Mehmed I

Mehmed I (Turkish: I. Mehmed), also known as Çelebi Mehmed, was sultan of the Ottoman Empire and ruled from 1413 to 1421. He was the son of Bayezid I. He came to power after overcoming his brothers' rival claims to the throne, which had fragmented the state for an extended period.

Most historians regard him as having reconstructed a state that had been divided, rather than establishing something entirely new. His reign saw the restoration of administration and military forces, and efforts to recover territories lost. His son Murad II succeeded him upon his death.

Origins and aftermath of Ankara

In 1402, Bayezid I's forces were defeated at the Battle of Ankara, led by Timur. Bayezid died in captivity, and Ottoman forces dispersed. Subsequently his sons—Mehmed, Suleyman, Isa, and Musa—divided control of parts of the state's territory. This period is known as the Fetret Devri (interregnum), a time of fragmentation and lack of centralized authority.

Mehmed established his base in the eastern Anatolian provinces. For years he fought his brothers. He finally prevailed in 1413 over Musa, who controlled Rumelia (the Ottoman territories in Europe), and then ruled alone, reunifying the state.

Domestic and foreign policy

His reign saw a religious and social revolt linked to Sheikh Bedreddin, a scholar and early Islamic jurist. The revolt was suppressed and Bedreddin was executed. There was also conflict concerning his brother Mustafa, who claimed the throne and received support from Byzantium. At sea, Ottoman and Venetian forces clashed around Gallipoli, and Venice withdrew from the conflict.

In foreign relations, Mehmed pursued a cautious policy toward Byzantium and neighboring Anatolian states. Rather than undertake major expansion, he focused on internal consolidation and recovery of territories lost following the Battle of Ankara.

Death and legacy

He died in 1421 and was buried in Bursa at a complex he commissioned known as Yeşil Külliye (the Green Complex, adjacent to the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum). These structures are regarded as important examples of early Ottoman architecture. His principal legacy was the reunification of the state, which enabled the expansion under Murad II and his successors.