Selim III (December 24, 1761 - July 28, 1808) was the reform-minded Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807. Sultan Selim III was fond of literature and calligraphy; many of his works were put on the walls of mosques and convents. He spoke Arabic and Persian fluently. Selim III was very religious, and very patriotic. He was a poet, a musician and very fond of fine arts. The Janissaries eventually deposed and imprisoned him, and placed his cousin Mustafa on the throne as Mustafa IV. Selim was subsequently killed by a group of assassins.