General

Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s Conquests and Governance

Establishment of the Ottoman Treasury

Historical records indicate that the existence of a Treasury Department within Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s old palace is not well-documented. However, the Ottoman State Treasury remained in Edirne Palace until the construction of the Castle of the Seven Towers (Yedikule) in 1458. This fortress, built adjacent to Byzantium’s golden gate, served as the Ottoman State Treasury for an extended period, accumulating significant riches due to widespread conquests Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s Reign.

Conquests and Rewards

Under Sultan Mehmet’s leadership, Ottoman armies continued their conquests, reaching Southern Anatolia and capturing the Fortress in Alanya without resistance. Prince Kilig Arslan, the fortress commander, surrendered, receiving a substantial gift of diamonds from the

Conquests, Diplomacy, and Governance

Execution of Halil Pasha

Twenty days after the conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror returned to Edirne and took decisive action against Halil Pasha of Qandarli for his collaboration with Byzantium. Halil Pasha was executed, and his considerable wealth, amounting to 120,000 gold ducats, was seized. This event marked the first execution of a Grand Vizier in Ottoman history and highlighted the state’s practice of seizing assets from executed officials, contributing significantly to the Imperial Treasury’s income.

Diplomatic Engagements

Sultan Mehmet initiated diplomatic correspondence with various regions, including Egypt, Persia, Mecca, and Western countries, informing them of the conquest. Envoys from Serbia, Mora, Genoa, Trebizond, and Ragusa presented valuable gifts and agreed to pay annual taxes as a sign of allegiance. Hungary avoided invasion by agreeing to pay a significant annual ta

Sultan Mehmet’s Conquest of Istanbul

Following the conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror engaged in diplomatic correspondence with various rulers, including Shah Cihan Mirza of Iran. These letters not only conveyed the news of victory but also discussed the implications and exchanged compliments and gifts. In this article, we explore the exchange of letters between Sultan Mehmet and Shah Cihan Mirza, shedding light on the diplomatic protocols and the significance of conquest in shaping the Ottoman Empire’s trajectory Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s Conquests and Governance.

Diplomatic Exchange

Sultan Mehmet’s conquest letter to Shah Cihan Mirza described the plundering of property and the stabilization of religious affairs after the victory. In response, Shah Cihan Mirza expressed admiration for Sultan Mehmet’s leadership and sent compliments laden w