Quick Facts
Conquered Constantinople at 21. Ended a thousand years of Byzantium in a single siege.
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Life Journey
Mehmed II was born as the son of Sultan Murad II in Edirne, the capital of the Ottoman Empire at the time. His birth was celebrated with grand festivities and significant religious ceremonies.
At the age of five, Mehmed II began his formal education, which included religious studies, military training, and the study of statecraft under prominent scholars and tutors of the Ottoman court.
Following his father's temporary abdication, Mehmed II ascended to the throne at the young age of twelve, becoming the seventh Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. This first reign lasted until 1446.
Due to political pressure and his youth, Mehmed II abdicated in favor of his father, Murad II, who resumed the throne. Mehmed returned to his studies and preparation for leadership.
Upon the death of his father, Mehmed II once again became Sultan. He quickly consolidated power and began ambitious military campaigns to expand the empire.
Mehmed II led the Ottoman forces in a historic siege and captured Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire. This achievement solidified his reputation as a great conqueror and earned him the title 'Fatih' (Conqueror).
Mehmed II extended the Ottoman Empire’s control by conquering the Empire of Trebizond, a significant Greek-speaking state on the Black Sea coast. This further diminished Byzantine influence in the region.
Continuing his expansion, Mehmed II conquered the Morean Despotate, a Byzantine successor state in the Peloponnese. This consolidation of Greece marked a significant step in Ottoman dominance in the Balkans.
Mehmed II initiated a series of wars against the Republic of Venice, leading to the Ottoman-Venetian War. These conflicts aimed to secure naval dominance in the Mediterranean and expand Ottoman territories.
Mehmed II led a major campaign against the Albanians, seeking to subdue the resistance led by Skanderbeg. Despite initial setbacks, he eventually succeeded in bringing Albania under Ottoman control.
Mehmed II died while preparing for a military campaign against the Kingdom of Naples. His death marked the end of a reign characterized by significant territorial expansions and cultural achievements.