It's actually worse. For centuries, the winning prince would kill their siblings (and sometimes, their children too) to avoid a future insurrection.

A peaceful transfer of power was when there was nobody left alive to challenge the transfer.

Good times.

Meritocracy.

Also my favourite son is right next to the capital , so good luck getting here and establishing yourself as sultan first, lesser sons.

Was this CK3 DLC I missed?

That's how it was in ancient Ireland too, but even more spread out across the whole male kindred of the ruling clan. This seemingly chaotic tradition was ameliorated by the final choice being put to election.

Edit *

Charlemagne would like a word.