suleiman wanted to keep the power to himself. to prevent his son mustafa from taking power with a coup, suleiman had mustafa strangled in 1553. several other sons also died. suleiman’s successor was his son selim ii. he came to the throne during civil conflicts with his surviving brothers. selim ii had the urge to live a life of pleasure, instead of focusing on the difficult task of governing. he assigned affairs of state to his grand vizier (chief minister) and son-in-law, mehmed sokullu.