Şehzade Mehmed (son of Ahmed III)
Şehzade Mehmed (; 14 January 1717 – 22 December 1756) was the son of Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III (reign 17031730) and his consort Rukiye Kadın. He was heir apparent to the throne from 1730 until his death in 1756. Early life. Şehzade Mehmed was born on 14 January 1717 to Ahmed III and his consort Rukiye Kadın. He had a full-sister named Hatice Sultan seven years older than him. Following his birth, his half-brother Mustafa (later Mustafa III) was born and the birth of both princes were celebrated in February 1717. Large number of  food and sweets, clothes were provided to the people on the birth of the two princes. In 1720, a large fifteen days circumcision ceremony took place for Mehmed, and his brothers, princes Süleyman, Mustafa, and Bayezid. After his circumcision he was educated and taught in the Topkapi Palace. He was taught by his lala (teacher). He had mastered mathematics and geography. He spoke fluent Persian and English. In 1728, he was appointed as a governor in Kütahya. Later, on he was appointed in Manisa following his father deposition from the throne. Life as heir apparent. Mehmed was appointed as heir  to throne in 1730 following his father deposition he moved to Manisa. While his cousin Şehzade Hasan was appointed as a prince governor in Amasya. Mehmed went on campaigns along with his cousin Mahmud I. He met French ambassadors and also had good relations with the Admiral of the Fleet. He disguised himself as an ordinary man and went to the bazaar of Manisa to see how the environment was doing. In 1743, he built a rest house in Manisa for travellers. He met grand vizier and Şeyḫülislām in Manisa Palace. His rule in Manisa was successful. He practiced archery , fencing and sword-fighting in Manisa making him a capable prince to ascend to the throne. Death. Şehzade Mehmed was murdered on 22 December 1756 when he was coming from Manisa to Istanbul. Some people say he was executed on the order of the grand vizier. He was buried inside the Mausoleum of Turhan Hatice Sultan in Istanbul, Turkey.