Of the billions of people who have walked the earth since the beginning of human history, only a few are properly remembered for their unique abilities and their impact on history. Among these stands, Sultan Mehmed II, the Ottoman emperor whose success in conquering Istanbul earned him the immortality of the term “conqueror”
Mehmed the Conqueror was only 21 years old when he sent the Byzantine Empire to the dusty pages of history, consolidating Anatolia state into an empire that would rule over many regions on all three continents for centuries to come.
Like other well-respected historical figures throughout history, the thrilling story lies at the heart of the regent’s success.
Mehmet II, son of Sultan Murad II, was born on March 29, 1432, in Edirne. His mother was Huma Hatun. He was a tall, strong, muscular man. Mehmet II was a military leader and statesman.
He also loved books, fine art, and excellent construction. He was educated by the renowned Mentor Aksemseddin Effendi. Mehmet spoke seven languages fluently. He also loved philosophy and science. He invited Ali Kuscu to the Observatory in Istanbul. Ali Kuscu was a famous astronomer at that time.
Tired of political grievances and frustrated after the death of his eldest son, Mehmed II's father resigned from the throne in 1444 and urged Mehmed II to become the new 12-year-old leader of the state.
However, his first empire ended only two years later, as political and military figures encouraged Murad II to return to the throne following tensions in the conquered lands, especially in the European region. Meanwhile, although the threat from the Crusaders meant that the public was skeptical of a child ascending to the throne.
Although Mehmed II willingly left the throne to his father, it was clear that he felt ashamed as a leader. He later returned to Manisa in the Aegean region, where he married and continued to develop his understanding. A young royal king gained military insight by joining his father in the Kosovo war in 1448.
Mehmet II ascended the throne in his 20th year. He took the word "conqueror" (Fatih) after the conquest of Istanbul on May 29, 1453. The conquest of Istanbul marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and entered a phase of urban revival under the wise and patient administration of Mehmet and his immediate successors. The capture of Istanbul was followed by a long series of campaigns that resulted in a tremendous extension of the direct Ottoman region.
After the conquest of the city, Mehmed the Conqueror marched towards Morea and Conquerored the cities of Greece one after another. However, he was threatened in the back by the Karaman authorities so he turned to Anatolia to conquer them and cover their territory. He then conquered the area west of the Black Sea and was appointed as governor Kızıl Ahmet. Kızıl Ahmet was the founder of the principality Isfen-diyar.
After that, he fought Uzun Hasan, the emperor of Akkoyunlus, and conquered him. Among those areas that fell to Mehmet II were Wallachia, Serbia, Bosnia, Greece, the Empire of Trebizond, Albania, Karaman, and several Venetian and Genoese maritime establishments. He ruled the Ottoman Empire for 30 years and joined 25 campaigns personally. He was a strong ruler and a brave soldier. He appeared before his army in battle and encouraged his soldiers.
Mehmet died on 3 May 1481. He was buried in "Fatih Turbesi" (grave), near the Mosque of Fatih in Istanbul.
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