Mehmed II's Istanbul: Building an Ottoman Capital

After conquering Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II faced a monumental challenge: transforming a devastated, depopulated Greek city into the vibrant capital of a Muslim empire. This episode explores how the Fatih Sultan ('the Conqueror') repopulated the city through forced resettlement (sürgün), granted religious autonomy to non-Muslim communities via the millet system, and launched an ambitious building program that included the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Topkapı Palace. We delve into the construction of the Fatih Mosque complex, the role of the architect Atik Sinan, and the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque with a minaret. Lucas and Luna also discuss Mehmed's pragmatic tolerance—allowing the Orthodox Patriarchate to remain—and how he invited artists and scholars from across Europe and Asia to his court, making Istanbul a true cosmopolitan center. The episode ends by reflecting on how Mehmed's policies set the stage for the city's golden age under Süleyman the Magnificent.

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