Suleiman the Magnificent (reign: 1520-1566) was the most respected sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He led the empire into its golden age through expansion and reforming the legal system.  He was involved in thirteen campaigns in his successful military career. Even as the sultan, he spent a quarter of his reign leading troops in battle. Suleiman also built the most powerful navy in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Despite Suleiman's success as a military man, he treated the people that he defeated with honor and dignity. In showing this respect to the vanquished, he was able to gain their loyalty as part of the empire.

Suleiman was also responsible for modernizing the Ottoman legal system. He relaxed taxation on his subjects and took measures to end feudal practices in the empire. His troops were required to respect their enemies' property and land.  Suleiman is also known for his desire to end religious persecution in his empire. His reforms helped the Jewish and Christian populations within the Ottoman Empire.