Mara Branković Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mara Branković
Illustration from 1429
Valide Hatun of the Ottoman Empire
Tenure	1457 – 3 May 1481
Predecessor	Emine Hatun
Successor	Gülbahar Hatun

Born	c. 1420 Vushtrri, Serbian Despotate
Died	14 September 1487(1487-09-14) (aged 66–67) Constantinople, Ottoman Empire
Spouse	Murad II (m. 1435; died 1451)
House	House of Branković House of Osman
Father	Đurađ Branković
Mother	Eirene Kantakouzene
Religion	Orthodox Christian

Mara Branković (born around 1420, died 14 September 1487) was a very important woman in the 15th century. She was also known as Amerissa, Sultana Marija, or Sultanina in Europe. Mara was the daughter of the Serbian ruler Đurađ Branković and Eirene Kantakouzene.

She became the wife of Sultan Murad II of the Ottoman Empire. This made her the stepmother of Mehmed II the Conqueror. Because of her family connections, Mara played a big part in important talks between different countries. She became a leading figure who supported the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans. Mara was one of the most powerful women of her time.

Mara Branković's Family

Mara's family members are mentioned in an old document kept in the Vatican Library. This document is sometimes called the "Massarelli manuscript." It was found among the papers of Angelo Massarelli, who was a secretary at an important church meeting.

The Massarelli manuscript says that Mara was one of two daughters of Đurađ Branković and Eirene Kantakouzene. Her sister was named Catherine. Catherine later married Ulrich II, Count of Celje.

In 1429, Mara's father, Đurađ, gave a gift to a monastery called Esphigmenou Monastery at Mount Athos. The official paper for this gift lists his wife Irene and five children. The Massarelli manuscript also names these same five children. Some family histories mention a sixth child, Todor Branković, but he might have died very young.

The oldest child listed in the Massarelli document was Grgur Branković. He was given the title of "Despot." Grgur was made governor of some parts of southern Serbia by Murad II in 1439. Later, he was accused of plotting against Murad and lost his position. He was put in prison and blinded in 1441. Grgur later became a monk.

Mara is listed as the second child in the document. After her, her brother Stefan Branković is mentioned. Then comes "Cantacuzina," a sister whose name is given as Katarina in other records. She married Ulrich II of Celje. The youngest of the five children was Lazar Branković.

Mara's Marriage and Influence

Mara was promised in marriage to Sultan Murad II in June 1431. This marriage was an effort to stop the Ottoman Empire from invading Serbia. However, Ottoman raids still continued from time to time. The wedding happened on 4 September 1435, in a city called Edirne. As part of her marriage agreement, Mara brought with her the regions of Dubočica and Toplica.

According to a writer named George Sphrantzes, Mara returned to her parents' home when Murad II died in 1451. Sphrantzes also wrote that Mara turned down a marriage proposal from Constantine XI, who was the Byzantine Emperor.

After her parents passed away (between 1456 and 1457), Mara went to live at the court of her stepson, Mehmed II. She stayed at the court but also had her own estate in a place called "Ježevo." This place is now known as Dafni, near Serres. When Mehmed became sultan, Mara often gave him advice. Many Serbian nobles who had been forced to leave their homes also lived at her court in Ježevo.

In 1469, Mara's sister, Katarina, joined her at "Ježevo." The two sisters helped Mehmed and the Republic of Venice talk to each other during the first Ottoman–Venetian War (1463–1479). In 1471, Mara herself went with a Venetian ambassador to the Sultan's court for talks.

Mara kept her power to influence who became leaders in the Eastern Orthodox Church. She remained important even when Mehmed's son, Bayezid II, became the new sultan. For example, monks from Rila monastery asked her to help move the remains of John of Rila back to their monastery. Thanks to Mara, their wish came true in 1469. Because of her influence, special rights were given to Greek Orthodox Christians in Jerusalem. These rights were later also given to the community at Athos Monastery. After a big battle in Moldavia in 1475, Mara said it was the worst defeat the Ottoman Empire had ever faced.

Mara Branković facts for kids

Mara Branković's Family

Mara's Marriage and Influence

See also