Plot Summary

With the death of the emperor, Suleiman becomes the 10th emperor of the Ottoman Empire. Alexandra has entered the emperor's harem, and Suleiman is charmed not only by her beauty, but also by her abundant wisdom, and he grants her the new name of Hurrem ("the cheerful one"). Several years after ascending the throne, he has conquered enemy lands that stymied his ancestors, and as emperor brought great achievements. Hurrem, who runs counter to so many of the customs of the harem, is Suleiman's favorite, and Suleiman has appointed Ibrahim to a post above his origins as a slave. There are many things in the palace, many disturbances to cause conflicts, and a crack even begins to grow between Suleiman and Ibrahim....