Mustafa IV

Reign: 1807 – 1808
Life: 1779–1808

Mustafa IV became Ottoman sultan in 1807 after conservative rebels deposed his reformist cousin Selim III. His brief reign was dominated by Janissary violence in Constantinople and a struggle over whether to restore or destroy Selim's modernising reforms. Mustafa briefly spared Selim's life during the coup, but later ordered both Selim and his half-brother Mahmud murdered when a rebel army marched on the capital. Mahmud survived by hiding in a palace furnace, emerged to claim the throne, and had Mustafa executed in November 1808. The failed reactionary coup did not undo Selim's military reforms, which continued under Mahmud II.

During Mustafa IV's reign, Frederick William III of Prussia ruled Prussia, Francis I of Austria ruled Austria, and Alexander I of Russia ruled Russia.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire 1300–1923 by Caroline Finkel

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Mustafa IV

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire 1300–1923

Caroline Finkel

A modern narrative history of the sultans and the empire they ruled for six centuries.

Find this book on Amazon

Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire
Jason Goodwin
A lyrical, readable introduction to Ottoman court life, conquest, and decline.
Find on Amazon