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Cem

Ottoman prince
Also known as: Jem

Quick Summary

Cem was an Ottoman prince and a claimant to the throne in the late 15th century. He was the son of Sultan Mehmed II and the brother of Sultan Bayezid II. After their father's death in 1481, Cem challenged Bayezid for the throne, leading to a civil war. Cem was ultimately defeated and fled into exile, first to Mamluk Syria and then to the Knights of Rhodes, eventually ending up in Rome. European powers attempted to use Cem as a pawn against the Ottomans, but these efforts were unsuccessful. His exile and the threat of his return influenced Bayezid II's policies, leading to internal consolidation and reforms within the Ottoman Empire. Cem died in exile in 1495.1

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