Mustafa held considerable power and great deal of credibility among various powerful social groups. He earned the goodwill of the janissaries; he also attained a considerable reputation as a patron of scholars and poets. –Zahit Atçıl, “Why Did Süleyman the Magnificent Execute His Son Şehzade Mustafa in 1553?”
One cannot describe how much he is loved and desired by all in the empire to succeed. The janissaries want him, and they let this be known manifestly. There is no Turk or slave of the Gran-Signor who does not have the same opinion or desire because (...) his reputation as courageous, generous, and fair makes everybody yearn for him. – Bernardo Navagero, a Venetian ambassador to the Ottoman Empire