Sultan Mehmet The Conqueror

Should redirect to Mehmed II where there's already a full article.

Mehmet II (sometimes Mehmed II or Muhammad II) was born on March 29, 1432 in Edirne, the son of Sultan (Emperor) Murat II and Huma Hatun. In his youth, Mehmet II was considered one of the leading scientists and philosophers in the Ottoman Empire (1299–1923). Mehmet II spoke seven languages. He brought well respected foreign scientists to the Empire. Mehmet II's reign began in 1452. During his time great scientific advancements were made in the Ottoman Empire.

Mehmet II was also a great commander on the battlefield. Mehmet II turned the focus of the Ottoman expansion plans to the West. He captured all the cities and castles around Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople had great influence in the Christian world. Hagia Sophia was one of the most influencial sites for the Orthodox religion. Mehmet II conquered Constantinople in 29 May 1453. He changed the name of the city to Istanbul and he turned Hagia Sophia into Aya Sofya Mosque. His ingenius conquest was highly praised in the Turkish Muslim world. The name "Fatih" meaning "the Conqueror" was given to him by his subjects.

Mehmet II ruled until 1481. He commanded 25 successful battles in person. It is told that he always fought bravely in the front lines in the battlefield in order to set an example to his army. He made the ballistic calculations of the catapults used during the Conquest Of Istanbul himself.

Mehmet the Conqueror died May 3, 1481, leaving a Devlet-ü Cihan (a Global Empire) behind him. He was buried next to the Fatih Mosque, which was named after himself. His son Bayezid II succeeded him.

Further Reading

• Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time (1978) by Franz Babinger