Tag: Sultan Mehmet the Conquerors Reign

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