Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, was the Ottoman sultan famous for conquering Constantinople in 1453, which marked the fall of the Byzantine Empire. His victory reshaped the balance of power in Europe and Asia, and the city was later renamed Istanbul. Mehmed's reign (1444–1446 and 1451–1481) saw the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into the Balkans, Anatolia, and parts of the Middle East. His military genius, strategic vision, and ability to unite diverse peoples were key factors in his success, making him one of the most significant figures in world history.
Episode 22
Conquest of Constantinople (1453)
The most famous event during Mehmed II’s reign was the fall of Constantinople. This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.
The siege of Constantinople in 1453 was a landmark moment, with Mehmed employing innovative military strategies, including the use of massive cannons. After weeks of intense siege, the city fell on May 29, 1453. Mehmed then converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, making the city the new Ottoman capital, renaming it Istanbul.
The fall of Constantinople had profound consequences, including the disruption of European trade routes and the subsequent exploration of new routes to Asia.
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Mehmed the Conqueror