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The arrival of Mehri Banu in the Ottoman Palace was not only the beginning of a political agreement but also the start of the princess's inner conflicts. As Mehri Banu departed from Safavid lands, she carried a sense of freedom in her heart as well as deep melancholy. The years spent under the harsh rule of Shah Abbas had brought great suffering to Mehri Banu's family, especially her mother. Shah Abbas, who sought to suppress anyone who could pose a threat to his authority, had also targeted Mehri Banu's mother. Her mother, living like a shadow due to palace intrigues and Abbas's cruelty, had silently accepted her death. This event left a deep scar in Mehri Banu's heart. Believing that lasting peace with the Ottomans was unattainable, Shah Abbas had chosen to send Mehri Banu, who had become a burden to him.
When she arrived at the Ottoman Palace, Mehri Banu harbored prejudices against the Ottomans, particularly Osman. Shah Abbas's propaganda had painted the Ottoman Sultan as a tyrant who mercilessly slaughtered his people. Mehri Banu had grown up with these narratives and thought Osman sat on a throne soaked in blood. Even in her first encounters with Osman, she struggled to suppress these prejudices. She silently wondered, "How could I find peace beside such a man?"
When Osman first met Mehri Banu Hatun, he was walking along the path at the edge of the vast courtyard outside the palace. A group of newly arrived guests caught his attention, and several palace officials gathered around to welcome them. As Osman quickly scanned the crowd, the traditional clothing and splendor of the Safavid delegation stood out to him. Among them, there was a woman. His eyes immediately fell upon the graceful princess. She was Mehri Banu. Amidst the grandeur of the palace, she slightly stood out as a princess from a foreign kingdom. Osman noticed her physical beauty right away. Her tall, elegant stature, refined features, and carefully arranged veil made her appearance both calm and striking.
When Mehri Banu first noticed Osman, the coldness and sternness in his eyes softened her initial perception of him. She felt a momentary unease as she saw the charismatic and powerful Sultan standing behind her entourage. As Osman noticed the princess's gaze, he paid closer attention. However, as Mehri Banu heard Osman's approaching steps, her prejudices quickly kicked in. The sternness in Osman's eyes reminded her of the fears and preconceptions she had been harboring about him.
Osman approached the princess and respectfully bowed deeply, saying, "Welcome, Princess Mehri Banu."
Mehri Banu remained silent for a moment. The depth and determination in Osman's voice were both captivating and cold. Feeling a sense of inner conflict, she replied, "Thank you, Sultan," but the tyrannical image she had built in her mind held her back from feeling drawn to him.
Osman, meanwhile, noticed the complex emotions Mehri Banu carried as she entered the palace. The sadness in her eyes and the melancholy she bore made Osman both curious and cautious toward her. Mehri Banu's gaze reflected the pain and distrust she had experienced. Osman could understand her emotions but also wondered about her true intentions. He thought, "Does she see this marriage only as a duty? Or is she a princess forced into marriage against her will?"
One day, Osman had the chance to speak with Mehri Banu alone. In a quiet corner of the palace, they sat near a small fountain. Osman asked her sincerely:
"How do you feel here? This palace, these people… do they feel foreign to you?"
Mehri Banu didn't answer Osman's question directly. While staring at the fountain's water, she took a deep breath and said:
"This palace is very different from where I grew up. But what feels foreign is not the walls, but the people. I feel as though everyone here is judging me—for being a Shia, for being a Safavid princess... Perhaps they are right. I didn't come here as a friend but as a necessity."
Osman was moved by her words. The vulnerability on Mehri Banu's face revealed a side of her he had not seen before. Gently leaning closer, he spoke in a soft voice:
"Don't let the judgments of others scare you. My people will come to know and love you in time. But if you have any wrong impressions about me, I want to correct them. Know this—my people mean everything to me. I do not care what religion or nation they belong to. What matters is their welfare and happiness."
Mehri Banu looked at Osman with astonishment. She was surprised to see that someone she thought to be so harsh and ruthless was so devoted to his people. Yet, the stories she had heard still lingered in her mind. Smiling slightly, she asked in a sarcastic tone:
"But what about the things I've heard about you? They say you are a merciless ruler. That you've executed your officials without hesitation. Is this true?"
Osman paused for a moment upon hearing these words. Then, looking directly into Mehri Banu's eyes, he replied seriously:
"Yes, it's true. But as a Sultan, I fulfilled my duty. I eliminated the leeches who burdened my people. I have no regrets about this. If this makes me a butcher, let people call me one. I don't care."
After this conversation, Mehri Banu began to feel a change in her emotions toward Osman. She realized he was not just a butcher but a leader deeply connected to his people. Wanting to understand Osman's bond with his people, she agreed to join one of his inspections.
One day, as Osman was making his final preparations at Topkapı Palace to inspect the provinces, Mehri Banu approached him and said, "I want to come with you."
Mehri Banu, who was usually shy, surprised Osman with her eager request.
Osman responded, "We are not yet married. Even though it seems close to being finalized, if you are hesitant or feel afraid of me, you are not obligated to marry me. Don't force yourself."
Blushing, Mehri Banu said, "No, it's not that… I just want to come with you. I'm so bored here."
Osman, startled for a moment, thought to himself, "She looks so sweet when she blushes." Quickly shaking off his thoughts, he nodded and said, "Of course, why wouldn't you come?"
Standing nearby, Hasan was surprised to see Osman so flustered for the first time. He thought, "So even Osman, the epitome of perfection, can be caught off guard."
But how would this journey change the lives of both Osman and Mehri Banu?