My feelings about Suleiman are a bit shaky. It is hard to judge whether he was a great and just leader, just as it is hard to judge any leader. Europeans both feared and admired him. Suleiman's rule was in the 16th century, which was the Age of Kings. Suleiman cannot be denied the fact that he increased the power of the Ottoman Empire. In the beginning of his reign he captured the Hungarian city of Belgrade. His intentions were noble. Suleiman's concept of paradise was a central idea. He wanted to create a paradise. Every Ottoman was required to have a craft. It was known as the Golden Age of Ottoman Art. Suleiman also wanted to clean up the inner city. He built a complex to revive the city.
             The mosque was the major symbol of political and religious power. The words "God Rewards the Ruler Who is Just" was on the wall of the mosque. I don't feel that any absolute ruler is just. In the case that a ruler is just, I do feel that Suleiman would have been rewarded. It is evident that the Ottoman people looked highly upon Suleiman. After return from a battle, a festival was held in the city. A very noble act on the part Suleiman was the marrying of Hurrem. She was a Slavic slave girl. Suleiman surprised all.
             To Europeans Suleiman was known as "the Magnificent" and to his subjects he was known as "Lawgiver." He ran the empire under a land-grant system. Some classes were exempt for taxes. If Suleiman were as just as he appears every class would be required to pay a certain amount of taxes.
             The issue of the "tribute children" is another iffy issue. Suleiman makes it evident that religious tolerance was unheard of in the 16th century. Removing rural Christian families from their homes and converting them to Islam is not a noble of just action.
             In conclusion, I feel that it is safe to say that Suleiman is one of the great leaders of the world.
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