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 LSE, delves into the dramatic collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Mustafa Kemal, or Atatürk. He highlights Kemal’s military heroics at Gallipoli, his vision for a modern Turkey, and the struggles against rival factions during the Turkish War of Independence. Baer also discusses radical reforms, including the abolition of the caliphate and the transformation into a secular nation-state, while examining Atatürk's lasting legacy amid ongoing regional tensions.

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.