After Cem's first defeat in the succession war following his father's death in 1481, the prince, Çiçek Hatun, and the rest of his household took refuge with the Mamluk Sultan in Cairo.[2][10] Of all the members of Cem's household, Çiçek Hatun was his most devoted ally. Gedik Ahmed Pasha, who had been a tutor to Cem, failed to supple the prince with the support he confidently accepted his challenge to the enthronement of his older brother Bayezid.[11] Although Cem was deserted by his tutor, he was well served by his mother Çiçek Hatun.[12]