Hürrem Sultan, also known as Roxelana, remains a captivating figure in Ottoman history. While her Ruthenian roots are widely accepted, alternative theories persist. Recent discussions and historical analyses continue to explore the complexities surrounding her origins and influence.
Researcher Rinaldo Marmara's claim of a Vatican manuscript suggesting Hürrem was an Italian noblewoman named Margherita from the Marsigli family in Siena continues to be debated among historians. According to Marmara, Margherita and her brother were captured by pirates and sold into slavery in the Ottoman court. He alleges the manuscript reveals a kinship between Hürrem's descendant, Sultan Mehmed IV, and Pope Alexander VII, casting doubt on her Ruthenian identity. However, many historians remain skeptical, citing a lack of corroborating evidence.
Despite the ongoing debates, Hürrem Sultan's legacy as one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history is undeniable. She commissioned mosques, community kitchens, and charitable foundations in Istanbul and Jerusalem. Hürrem Sultan died on April 15, 1558, in Istanbul, and was buried in the Suleiman Mosque.