Mehmet II ‘The Conqueror’
Overview
Mehmet II “The Conqueror” (Arabic: Mehmed al-Fātiḥ, Turkish: Fatih Sultan Mehmet) was the Ottoman Sultan who ruled from 1444 to 1446 and again from 1451 to 1481. He is most famously known for conquering Constantinople in 1453, thereby ending the Byzantine Empire and transforming the city into Istanbul, the new capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Etymology
The epithet “The Conqueror” (Turkish: Fatih, Arabic: al-Fātiḥ) signifies his military achievements, most notably the capture of Constantinople. His full name is Mehmet II ibn Murad Khan.
Historical Impact
Conquest of Constantinople
In 1453, Mehmet II successfully led the Ottomans during the Siege of Constantinople, using innovative military tactics and artillery to breach the city’s fortifications. This conquest marked a significant turning point in world history, heralding the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe.
Transformation to Istanbul
Following the conquest, Mehmet II renamed Constantinople to Istanbul. He embarked on extensive reconstruction projects to restore and revitalize the city, including the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, and the building of numerous other mosques, schools, and public works.
Legal and Administrative Reforms
Mehmet II established the oldest known Ottoman code of criminal and fiscal law—Kanunname—systematizing administrative responsibilities and legal principles that guided the empire for centuries.
The Millet System
To manage the diverse population within his empire, Mehmet II instituted the millet system. This effectively categorized subjects into religious communities, also known as millets, with a degree of administrative autonomy. The four main millets were:
- Greek Orthodox (Rum): Governed by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
- Armenian Gregorians: Led by the Armenian Patriarch.
- Muslims: Under the direct rule of the Sultan and Sharia law.
- Jews: Administered by the Chief Rabbi (Haham Bashi).
Further Reading
- Mehmet the Conqueror and His Time by Franz Babinger – A detailed biography that explores Mehmet’s life, military campaigns, and administration.
- The Anatomy of a Conquest: The Ottoman Captivation of Constantinople by Peter Ruthven – Provides an academic analysis of the 1453 siege and its consequences.
- The Ottoman Empire, 1300-1650: The Structure of Power by Colin Imber – Discusses the structural aspects of Ottoman rule, including Mehmet II’s reforms.
Conclusion
Mehmet II “The Conqueror” holds an iconic place in Islamic and world history. His success in capturing Constantinople established the Ottoman Empire as a central power and ushered in a new era of growth and cultural flourishing. His administrative initiatives, like the introduction of the millet system, reveal his sophisticated approach to governance and legacy of legal and social order that shaped the expansion and administration of the Ottoman realm.
Takeaways
- Mehmet II is celebrated for ending the Byzantine Empire and ushering in a new period of Ottoman hegemony with the conquest of Constantinople.
- He instituted significant legal and administrative reforms crucial to the longevity of the Ottoman Empire.
- The millet system exemplified his innovative governance in managing a diverse empire, granting religious communities a degree of self-administration.
This entry spans Mehmet II “The Conqueror’s” life and reign, his monumental achievements, his far-reaching reforms, and the enduring influence he left on his newly established capital and beyond.
