Roxelana, also known as Hurrem Sultan, was a powerful woman in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century. Born in what is now Ukraine, she was captured and brought to the Ottoman court as a slave. However, her intelligence and charm caught the attention of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, leading to her rise from a concubine to his legal wife, a rare status for women in the empire. As Suleiman's wife, Roxelana wielded significant influence over political matters and was known for her charitable works. She played a crucial role in the empire's cultural and architectural developments, including the construction of the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, leaving a lasting legacy in history.