Sultan Mehmet II: Conqueror of Constantinople and Master of an Empire

Sultan Mehmet II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, was the seventh Ottoman sultan and one of the most important figures in Ottoman history. He is best known for his conquest of Constantinople in 1453, which marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance over the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Grand Turk: Sultan Mehmet II-Conqueror of Constantinople and Master of an Empire

by John Freely

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	351 pages
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Mehmet was born in Edirne, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, in 1432. He was the son of Sultan Murad II and his wife, Hüma Hatun. Mehmet was a brilliant and ambitious young man, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the Ottoman military. In 1451, he led an Ottoman army to victory over the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Varna. This victory convinced Mehmet that he could conquer Constantinople, and he began to prepare for an assault on the city.

In April 1453, Mehmet's army laid siege to Constantinople. The city was defended by a small Byzantine garrison, but they were no match for the Ottoman army. After a two-month siege, Constantinople fell to the Ottomans on May 29, 1453. Mehmet entered the city and declared it the new capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Mehmet's conquest of Constantinople was a major turning point in world history. It marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, which had been the dominant power in the Eastern Mediterranean for over 1,000 years. It also marked the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance over the region, which would last for over 500 years.

Mehmet was a wise and just ruler, and he quickly restored Free Download to Constantinople. He allowed the city's Christian population to continue to practice their religion, and he even built a new church for them. Mehmet also encouraged trade and commerce, and he made Constantinople one of the most prosperous cities in the world.

Mehmet died in 1481 at the age of 49. He was succeeded by his son, Bayezid II. Mehmet's legacy lives on today, and he is considered one of the greatest sultans in Ottoman history.

The Legacy of Sultan Mehmet II

Sultan Mehmet II's legacy is vast and complex. He is best known for his conquest of Constantinople, but he also made significant contributions to the Ottoman Empire in other areas. Mehmet was a patron of the arts and sciences, and he founded a number of schools and libraries. He also reformed the Ottoman legal system and introduced a new system of taxation.

Mehmet's conquest of Constantinople had a profound impact on the world. It marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance over the Eastern Mediterranean. It also led to the spread of Islam throughout the region.

Mehmet was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant military commander and a wise and just ruler, but he was also ruthless and ambitious. However, there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in Ottoman history.

Further Reading

If you are interested in learning more about Sultan Mehmet II, I recommend the following books:

* Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time by Stephen Runciman * The Conquest of Constantinople: The Last Days of Rome by Roger Crowley * The Fall of Constantinople by Richard Hodges

These books provide a comprehensive overview of Mehmet's life and his impact on the world.

The Grand Turk: Sultan Mehmet II-Conqueror of Constantinople and Master of an Empire

by John Freely

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	351 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE