The Ottoman Empire After Mehmed II.
(1481–1512)

After Mehmed II, the Ottoman Empire started a new period in 1481 when Sultan Mehmed II, who was also called Mehmed the Conqueror, passed away. His death ended a significant period in the history of the Ottoman Empire Mehmed II. He turned the Ottoman state into a strong empire by taking over Constantinople in 1453 and making the Ottoman power spread to many areas. After his father died, Bayezid II became the ruler and had to work hard to keep the empire strong and make sure the things his father had done were not forgotten.

Bayezid II was the leader of the Ottoman Empire from the year 1481 until 1512. Unlike his father, who was focused mostly on fighting and winning battles, Bayezid II worked on making the empire’s government stronger, improving the economy, advancing education, and supporting cultural activities. He helped build mosques, schools, hospitals, and other key structures.

While he was in power, Ottoman Empire After Mehmed II kept expanding its trade connections and improving its friendships with other countries. In 1492, Bayezid II took in Jewish refugees who had been forced to leave Spain. Many people moved to Ottoman cities like Istanbul and Salonica, where they played a role in business, medicine, crafts, and culture.

Even though Bayezid II had some victories, his time as ruler wasn’t easy. He had political disagreements in his family, especially with his sons. These problems led to doubts about who would lead the empire next.

Ottoman Empire After Mehmed II had fights with nearby countries, like Venice and the Mamluk Sultanate. Even though there were many difficulties, Bayezid II was able to keep the empire strong and important in the region.

In 1512, Bayezid II left the throne, and his son Selim I took over as the new Ottoman Sultan. Selim I had a stronger desire to use military force and aimed to make the Ottoman Empire bigger by taking over more land. He later beat the Safavids in the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514 and took over the Mamluk Sultanate between 1516 and 1517, which brought Syria and Egypt under Ottoman rule.

Ottoman Empire After Mehmed II,  kept growing under Bayezid II, who worked to make the government stronger and kept things calm and stable. His son, Selim I, later greatly expanded the empire, setting up a stronger base for the golden age that came later under Suleiman the Magnificent.