Contents
Mehmed II
Conquering Constantinople in 1453 and remaking it as an Ottoman capital.
Capture of Constantinople · Conquest of Trebizond
- Born
- 30 March 1432
- Birthplace
- Edirne, Ottoman Empire
- Died
- 3 May 1481
More people
Mehmed II
Ottoman sultan known as Mehmed the Conqueror. His rule expanded the empire and transformed the former Byzantine capital through settlement, administration and patronage.
Early life
An imperial prince
Son of Murad II, he was educated for rule and given provincial responsibilities.
A first reign
Became sultan while still young in 1444, before his father returned to the throne.
Career
- 1451
Returning to power
Succeeded Murad II and prepared a renewed attack on Constantinople.
- 1453
Conquest and capital
Captured the city and made it the centre of his empire.
- 1450s–1481
Consolidation
Expanded Ottoman territory and strengthened imperial administration.
Major events
Capture of Constantinople
The siege ended the Byzantine Empire.
Conquest of Trebizond
Brought the surviving Black Sea Byzantine successor state under Ottoman rule.
Fatih Mosque complex
Commissioned a major religious and educational complex in the capital.
Beyond the throne
An interest in art
Invited the Venetian painter Gentile Bellini to his court; Bellini’s portrait is a famous image of him.
Repopulating the capital
Used both invitations and compulsory resettlement to rebuild the city’s population and economy.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Institutional biography and career ↗Photo: Gentile Bellini. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
