We continue (from Part 1) the review of Istanbul’s religious, political and cultural history, which shaped its development and contributed to the societal conditions that exist today, thereby making its selection as a European Capital of Culture seem an appropriate choice.
The Ottoman Empire was founded about 1307 by Osman I. Ottoman sultan Mehmet II "The Conqueror," son of Sultan Murad II and Huma Hatun, was the seventh sultan in the Ottoman Empire and ruled 1451–1481. He came to power with the goal of creating a world empire and made it his mission to take Constantinople as his "prize." He succeeded and rebuilt Constantinople into the prosperous Ottoman capital of Istanbul. The Turks had a reputation for being fierce warriors but tolerant conquerors.
Burak Sansal is a certified professional tour guide in Istanbul, Turkey, and publisher of the award-winning website AllAboutTurkey.com. Per Mr. Sansal: