It was inevitable that Suleyman’s male and female favorites would either clash or combine. Rooted in the immediate vicinity of the sultan, their spheres of power overlapped. - The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire, Leslie P. Peirce

"The name Hürrem, bestowed upon her by Suleiman, reflected her cheerful disposition. It is derived from Persian, meaning 'the one who brings joy,' symbolizing the happiness she brought to the court." - The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire" by Leslie Peirce

The Ottoman name chosen for her suggests she managed to put a congenial face on her fate...Her prose, lively and affectionate, helps us see why she acquired a name meaning "joyful." Roxelana would prove tough-minded and ambitious, but she never seemed to lose her playful side. - Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire" by Leslie Peirce

Magnificent Century + Costumes in 2.01(25): Make Way! We Are Waiting for a Holy War!

"Just as his majesty thinks of you as a mother, I do, too." (Insp)

Magnificent Century + Hair Moments in 1.01: New Home, New Rules

"Ibrahim of Parga, son of a Greek fisherman..."

"Alexandra La Rossa...slave of Ruthenia..."

Another unpopular opinion

Princess Isabella wasn't a terrible character at the beginning, but they just destroyed her like they do most female side characters in the show for the sake of Suleiman looking irresistible to everything breathing thing with half an X chromosome.

Unpopular opinion

Sümbül was a little creepy sometimes.

She had the children and the jewels to prove Suleyman’s esteem. So it was wholly reasonable that her pride and ambition might demand official validation of her station through elevation as Suleyman’s wife—which she already was in all but name….If Roxelana refrained during Hafsa’s lifetime from pressing for public recognition of her exceptional status, she could now hope for its realization. - Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire, Leslie Peirce

The birth of Mehmed introduced changes into Roxelana’s life. As her status and value rose within the imperial household, so did her material circumstances. When one of the maidens becomes pregnant by the Monarch, her salary is increased and she is honored and elevated above the others… - Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire, Leslie Peirce

(Requested by anonymous)

Magnificent Century + Then versus Now: Mihrimah Sultan

Magnificent Century + Hair: Nurbanu Sultan's long hair

"Everyone knows about his majesty's feelings for Hürrem. She has been stuck in his heart like an arrow for years."

Magnificent Century + Parallels: Ibrahim Pasha & Hürrem Sultan

Magnificent Century + Costumes in 1.24: The Expose

Magnificent Century + Evolution of Hürrem's Family (requested by @skynerd157)

Magnificent Century + Favorite Kisses (requested by anonymous)

"…they are dangerous feelings. If they are not controlled, a single one of them can destroy you." (Insp.)