SULTAN MEHMET CELEBI (1413-1421)

Mehmed I was born in Edirne in 1389. His father was Bayezid I and his mother was Devlet Sultan from Germiyanogullari. He was medium height, he had a round face, light complexion and a wide chest. He had a strong body. He was so energetic and brave. He was a very successful archer and wrestler. Mehmed had participated in 24 wars and he had more than 40 wounds. He was very good looking with his sarýk (turban) on his head. He used to wear a caftan.

Mehmed treated equally to the Muslims and the Christians. He was a brilliant statesman and a politician. He completed his education in the Bursa Palace. Then he was appointed as the Governor of Amasya. During this duty he improved his skills in state administration.

Sultan Mehmed united all the clans in Anatolia, and he put an end to the period of Fetret (Interregnum), thus he was named as the second founder of the Ottoman Empire.

Sultan Mehmet Celebi had died in Edirne, in 1421. His death was hidden from the army and the people. He was the first sultan whom death was concealed. He was buried in the Yesil Turbe (Green Tomb) in Bursa.

Mehmed I restored the Turkish Unity and renewed the stable foundations of the Ottoman Empire. Afterwards, he declared himself as the sultan of the Ottoman State.

Unfortunately, during the Interragnum most of the territories in Anatolia were lost. Mehmed immediately began to make plans to take back those territories.

In 1414, he invaded Izmir from Aydinoglu Cuneyd. The states of Saruhan and Menteseoglu were annexed in to Ottoman territories. A campaign was arranged against the Karamanogullari who attacked Bursa. Karamanoglu Mehmed demanded forgiveness of the sultan, and Mehmed forgave him and gave permission to live in his own land. The State of Candarogullari, which was established during the Interregnum was annexed.

After all these victories, Mehmed returned to Roumelia. The Princedom of Wallacia was attacked and imposed to annual tax.

Next, Mehmed had improved the naval forces established in his father’s period and the first sea wars were done (1486).

Mehmed I restored the Turkish unity in Anatolia and began to develop the country. He constructed medreses, hospices and many mosques. Amasya Bayezid Pasha Mosque, Merzifon Celebi Mehmed Sultan Medrese, Bursa Green Mosque, Dimetoka Celebi Mehmed Sultan Mosque, Old Mosque in Edirne and Edirne Yildirim (Thunderbolt) Mosque are some of them.