The stagnation and reform of the Ottoman Empire lasted between 1683 to 1827 and was followed by its decline and modernization. The Sultanate of Women and Köprülü Era (1656–1703) were significant in this period. Despite a few territorial gains such as Crete, there were almost continuous rebellions in Anatolia and vast territories were lost again to Safavid Persia, once being conquered from them. The period is marked by weak and semi mad sultans and incapable grand viziers. The valide sultans (mothers of the sultans) who acted like queen regent were the powerful figures of the period. Powerful women in the harem picked favourites for high office and corruption rather than competence ruled.