Ayşe Gülnev Osmanoğlu

Could you tell us a bit more about yourself to begin with? What are you

currently involved in, and how do you spend most of your time these

days?

I was born and raised in England, as the exile order forbidding my family’s return to

Türkiye was still in place at the time. After reading History and Politics at the

University of Exeter, I obtained an M.A. in Turkish Studies from SOAS, University of

London, where I specialised in Ottoman History. I am married and a proud mother of

five wonderful children who are the joy of my life.

These days, I spend most of my time researching my family history and writing

historical novels set in the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire. I have also recently

become a columnist for Türkiye Today, where I contribute articles on Ottoman

history.

Aside from work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling to new and

interesting places, and reading historical fiction. I also enjoy walking, playing golf,

tennis and padel, and I absolutely love going to the ballet.

Which Ottoman sultan or member of the royal family has inspired or

influenced you the most throughout history?

Sultan Mehmed II has always inspired me. His vision, ambition, and remarkable

achievements at such a young age are quite extraordinary. I admire not only his

courage and determination, but also his creativity and strategic genius – such as the

legendary moment he ordered his fleet be hauled overland to bypass the chain across

the Golden Horn. He was a formidable ruler, a patron of learning and the arts, and a

man who combined intellect with imagination – qualities that inspire me.

Does being part of a family so deeply rooted in history ever feel like a

great responsibility?

I feel humbled yet proud to have the blood of my noble ancestors running through my

veins. Being descended from the Ottoman Sultans and Caliphs is truly a privilege and

an honour. And yes, I do also feel a sense of responsibility. I feel it is my duty to

preserve my family history, to give a voice to my ancestors, and to inspire others to

take an interest in the rich and complex history of the Ottoman Empire.

If you had the chance to have a conversation with one Ottoman sultan, who

would it be, and what would you ask them?

May I choose two?

I would like to ask Sultan Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, whether he ever

imagined how far his small principality would expand – from a frontier beylik to one of

the greatest empires in history. I would love to hear what inspired his vision, his belief

in destiny, and his hopes for his descendants.And I would ask Sultan Murad V how he

found the inner strength to endure his years of confinement, and whether he ever found

peace through his music and love of literature. I would also like to tell him that I am so

proud to be his great-great-granddaughter.

Is there a particular value or philosophy from the Ottoman era that you

wish to carry into the present day?

The foundation of the Ottoman Empire – at its best – rested on a belief in justice,

charity, and religious toleration. It was a multi-faith, multi-ethnic, pluralist empire. Of

course, it was not perfect, but at its core lay a respect for diversity and a belief in the

harmony of difference.

In today’s increasingly fractured world, I think those values, that philosophy, are more

relevant than ever. The Ottoman example of fostering peaceful coexistence among

communities of different faiths and cultures offers a powerful lesson, one that

transcends time and place, and should inspire us all.

How does being a member of the royal family affect your daily life?

It doesn’t really! Being a member of the Ottoman Imperial family is only part of who I

am. I lead a quiet, private life, devoted to my children and focussed on my research and

writing. I am simply a mother, historian, and writer – striving to do my best, like

anyone else.

Has this identity changed the way people see you or the way you see life?

Perhaps to some extent. People are often curious when they discover my background,

and I am always happy to answer their questions. But I do not allow it to define me or shape my outlook. If anything, my heritage has given me a deeper appreciation for history and taught me the importance ofmhumility, compassion, loyalty, and resilience.

Ottoman and Turkish Cultural Reflections Through the Eyes of Ayşe Osmanoğlu In your view, how can the Ottoman heritage contribute to contemporary cultural life in Turkey today?

I see three distinct ways in which modern Turkish culture can benefit from its Ottoman heritage – by revitalising its soul. Firstly, as I have mentioned before, the Ottoman Empire was like a mosaic, where many different pieces – cultures, languages, and religions – came together to create a unique civilisation. This aspect of Ottoman heritage is a powerful reminder that our strength lies in our diversity and our ability to coexist. Secondly, Ottoman heritage can be a great source of inspiration for contemporary creativity. The principles of Ottoman art – its harmony, geometry, and connection to nature – can influence everything from architecture, fashion, design, and even gastronomy. It shows that tradition is not the opposite of innovation, but rather its greatest source. And finally, Ottoman heritage allows modern Türkiye to act as a cultural bridge. By embracing its heritage, Türkiye can foster cultural projects, academic exchanges, and artistic collaborations that promote understanding and peace. In doing so, our shared past can become a form of soft power and source of global cultural exchange.

How do you find balance between the weight of the past and the simplicity of modern life?

I try to live by principles that I hope my ancestors would approve of – honouring their

memory while leading a private life in a foreign land, and raising my children to be kind, independent, and compassionate people. I let the past guide me, but the simplicity of modern life keeps me grounded in the present. My balance, I think, lies in embracing both.

Where in Istanbul do you feel the presence of Ottoman culture most vividly today?

For me, the presence of Ottoman culture can be felt most vividly at the Topkapı Palace. There is something truly awe-inspiring about wandering through its courtyards and chambers, surrounded by such exquisite architecture, craftsmanship, and history. The palace embodies the refinement and splendour of the Ottoman world during its golden age, and it is a place where the temporal power and majesty of the Ottoman Empire feel very much alive. The spiritual legacy of the Ottomans can also be felt here, within the Chamber of the Holy Relics, where we are reminded of their sacred duty as guardians of the holy cities and defenders of the Islamic world.

Could you share the places in Istanbul where you feel most connected to the Ottoman legacy places that make you feel “at home”?

I always feel very emotional when I visit the Çırağan Palace. It holds such significance for me because it was the home of my branch of the family for so long and is where my grandfather and great-grandfather were born, so it is perhaps the place where I feel most connected to

my roots. But I think that I feel most ‘at home’ when I look out over the Bosphorus. There is

something almost magical about that view. It is constantly moving and changing, yet eternal. No other place in the world compares to its beauty or the sense of belonging it evokes in me.

Among the National Palaces, which one has impressed you the most and why?

I am impressed by them all! And it is deeply humbling to know that they exist because of the legacy of my family. But if I had to choose one, it would be the Dolmabahçe Palace. I think it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world – its unique architecture, opulent elegance, and setting on the Bosphorus are simply breathtaking. On a personal level, it is particularly special to me as my grandmother was born there. She often shared stories with me of her years in the palace and knowing that such a magnificent building was once her home makes it feel even more extraordinary.