Branimira the benevolent

Branimira of Croatia

**Branimira of Croatia** was the consort of Iskender I, whom married by virtue of a diplomatic agreement with her uncle Mihovil and her brother Nicolet of Croatia. When they married his father Mikail was very ill on the way to death.

## Early life

Branimira was born around 1410, the youngest daughter of Prince Mikail. The identity of hes mother is disputed. According to 17th century historian, Branimira's mother was a concubine. An early 20th century historian, wrote in his work that his mother was Ehzadir, daughter of Lazar of Serbia. According to historians, hes mother was Emina, daughter of Bey, ruler of the Dulkadirids.

She spent his early childhood in Croatia. In 1426, Bayezid and Branimira's uncle and brother wrote a diplomatic agreement so Branimira and Iskender married the following year, Branimira thus became Iskender's first concubine. At the beginning she was destined to marry Bayezid II and thus enter the Imperial Harem directly, but the sultan was very annoyed by Branimira so he gave her to his son Iskender as a wife.

## Into the Harem

Branimira initially entered Manisa's Harem and played an important role here as the governor's first and only concubine, since he was only thirteen at the time of marriage, even after Iskender became fifteen the couple had no children. Bayezid felt a strong hatred for Branimira, and did not want her son's firstborn to be her son.
so after a year of intent the sultan Bayezid II forced Iskender to choose another concubine. Nehir Sultan, she conceived the acclaimed firstborn, Şehzade Murad. Branimira was eclipsed by Nehir who took her status as main concubine. Branimira however insisted and finally in June 1436 she gave birth to Şehzade Kasim. After the birth of his son his salary was increased to 200 aspers, like that of Nehir. After the death of Şehzade Selim, Branimira's husband became the apparent heir of the empire and Branimira's status rose even more. In 1443, when Iskender became Sultan, Branimira began charitable works, such as canteens and reception places, thus obtaining the love of the people. In 1447, she became pregnant but gave birth to a child who died after a few months.

## Return in Manisa

Branimira having the love of the people who appealed her as charitable or benevolent, when she returned to the Harem of Manisa, this time as the mother of the governor and no longer as a concubine, she had a strong relationship with the people of Manisa, the people adored both her that his son Kasim, who had a lot of political influence and was seen as a serious and possible substitute for Şehzade Murad. When Nehir learned of this, it is said that he began to plot against Kasim, who died mysteriously. Branimira returned to Topkapi when he returned the people cheered him on his return, Nehir was very jealous and strong clashes began between the two.

## Last years and death

At the request of herself, Branimira was invited to the Old Palace (Eski Saray), here she lived her last years of life, organizing parties and without ceasing to finance her canteens and shelters. Upon Branimira's death, the people of Istanbul organized vigils throughout the capital. She was buried in the Bayezid II Mosque in 1467.