nesilleri

Nesilleri is a Turkish term that refers to the generations of the Ottoman Empire's imperial family, specifically those born to the ruling sultans. These individuals were typically the sons and daughters of the sultan and were considered potential heirs to the throne.

The concept of nesilleri was closely tied to the Ottoman system of succession, where the ruler was chosen from among the sons of the previous sultan. This system was based on the idea of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the throne. However, this was not always the case, and power struggles between different generations of the royal family were common.

Nesilleri played an important role in Ottoman politics, as they often formed alliances and factions with other members of the imperial family. Some notable examples of nesilleri include the Genç Osman, a generation of young princes who were educated at the palace and held significant influence over the sultan; the Kösem Nesidi, a generation of princes and princesses who were born to the powerful Kösem Sultan and married into the royal family; and the Ferdans, a generation of princes who were known for their revolutionary ideas and their role in the Ottoman Empire's modernization efforts.

The concept of nesilleri began to decline during the 19th century, as the Ottoman Empire faced internal conflicts and external pressures. The introduction of modernizing reforms and the rise of nationalist movements further eroded the power of the imperial family's generations. Today, the term nesilleri is largely historical and serves as a reminder of the complex and often tumultuous world of Ottoman imperial politics.