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What drove Mehmed II to become one of history's most formidable conquerors? Uncover the enigmatic life of Mehmed the Conqueror, a man born under auspicious signs in 1432 who sought to emulate Alexander the Great. Our exploration reveals the contrasting depictions of Mehmed across Western and Ottoman sources, painting him as both a feared adversary and an esteemed leader. We navigate through his scholarly pursuits, strategic military conquests, and complex religious policies, highlighting a ruler whose intelligence, curiosity, and cruelty were matched only by his paranoia and reclusiveness. Discover how his pragmatic approach to governance and suspicion of specific Sufi orders shaped his rule over a diverse empire.

Journey to the heart of the Ottoman Empire's administrative transformation post-1453. Following the conquest of Constantinople, Mehmed II unified territories and adopted Byzantine policies to centralize power around the Sultan and his palace. We unpack the roles of the Grand Vizier, the chief eunuchs, and the shift from informal decision-making to the establishment of the Divan. Grasp how the transition from informal appanages to formal provinces enabled efficient governance, supported by provincial governors and sanjak beys. Through this intricate balance of power, culture, and administration, we reveal the sophisticated machinery that underpinned the expansion and stability of the Ottoman Empire during Mehmed II's reign.

Resources:
Ottoman Empire Podcast
Ottoman Empire Podcast (@sublimeottomaninsta) • Instagram photos and videos

Mehmed the Conqueror and His Time by Franz Babinger
The Ottoman Empire by Colin Imber
Destiny Disrupted: History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D