Mehmet the Conqueror: Genius emperor of Ottomans

Among the billions of people who have walked the earth since the dawn of humanity, only a few are rightfully remembered for their
exceptional skills and impact on history, and among these is Mehmet II, the Ottoman emperor who had the honor of conquering Istanbul and thus earning the title "conqueror."

Mehmet the Conqueror was only 21 years old when he sent the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire to the dusty pages of history and leveled up a Turkish state into an empire that would rule regions in multiple continents for centuries to come.

Much like other leading historical figures still remembered and respected, an interesting story lies behind the success of the conqueror, who became sultan when he was literally just a child.

Fed up with the political grievances and weary after his eldest son's demise, his father Murad (Murat) II abdicated the throne in 1444 and urged Mehmet II to be the empire's new leader at the tender age of 12.

However, his first reign came to an end only two years later as significant political and military figures spurred Murad II to return to the throne due to tensions and turmoil in conquered territories, especially in the European region, and the threat of Crusaders while the public was skeptical about a child being sultan.

Even though Mehmet II voluntarily left the throne for his father, it was obvious that he felt humiliated as a leader. He thereafter returned to Manisa, in the Aegean region, where he continued to develop his intellect and got married. The young royal also gained military insight when he joined his father in the Battle of Kosovo in 1448.

Back to the throne

When his father died in 1451, Mehmet II ascended the throne yet again, with many lessons...