More significantly, Bayezit swore he would not abdicate in favor of any of his sons. This promise represented a major victory for Selim; it bought him time and forestalled the threat of the imminent enthronement of Ahmed. When Bayezit died, Ahmed would be left to fend for himself. Self-confident, self-reliant, and well-armed, Selim was convinced that without their father’s support behind Ahmed, he would have the advantage in any all-out war among the three half-brothers, particularly since he had the most military experience and the most imposing fighting force.
