'Last Ottoman' dies at age 97

September 25, 2009

, the last surviving to the, died on Wednesday after a  at the age of 97. His wife, who was by his side, when he died, confirmed this was the case. The location of his death is a hospital in Istanbul. He had spent one week in hospital at the time of his death.

Osman was born on August 18, 1912 at in Istanbul,. He was a former Prince of the Ottoman Empire and the 43rd Head of the dethroned House of Osman from 1994 until his death. If the throne were reconsecrated, he would have assumed the name Sultan Osman V.

He was fourth in line to rule when the monarchy was abolished in 1923, and the modern Republic of Turkey replaced the Imperial Dynasty. He was regarded by as the "last Ottoman".