One of the larger plots of the early seasons of Magnificent Century was centered around the feud between Hurrem and Mahidevran. But what proof do we have that these women were at odds with one another? Again, not much. We have one ambassador’s account based on gossip which says a fight broke out between the two of them ending with Mahidevran severely scratching Hurrem’s face and calling her “spoiled meat”. When the envoy came to summon Hurrem to Suleiman’s quarters for the night, she refused to go on the grounds that she did not dare offend the Sultan’s eyesight with her disfigured looks. When he inquires further she explains Mahidevran called her “spoiled meat” Soon after, Mahidevran went to live with her son, Şehzade Mustafa, in the provincial capital of Manisa in accordance with tradition.

Mahidevran should have had the highest status in the Harem being the mother of the Sultan’s eldest son, however Hurrem was clearly favored by the Sultan and permitted to break the ‘one son per concubine’ tradition.

Do you think the show’s portrayal of their tumultuous relationship is accurate? Do you think Mahidevran was exiled or simply followed the tradition of accompanying her son to his provincial post?