surnamed the Kalian, was the son of Achmet I. and in the year 1622, at the age of 13, succeeded his uncle Mustapha. Bagdad fell into the hands of the Persians, and several other disastrous events clouded the commencement of his reign. The pasha of Erzerum had raised the standard of rebellion in the former reign; and, continuing his opposition, he overran many of the provinces of Lesser Asia. But the military talents of the sultan were soon roused to exertion; and, making peace with Germany, he hastened with a formidable army to regain Bagdad. But new rebellions in his Asiatic dominions, and several other causes, prevented him from recovering the city. The Spahis also rebelled at home, and several viziers were slain during the tumults of the Porte.

The natural dispositions of the young monarch were ill adapted to his situation, and extremely destructive to his people. It is reported, that a flail of lightning rushing into his chamber during the darkness of the night, strongly impaired his reason, and produced a violence and intemperance of character which remained to the end of his days. It was therefore nothing more than reasonable to expect that his policy should be variable and inconsistent; it appears, however, that he actively resisted the foes who pressed upon his dominions from different quarters. The recovery of Bagdad being still his favourite object, in the year 1637, he again marched against it; and after 30 days of unremitting assault, with the expense of much blood, he took possession of the city. By pushing his men forward to the attack by the point of the scimitar, and by slaughtering 30,000 Persians in cold blood after their surrender, he displayed the brutal ferocity of his disposition. One person alone is reported to have moved his obdurate heart on the present occasion. A famous player upon the harp entreated those who were sent to massacre him, to allow him to speak to the sultan previous to his death. Informed who he was, the sultan requested him to give a specimen of his skill in his profession: with this he readily complied, and touched his harp so melodiously, and Amurath, sung in such pathetic strains the lamentations on the tragedy of Bagdad, intermixed with the praises of Amurath, that the hard heart of the cruel monarch being at length softened, he melted into tears, and saved both the musician and the remaining inhabitants. The loss sustained by the Persians at this time, so reduced their military strength, that they were unable for a long period to attack the Ottoman empire.

The violence of Amurath soon enfeebled his constitution; and the fruits of his debaucheries and excesses were obvious even in the prime of life. At the age of 31, he fell a victim to an excess of reveling in the feast of Bairam, in the year 1640. Beholding his end approaching, he is reported to have given orders to assassinate his brother, in order to secure the throne for his favourite Mustapha; but the affection of his mother prevented the cruel mandate from being carried into effect. The manners and amorous adventures of this monarch have afforded materials for numerous Turkish descriptions full of extravagance, singularity, and cruelty. He surpassed all his predecessors in the abominable vice of intoxication, and even violated the established laws of the country, by issuing an edict permitting the sale and use of wine. But, as if it was not sufficient to violate the common law, he also opposed himself to the common usage of the country, by shutting up the coffeehouses, and prohibiting opium and tobacco upon the pain of death. The wanton cruelty of this prince was almost unexampled. During his hours of dissipation, he would rush forth into the streets with a drawn sword in his hand, and cut in pieces all the unhappy persons who chanced to be in his way. Nay, even in his calmest moments, he often discharged arrows from his upper windows at the innocent passengers as they went along. In short, to such extravagance did his cruelty extend, that the very name of Amurath carried terror along with it, and the opium-chewers fell into fits upon the simple mention thereof. The number of persons that fell victims to his cruelty during a reign of 17 years, amounted to no less than 14,000; among whom were many officers of high power and distinction in the state. The meannesses of his dispositions, however, manifested themselves in his descending to familiarities with his favourites, and even joining in the meanest services. He also displayed a singular humour in making marriages between old men and girls, and young men and women of four score. It may, however, on the whole, be asserted, that if he had not been intoxicated with wine and power, the qualities of his mind and body might have rendered him a more respectable member of society. He was very remarkable for swiftness of foot and dexterity in drawing the bow. The reverses of fortune made small impression on his mind, and he pursued with resolute firmness any object in which he seriously engaged. Dismembering, avaricious, and blasphemous, he gave full proof, that his moral qualities were greatly depraved. (Mod. Un. Hist. Gen. Biog.)