Key Attributes of Sultan Mehmed II
Sultan Mehmed II, commonly known as Mehmed the Conqueror, is revered as one of the most formidable figures in world history. His remarkable traits have earned him an enduring legacy, exemplified by the following distinguished qualities:
- Mehmed II was not only a ruler but also a philosopher and a scholar in various fields, including the natural sciences and Islamic studies, making him a unique intellect of his era.
- His astute leadership and intelligence were pivotal in effectively managing the Ottoman Empire across military and civil domains.
- A courageous and tenacious leader, Mehmed II exhibited his prowess by leading campaigns against 20 nations, often at the forefront of battles, where he sustained injuries on multiple occasions.
- He was known for his humility, frequently engaging with scholars and artisans, whom he esteemed and honored in his court.
- Mehmed II possessed numerous virtues, demonstrating strong moral character and a genuine passion for philanthropic endeavors.
- In addition to his leadership qualities, he was also a talented poet, composing various poetic works.
Overview of Sultan Mehmed II
Born in 1431 and passing in 1481, Mehmed II was the son of Sultan Murad II, who ruled over the Ottoman Empire starting in 1451. In his early years, Mehmed was considered a pampered and somewhat indolent child, but he transformed into a diligent student following his father’s appointment of tutors, including Sheikh Ahmad ibn İsmail al-Kurani and Sheikh Agha Shams al-Din.
Mehmed studied religious teachings, language, natural geography, practical skills, history, and astronomy, ultimately emerging as an expert in warfare, horsemanship, and mathematics. By the age of 21, he had already mastered six languages.
The Conquest of Constantinople
Upon the death of Sultan Murad II on February 7, 1451, Mehmed II ascended to the throne as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, a young man in his twenties full of vigor and courage. His primary focus was on the conquest of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire at that time.
Driven by the vision of capturing Constantinople, Mehmed dedicated all his efforts to this ambition, even restricting discussions with his advisors to the impending conquest. To initiate his plan, he first aimed to control the Bosporus Strait, cutting off any potential supplies from Europe.
To secure his grip over the Bosporus, Mehmed II constructed a formidable fortress on the European shore, a project that took three months to complete. Opposite this fortress, on the Asian side, stood the Anatolian Fortress, effectively blocking any naval passage without Ottoman approval.
During this period, an ingenious engineer developed a series of cannons for the Ottoman Empire, one of which was unprecedented in size, weighing approximately 700 tons and firing projectiles weighing about 1500 kilograms. The thunderous firing of these cannons could be heard from great distances, necessitating the strength of 100 oxen and 100 strong men for transportation.
Once prepared, Mehmed marched towards Constantinople with an army of 265,000 soldiers, laying siege to the city. The Ottoman forces bombarded its walls day and night, and on the morning of Tuesday, May 29, 1453, they successfully breached the city, marking the conquest of Constantinople. From that moment onward, he earned the illustrious title of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.