Marc David Baer

In a fascinating discussion, Professor Mark David Baer, a leading expert on Ottoman history from the London School of Economics, dives into the dramatic fall of Constantinople in 1453. He highlights how Mehmed II's long-held dream culminated in the end of the Eastern Roman Empire. The podcast also explores the transformative changes post-conquest, including surprising policies of inclusivity and infrastructural growth. Baer reveals the psychological turmoil faced by defenders, underscoring the event's profound historical impact on Europe and Asia.

Marc David Baer, a Professor of International History at the London School of Economics, shares captivating insights on the Ottoman Empire's rise and fall. He discusses Mehmed II's strategic siege of Constantinople and the empire's complex cultural dynamics, including the intriguing world of the harem. Baer also highlights the empire's peak under Suleiman the Magnificent, its innovative social structures, and the challenges that led to its decline. The discussion culminates in the empire's impactful role during World War I and the subsequent birth of modern Turkey.

Exploring the rise of Ataturk and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, focusing on Mustafa Kemal's pivotal role in reshaping Turkey amidst chaos. Delve into the aftermath of Balkan Wars, Mustafa Kemal's rise to power through strategic actions, and his triumph over the Greek occupying army in Anatolia. Learn about the radical reforms and secularization efforts that transformed the multi-ethnic Ottoman Empire into a homogenous Turkish state.