutality of conquests, also includes side characters like Bayezid I and Zabina; who are heavily based on the real Sultan Bayezid and Olivera Despina Hatun ( Zabina ).

Zabina, the Empress of Turkey and wife of Bayezid is captured with her husband by Timur and forced to endure humiliation as well as abuse. In the end, Bayezid could not bear it anymore and bashed his head on the golden cage he was forced into with his wife, brutally ending his life.

Heartbroken by the humiliation bestowed on her husband and his tragic death, Zabina then does the same, following her husband's actions, and ending her own life in the end.

This play is clearly a dramatized tale of the actual events that took place during the couple's captivity. However, there are a few things the play got right and wrong, such as the tragic ending of Bayezid. His reason for ending his life was the humiliation Despina Hatun had to endure. ( I believe he knew if he died the abuse towards her would end and she like the other Serbs captured on the Battlefield would be released. )

Though Zabina died, Olivera did not. Timurid sources state that she was released and sent back to her home in Bursa, where it will be assumed she attended her husband's funeral in the company of her stepson; Musa, who was also in captivity with them.

Adding on, Franchelle Stewart looks fab in that full attire 🫶👑

[dominadespina]

CHILDREN OF DESPINA HATUN

………. Hatun ( unknown name ) - Married Damad Ebu Bekir Mirza, son of Miranshah Mirza during or after Bayezid's captivity.

Pasa Melek Hatun - Married Damad Emir Celaluddin Islam son of Emir Şemseddin Mehmed; one of Timur's generals during or after Bayezid's captivity.

Oruz Hatun - Married an unknown man.

Oruz had a daughter named Ayse Hatun.