Selim's son had ascended the throne as…

Selim's son had ascended the throne as Murad III at his father's death in December 1574, Selim’s brilliant grand vizier Mehmed Pasa Sokollu had lost much of his power.

During what becomes known as the “Sultanate of the Women” from 1570 to 1578, Murad has come under the influence of the women in his harem and of his courtiers, and ignored the advice of Sokollu, who favors peace, in 1578 opposing Ottoman entry into war with Venice and with Persia.

Externally, Murad continues the military offensive of his predecessors.

The rising principality of Moscow has conquered the last Mongol states in Central Asia and reached the Caspian Sea, thus posing a threat to the Ottoman positions north of the Black Sea and in the Caucasus.