‘The Rise of Empires: Ottoman’

After 23 well-trained armies failed to conquer the Roman capital of Constantinople, what made the 12-year-old Mehmet II think he could achieve what these others had not?

First, he was made sultan at the age of eleven. As part of his training Mehmet was sent to rule a part of his father’s empire, the Amasya Province, where he successfully defeated an invading army. He is subsequently recalled to the capital to begin planning his next conquest.

In 1451 he ascends to the throne a second time where he vows to put his planned conquest into action – attack and conquer Constantinople (his father was one of 23 others who failed).

Emperor Constantine rules the strategically important city of Constantinople, located on the eastern edge of Europe. It is within sight of the continent of Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, which is important because it’s the only connection between the Black Sea and the world’s oceans.

To assist in repelling invaders to his domain, Constantine engages the services of Giovanni Lorgo, a famed Italian military strategist. When another planned attack by the Turks is discovered, they mistakenly underestimate the young sultan’s determination to prevail.

At an early age Mehmet II had been sent abroad to be educated in affairs of the mind. One of his classmates, Count Dracula’s younger brother, Radu the Handsome, became his friend. The two boys studied logic, languages and literature. Mehmet’s education, fairness and fierce determination helps him succeed and also to gain the support of his people and those he conquers.

After a nearly two-month-long siege, his cunning, manipulative powers and intense drive help him to at last conquer Constantinople. If he couldn’t sail into the Golden Horn because the Roman fleet was blocking the entrance, for instance, he would move north and drag his ships overland then drop them into the water behind the Roman fleet.

Throughout his career Mehmet seems to have thought, if plan A isn’t working, then go to plan B.

Near the end of Mehmet’s reign, the artist-painter Gentile Bellini painted his portrait, now on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The portrait shows the sultan stern and still, emanating success.

After his reign, the artist-director Emre Shain painted another portrait of the sultan – this time on film. The film depicts the young boy as he develops and matures into a young man to finally become the ruler of one of the most powerful empires the world has ever known.

One has a choice – either view the painted portrait of the famous sultan in the museum or watch on television his motivations and means Mehmet II employed to become one of the world’s greatest rulers.

Main Cast members:

Mehmet II the Conqueror: Cem Yigit Uzümoglu

Giovanni Lorgo: Birkan Sokullu

Emperor Constantine: Tommaso Basili

The Rise of Empires: Ottoman is directed by Emre Sahin and is a “should see” production, because of the magnificent sets and costumes.

johan@beachcomber.news