The world that Mehmed stepped into

Mehmed II entered a world ripe for transformation, marked by his youth, ambition, and education, supported by robust military, economic, and religious institutions. As a leader, he was strategically trained to exploit the weaknesses of competitors and leverage his own strengths. The Ottoman Empire was poised for success, seeking an inspiring figure to drive its ambitions, with Mehmed being the ideal choice at a critical moment. Amidst this backdrop, Constantinople had diminished in significance, shifting from a major trade hub to a shadow of its former self, as trade routes evolved and new opportunities emerged in the Iberian exploration. This decline in Constantinople's importance paralleled other historical cities, illustrating that change is integral and often devoid of shame. Ultimately, Mehmed's leadership coincided with wider socio-economic shifts, paving the way for significant historical events to unfold.