Selim Ii

Related Category: Turkish and Ottoman History: Biographies

(Selim the Drunkard), c.1524–1574, Ottoman sultan (1566–74), son and successor of Sulayman I. During his reign the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) was dominated by Sokolli, his grand vizier (chief executive officer). Although the Turks conquered Cyprus from Venice and recovered Tunis from Spain, the Ottoman Empire received its first severe setback by Christians during Selim's reign in the naval defeat at Lepanto in 1571. He was succeeded by his son Murad III.