Mara Branković

Mara Branković (Serbian Cyrillic: Мара Бранковић; c. 1420 – 14 September 1487), or Mara Despina Hatun, in Europe also known as Amerissa, Sultana Maria or Sultanina, was the daughter of Serbian monarch Đurađ Branković and Eirene Kantakouzene. As the daughter of Despot Đurađ, wife of Sultan Murad II, and stepmother of Mehmed II the Conqueror, she came to play a significant role in the diplomatic negotiations of the Ottoman Empire. She became a leading member of the pro-Ottoman party in the Balkans and one of the most powerful women of the 15th century.

Being a mother figure to Mehmed II, she was also his trusted advisor, acting as a diplomatic figure between the Ottoman court and European powers, which led ambassadors from Venice and Ragusa to frequently seek her counsel. Known as the "mistress of the Christian noblewomen," she promoted cooperation during periods of significant tension between Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Despite her involvement in Ottoman politics, she remained devoted to her Christian faith, influencing the selection of Patriarchs of Constantinople and supporting Christian communities under Ottoman rule.