Essay: Sultan Suleiman

Sultan Suleiman is renown throughout history as being one of the greatest leaders of all time.(100leaders.org). An emperor that ruled for a total mass of 46 years, Suleiman’s succession into power, was one that shaped Islamic history (timetoast.com).
Successfully ruling both Europe and the middle east, Suleiman had a powerful military and political leadership, that left a legacy often referred to as as the ‘golden age ‘of the ottoman empire. (bbc.org) This showing his role as a leader in both poliics and military forces.  He controlled one of the most advanced militaries in the world, possessing a naval force that dominated both the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian ocean. His immense amount of power extending throughout both the land and the sea.(Encyclopedia.com). Suleiman was a task orientated leader, always seeking to learn information and reach a level of expertise in everything he did. This evident by his study of theology, literature, science, history, and warfare as a child, as well as his fluency in 6 different languages.(metmuseum.org). Suleiman was known by Muslims as Kanuni – “the Lawgiver”, because he was a just ruler and judge who initiated thriving political reforms during his rule.(asianhistory.com) Noted to be courageous and studious, from a young age, Suleiman revolutionized the ottoman empire, historians labelling his rule as the ‘golden age of Islam’. This being because of his implementation of many political and social reforms. Suleiman implemented new laws about education, taxes, and established a thriving artistic and architectural culture. He is particularly renown for his complete reconstruction of the Ottoman legal system.(crystalinks.com). Suleiman had a legitimate power base and was able to successfully lead Ottoman armies to conquer most of Europe and the middle east.   Suleiman was motivated to be a leader, at a young age by his predecessor and father Selim. He was prepared at a young age to become ruler, by his appointed role as governor of Kaffa and his temporary regency of his father for a couple of years. Suleiman eventually, inherited the caliphate from his father in the year 1520, at the age of 26. (lostislamichistory.com), His caliphate was met without any objection from anyone. This because he possessed the character of a leader, renown throughout history as being intelligent, confident, dependable, honest and achievement orientated (theottomons.org). Suleiman is said to have modelled his leadership style after Alexander the great, His military expansion inspired in part by Alexander’s conquests. As a sultan he eventually went on to lead 13 major militaries campaigns (asianhistory.about.com).
Suleiman had a heightened sense of wellbeing, typical of a self leader of his status. Suleiman carefully planned out his tasks, evaluating all options and risks before carrying out a task. This evident by his success in conquering Christian strongholds of Belgrade, Rhodes, and most of Hungary. (metmuseum.org). Suleiman’s direction of leadership was directly influenced by his belief in Islam, his style of leading, and way of ruling reflecting Sharia law.
2.‘’Describe the leadership style the person employs and provide examples to support you’re answer.’’
Suleiman was a visionary, who was focused, task orientated, competent and dependable. He carried out common leadership tasks, leading by example and being an exceptionally good role model. (allaboutturkey.com).This evident by his reputation in the west as ‘Suleiman the magnificent’(metmuseum.org). Suleiman was both people orientated and task orientated, his decisions in leadership reflecting the interests of both his people and the task at hand. (Britannica.org).This evident by his choice in his first order of business as sultan. He initiated the removal of several threats that plagued the Ottoman realm. (losthistory.com).In doing so successfully protecting his country, his people, himself and his role as leader. (asianhistory.com).On a macro level,This in relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy ensuring his subjects felt safe and secure, giving them a consistent security of body, as well successfully completing his job as emperor ,On a micro level this making his self esteem grow in relation to Maslows’s hierarchy and improving his overall sense of wellbeing.( caffstextbook)
Suleiman employed a transformational style of leadership. He revolutionized the Ottoman empire, his law reform inspiring generations for years to come (theottomons.org). Suleiman accommodated people according to their capabilities and skill set. For eg. He would seek out people with a high level of knowledge in combat and then give them a role in his army that suited there capabilities.(Britannica.org). He was a gracious ruler, very just and was always strategic in what he did.(theottomons.org). This evident by his nickname ‘ Suleiman the lawgiver in ottoman history. (lostislamichistory.org)This is clearly evident in his decision making as ruler. For example: he found the tax coming from Egypt so much that he conducted research and discovered that the governor was tyrannizing them and over charging them. So he immediately changed the governor ensuring the safety and overall wellbeing of his people in relation to Maslow’s hierarchy. (theottomons.org). Suleiman was very task orientated, during his role as caliphate, he instructed the building of numerous buildings, that are still standing today. He successfully accomplished this by delegating the task to skillful and renown architect Sinan, this being an example of his transformational style of leadership as he encouraged his subjects to their fullest potential.(allaboutturkey.com).
Suleiman was able to have a whole nation agree with his decisions because he always did his best to suit the needs of his people, as well as complete the task at hand. He did what was best for the countries welfare financially, strategically and practically whilst also considering the needs of his people. (allaboutturkey.com).
3-Outline the influences on leadership.
Emperor Suleiman had a particular skillset that influenced his style of leadership. His vast knowledge on Sharia law influenced the way in which he governed his empire ,as the legal system implemented was according to his Islamic belief and tradition. The other facet that the The Ottoman legal code involved was the kanun’s. These laws based on Suleiman’s own experience and research. These Kanun laws covered the aspect of life not covered by the Shariah , such as taxes, police regulation and other day to day affairs of the empire.(crystallinks.org)
Suleiman had a high self esteem that on a micro level made made him feel confident in making decisions, and on a macro level made his nation more easily persuaded. His vast skill set and knowledge in theology, literature, science, history, and warfare made him always strive to make decisions that reflected both the needs of his country as a whole and his people. (theottomons.org).This in relation to ‘ making him have a high level of self esteem. Suleiman’s confident and thoughtful attitude in dealing with situations concerning the countries welfare in turn ,on a macro level, made his people trust him and his decisions.(caffstextbook). This on a macro level ,providing them with security of body in relation to Maslow’s hierarchy ,as well as making them feel safe and confident in their ruler. Suleyman’s transformational style of leadership ensured that he encouraged individuals to self manage and complete their work to the best of their ability.(lostislamichistory.com).
The people within his army were always encouraged to aim for their own self improvement and the improvement of the country as a whole.(Britannica.com).An example of this being in the way that Suleiman surrounded himself with people of unusual ability. Such as his grand Vizier (chief minister) Ibrahim Rustem and his Ulama (specialist in Islamic law) Abu al-Su-ud. His acknowledgment and use of others skill sets helping him successfully establish his empire.(Britannica.com).
4-Identify and explain 3 main causes of conflict your leader may encounter. provide and draw from specific examples to support your answer.
Suleiman had to deal with a vast range of conflicts in his life, especially once he became king. One such example is when he succeeded the throne and had to immediately suppress a revolt of an emperor named Janberdi Ghazali who had previously ruled Mam Luk.(encyclopedia.com). Suleiman succeeded to the throne in September 1520. In Syria, he immediately suppressed the revolt of a former Mam Luk governor, Janberdi Ghazali. (allaboutturkey.com).This on a micro level making him gain experience as an emperor and on a macro level ensuring the safety of his people. They both had incompatible goals them both wanting to have power and esteem.
Another conflict in which Suleiman had to deal with was expelling, Ferdinand from occupying Buda, this occurring to once again conflicting goals ,as both had similar goals and values. Suleiman was forced to mediate between the two parties ,making both of his representatives come to an agreement that suited the needs of both parties. (asianhistoryabout.com). Szapolyia being the delegated king of central and Eastern Asia and Buda as king In the end though they decided to make an agreement. (asianhistoryabout.com).Suleiman again invaded, forcing Ferdinand to an agreement that left Szapolyai as king of central and eastern Hungary and Fernand as king in the west and north, both ruling as Suleiman’s tributaries.(theottomons.org).
One of Suleiman’s main conflicts was when he had first taken the throne. He decided to fix the land –based threat, the fortress of Belgrade ,which belonged to Hungary. (brittanica.com).The Hungary being a major opponent from the north of the ottomans since the early 1400’s.In doing this he expelled a major threat to his country ,making them feel secure on a macro level and boosting his confidence on a micro level.(aisanhistory.com). Suleyman eventually conquered it by assembling an army to bombard them. The city then came under ottoman control and the Hungarian challenge to ottoman lands in the north was a lot less signifigant. This being achieved by an aggressive conflict resolution style.(lostislamichistory.com).