February 3, 1451
The Ottoman sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, conquered Constantinople and ended the Byzantine Empire.
Constantinople, Ottoman Empire | Ottoman Empire
On February 3, 1451, Mehmed II ascended to the Ottoman throne, following the death of his father, Murad II. While February 3, 1451, marks the day of his succession, it is important to clarify that the conquest of Constantinople occurred later, in 1453. Mehmed II’s accession was a significant turning point, setting in motion events leading to the end of the Byzantine Empire.
Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, was only 19 when he became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. His father, Murad II, had previously abdicated in favor of Mehmed in 1444, only to return two years later amidst political turmoil and military threats. Upon Murad II’s death, Mehmed’s definitive rise to power positioned him to pursue his long-cherished ambition: the capture of Constantinople.
Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, had withstood numerous sieges over the centuries, but it was severely weakened and isolated by the 15th century. The fall of Constantinople had been a strategic goal for the Ottomans due to its highly advantageous geographic location, bridging Europe and Asia, and its symbolic religious and imperial significance.
Immediately after ascending to power, Mehmed II began preparations for an assault on Constantinople. He focused on strengthening the Ottoman military, notably enhancing its artillery capabilities, which would prove decisive in the forthcoming siege. Mehmed II fortified the fortress of Rumelihisarı on the Bosporus strait, controlling access to the Black Sea and ensuring a strategic advantage over the city.
The succession of Mehmed II to the Ottoman throne on February 3, 1451, laid the groundwork for the eventual conquest of Constantinople on May 29, 1453. This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and a transformative moment in world history, demonstrating Mehmed II’s strategic acumen and ambition. His reign marked the beginning of a new era of Ottoman ascendancy and territorial expansion.
Source: www.britannica.com