1-632-638 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Selim I, Ottoman Emperor, (1808). Known as 'Yavuz' (the Cruel), Selim (1466-1520) ruled from 1512-1520. When he came to the throne he had his uncles and brothers put to death to avoid any challenges to his rule. The empire expanded considerably under Selim, with the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina coming under Ottoman control. From A series of Portraits of the Emperors of Turkey, 1808.