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

Sultan Mehmet II was one of the most important figures in Ottoman history. He conquered Constantinople in 1453, which marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and his reign saw the construction of many mosques, schools, and libraries.

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

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Early Life and Rise to Power

Mehmet II was born in Edirne, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, in 1432. He was the son of Sultan Murad II and his wife, Gülbahar Hatun. Mehmet was a bright and ambitious young man, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the Ottoman army. In 1451, at the age of just 19, he became sultan.

The Conquest of Constantinople

One of Mehmet's most famous achievements was the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The city had been the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over 1,000 years, and it was considered to be impregnable. However, Mehmet was determined to take the city, and he assembled a massive army of over 100,000 men. After a long siege, Mehmet's forces finally breached the city walls and captured Constantinople. The conquest of Constantinople was a major turning point in Ottoman history, and it marked the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's rise to power.

Reign as Sultan

Mehmet II reigned as sultan for 31 years, and during that time he made many important contributions to the Ottoman Empire. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, and his reign saw the construction of many mosques, schools, and libraries. He also expanded the Ottoman Empire's territory, and he conquered many new lands in Europe and Asia.

Death and Legacy

Mehmet II died in 1481 at the age of 49. He was succeeded by his son, Bayezid II. Mehmet II is considered to be one of the greatest sultans in Ottoman history. He was a brilliant military leader, a skilled diplomat, and a patron of the arts and sciences. His reign marked a turning point in Ottoman history, and he left a lasting legacy that continues to this day.

Sultan Mehmet II was one of the most important figures in Ottoman history. He conquered Constantinople in 1453, which marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and his reign saw the construction of many mosques, schools, and libraries. Mehmet II was a brilliant military leader, a skilled diplomat, and a patron of the arts and sciences. His reign marked a turning point in Ottoman history, and he left a lasting legacy that continues to this day.

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