King Sobhuza II vs Murad IV

Sobhuza II was crowned King of Swaziland (now Eswatini) on December 22, 1921, at age 22. He succeeded his father, King Bhunu, and began a reign that would last 82 years.

Sobhuza II opposed the British-imposed 1963 constitution, which limited his powers and established a parliamentary system. He petitioned the British government for a return to traditional rule.

Sobhuza II led Swaziland to independence from Britain on September 6, 1968. He became the head of state, with a constitution that established a Westminster-style parliamentary system.

Sobhuza II repealed the 1968 constitution and assumed absolute power, banning political parties. He justified this as necessary to preserve Swazi tradition and prevent ethnic conflict, establishing a traditional monarchy.

Sobhuza II introduced the Tinkhundla system of governance, a traditional-based electoral system where chiefs and local councils elect members of parliament. This system remains in place in Eswatini today.

Sobhuza II celebrated his 60th year on the throne in 1981, becoming the longest-reigning monarch in recorded history. The event was marked by national celebrations and international recognition.

Murad IV faced a major revolt by the Janissaries, who demanded the execution of several officials. Murad IV initially conceded but later executed the Janissary leaders and purged the corps. He then imposed strict discipline, reducing the Janissaries' political power and restoring order in the capital.

Murad IV issued a decree banning the use of tobacco, coffee, and alcohol throughout the Ottoman Empire. He enforced this ban with harsh penalties, including execution for violators. This measure aimed to restore public morality and discipline, reflecting his authoritarian rule.

Murad IV personally led a massive Ottoman army to recapture Baghdad from the Safavid Empire after a 40-day siege. The city had been lost to the Safavids in 1623. The victory restored Ottoman control over Mesopotamia and was a major military achievement of his reign.

Murad IV's recapture of Baghdad led to the Treaty of Zuhab with the Safavid Empire. This treaty established the permanent border between the Ottoman and Safavid empires, which largely corresponds to the modern Iran-Iraq border. It ended decades of war between the two empires.