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2024-05-05 14:31:34

Mehmed II

Ottoman Sultan and conqueror

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Ottoman Sultan and conqueror

Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, twice ruled the Ottoman Empire. He conquered Constantinople at the age of 21, ending the Byzantine Empire. Mehmed continued his conquests, implemented reforms, and transformed Constantinople into a thriving capital.

Muhammad Shah Jahan Crusades Emperor Meiji Hassanal Bolkiah Genghis Khan Frederick William III of Prussia Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Mira Murati Mohammad Mossadegh

1398

Influential Lineage of Mehmed II

Mehmed II came from a well-known lineage of powerful rulers in the Ottoman Empire. His father, Sultan Murad II, and grandfather were influential sultans in Ottoman history.

1432-03-20

Prologue

Mehmed II was born in Edirne, the capital city of the Ottoman state, to Sultan Murad II and Hüma Hatun. His birth marked the beginning of a significant era in Ottoman history.

1432-03-30

Conquest of Constantinople by Mehmed II

Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, successfully conquered the city of Constantinople in 1453, transforming it into the capital of the Ottoman Empire and marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

1437

Mehmed II is born

Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, is born.

1443-01

Mehmed's II Childhood

At the age of eleven, Mehmed II was sent to Amasya to govern and gain experience, following the Ottoman rulers' tradition. His education under various teachers, including Molla Gürani, shaped his Islamic beliefs and prepared him for future leadership.

1444-06-12

Peace treaty with Hungary

Sultan Murad II made peace with Hungary on 12 June 1444, leading to a temporary period of peace between the Ottoman Empire and Hungary. This peace treaty was later broken due to the influence of Cardinal Julian Cesarini.

1444-07-01

Murad II abdicates, Mehmed ascends throne

After Murad II abdicated the throne in July/August 1444, his 12-year-old son Mehmed II ascended to power. This marked the beginning of Mehmed II's reign as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

1444-11-10

Battle of Varna

In 1444, Mehmed II defeated the crusade led by John Hunyadi at the Battle of Varna. This victory solidified Mehmed II's position as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

1447-06-10

Bayezid II's Succession

Bayezid II, son of Mehmed II and Gülbahar Hatun, succeeded his father as the Ottoman Sultan upon Mehmed II's death.

1450-05-14

Siege of Krujë (1450)

The first siege of Krujë in 1450 saw the Ottoman army laying siege to the Albanian town. Skanderbeg's leadership and the support of the clergy played crucial roles in the successful defense of Krujë against the Ottomans.

1450-12-25

Death of Şehzade Mustafa

Şehzade Mustafa, son of Mehmed II and Gülşah Hatun, died in Konya on 25 December 1474. He was the favorite son of Mehmed II.

1451-01-01

Murad II dies, Mehmed becomes sultan for second time

Following the death of Murad II in 1451, Mehmed II became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire for the second time. This marked a significant period of Mehmed II's reign characterized by military campaigns and conquests.

1451-10-25

Mehmed II Inherits the Throne

In 1451, Mehmed II inherited the throne, marking the beginning of his reign as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

1452

Construction of Rumelihisari

In the spring of 1452, Mehmed II constructed a new major fortress across the Golden Horn near Pera, known today as Rumelihisari. This fortress strengthened his stranglehold on the Byzantine capital before the siege of Constantinople.

1453-02-06

Siege of Constantinople begins

On 6 February 1453, Mehmed II initiated the siege of Constantinople after the Byzantine emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos refused to surrender peacefully. This event marked the beginning of the final assault on the Byzantine capital.

1453-04-05

Mehmed II arrives with his forces

Mehmed II arrived with around 80,000 men, including specialized infantry, cavalry, siege equipment, and naval forces. The Janissary Corps, composed of Balkan Christian children trained to be loyal soldiers, led the Ottoman assault.

1453-04-06

Siege of Constantinople Begins

The siege of Constantinople began on April 6, 1453, lasting for 53 days. Mehmed II utilized innovative tactics and massive cannons to breach the city's walls, leading to the fall of the city.

1453-04-22

Ottoman naval strategy in the Golden Horn

Mehmed II devised a strategy to overcome the Byzantine naval blockade in the Golden Horn by dragging warships across land in Pera with the help of oxen. This innovative tactic allowed the Ottomans to bypass the Byzantine defenses.

1453-05-26

Preparations for Final Assault on Constantinople

On 26 May 1453 CE, Mehmed assembled his generals for preparations for a final assault on Constantinople after relocating defenders and repelling Venetian attempts to impede the Ottoman navy.

1453-05-29

Fall of Constantinople

On 29 May 1453 CE, Constantinople fell to Mehmed II after a fierce assault that led to the breach of the city walls and the establishment of Ottoman control, marking a significant turning point in history.

1453-07-25

Ottoman Capture of Constantinople

On July 25, 1453, after 53 days of siege, the Ottoman armies led by Sultan Mehmed II successfully captured Constantinople, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire.

1454-01-06

Restoration of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Constantinople

Mehmed II restored the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Constantinople on January 6, 1454, as part of his efforts to revitalize the city and establish it as the capital of his empire.

1456-07-14

Mehmed's Conquest of Serbia

Mehmed II's campaign against Serbia in 1456 aimed to subdue the region. The Siege of Belgrade, although unsuccessful, demonstrated Mehmed II's military ambitions and expansionist policies.

1456-07-22

Siege of Belgrade

Mehmed II faces his first major defeat at the Siege of Belgrade, a significant setback for the Ottoman forces.

1459-02-25

Death of Şehzade Cem

Şehzade Cem, son of Mehmed II and Çiçek Hatun, died in Capua, Kingdom of Naples, Italy on 25 February 1495. He fought for the throne against his half-brother Bayezid II.

1459-06-01

End of Serbian Despotate

The end of the Serbian Despotate in 1459 marked the complete conquest of Serbia by the Ottoman Empire. Mehmed II's strategic moves solidified Ottoman control over the region.

1460-05-01

Mehmed II's Conquest of Morea

Mehmed II's campaign into Morea in 1460 aimed to quell the revolt and assert Ottoman dominance. The conquest of Mistra and other cities marked the expansion of Ottoman territories.

1461-08-15

Empire of Trebizond ends: Siege of Trebizond

The Siege of Trebizond in 1461 led to the end of the Empire of Trebizond. Mehmed II's military campaigns extended Ottoman control over the region, consolidating his power.

1462-06-17

Deposition of David Megas Komnenos

David Megas Komnenos, the last Emperor of Trebizond, is deposed by the Ottomans, marking the end of the Trebizond Empire.

1462-12-01

Mehmed II invades Wallachia

Mehmed II's invasion of Wallachia in 1462 aimed to subdue the region and assert Ottoman authority. The conflict with Vlad the Impaler marked a turbulent period in Mehmed II's reign.

1463-01-01

Mehmed II's Conquest of Bosnia

The swift conquest of Bosnia in 1463 by Mehmed II demonstrated Ottoman military strength and expansionist policies. The incorporation of Bosnia into the Ottoman Empire reshaped the regional power dynamics.

1463-01-25

First Ottoman-Venetian War

The First Ottoman-Venetian War from 1463 to 1479 resulted in territorial losses for Venice in Albania and Greece. The conflict showcased the growing naval power of the Ottomans in the Mediterranean region.

1466

Construction of the fortress of Elbasan

In spring 1466, Sultan Mehmed marched against Skanderbeg and the Albanians, leading to the construction of the fortress of Elbasan in just 25 days. This strategically sited fortress effectively divided Albania in half.

1468-01-01

Mehmed II's Anatolian Conquest: Battle of Otlukbeli

The Battle of Otlukbeli in 1468 marked Mehmed II's efforts to subjugate Turkoman tribes in Anatolia. The Ottoman victory solidified Mehmed II's control over the region.

1469

Marriage Proposal to Helena Hatun

Mehmed II asked for Helena Hatun, daughter of the despot of Morea, for himself after the Morea campaign, but the union was never consummated due to Mehmed's fear of being poisoned.

1473

Defeat of Uzun Ḥasan

In 1473, Mehmed routed Uzun Ḥasan, who acknowledged Ottoman rule in all of Anatolia and returned to Iran, bringing the Ottomans into conflict with the Mamluk empire of Syria and Egypt.

1476-01-01

War with Moldavia (1475–1476)

The conflict with Moldavia in 1475-1476 saw Mehmed II personally leading campaigns to restore Ottoman authority. The Battle of Valea Alba resulted in the restoration of peace and tribute payments.

1478-01-01

Mehmed II's Conquest of Albania

Mehmed II's campaign against Albania in 1478 aimed to expand Ottoman territories. The siege of Krujë highlighted the resistance of Albanian forces under Skanderbeg against Ottoman advances.

1479

Peace Treaty with Venice

In 1479, Mehmed initiated several naval raids along the Adriatic coast that led to a peace treaty with Venice, where Venice surrendered its bases in Albania and the Morea and agreed to pay a regular annual tribute.

1480-07-28

Mehmed's last campaign: Italian Expedition

The Italian Expedition in 1480 marked Mehmed II's attempt to invade and conquer Italy. The attack on Otranto showcased Ottoman military ambitions beyond the traditional borders of the empire.

1481-05-03

Death of Mehmed II

Mehmed II, the Ottoman Sultan, passed away on May 3, 1481, during a military expedition. His death led to his eldest son, Bayezid II, succeeding him as sultan.

1501

Defeat of Akkoyunlu Confederation

In 1501 CE, Mehmed's son and successor Sultan Bayezid II defeated the Akkoyunlu Confederation after decades of clashes, consolidating Ottoman power in the region.

1820

Rossini's opera Maometto II

Mehmed II is the eponymous subject of Rossini's 1820 opera, Maometto II. The opera portrays Mehmed as a fearless and magnanimous leader.

1988

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

Istanbul's Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, completed in 1988, is named after Mehmed II. It crosses the Bosporus Straits.

End of the Timeline
Mehmed II