Who is Fatih Sultan Mehmet?
Fatih's First Ascension to the Throne and His Reply to His Father
Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the seventh sultan of the Ottoman Empire, is a hero who has attracted the attention of not only Turkish history but also the entire world history. Mehmed II was born on March 30, 1432. His given name was Mehmed, and he reigned over the Ottoman Empire for 30 years. He went down in history as the sultan who ended the 1000-year-old Byzantine Empire. He was 21 years old when he conquered Istanbul. But he was an extremely intelligent sultan who understood different cultures well. Mehmed II would be the heir to the throne after the early deaths of his older brothers. However, he had to struggle with many obstacles, both internal and external, who did not want him. After learning of the death of his father, Mehmed II, he set off saying, 'Let those who love me follow me.'
The Conquest of Istanbul and Fatih Sultan Mehmet's Success
When Murad II gave the throne and all his powers to Fatih, Fatih was only 13 years old. He initiated all official procedures to give all his powers to his son, so that he could spend the rest of his life in peace and devotion. Due to the situation the Ottoman Empire was in at that time and the fact that external enemies were waiting for an opportunity, Fatih knew he was not yet ready to take on this responsibility. Therefore, he sent the following letter to his father, Murad II: 'My esteemed father! Religion and the state are in danger. If you are the sultan, come and take command of your army. If I am the sultan, I appoint you as the commander-in-chief of my army!' After this reply, Murad II heeded this call and took action. Istanbul was Fatih's greatest dream. Many sultans before him had made great efforts to take Istanbul from the Byzantines but had not succeeded. When he ascended the throne, his first work was on this matter, and he carried out these efforts secretly with those he trusted. Later, he openly expressed his thoughts on the matter and made all the preparations with his perfect genius. Large cannons were cast for the siege, and Rumelihisarı was built to control the strait. On April 2, 1453, the Ottoman army, led by Fatih, set out for Istanbul. And the siege began. After struggles that lasted for days, Istanbul was conquered. Fatih Sultan Mehmet passed away on May 3, 1481.
