Reign of Bayezid II, 1481–1512

Bayezid II succeeded Mehmed II in 1481 after a contested succession against his brother Cem. Cem’s defeat and captivity abroad made him a diplomatic asset used by the Knights Hospitaller, the papacy and European rulers to pressure the Ottoman sultan.

Bayezid consolidated the empire, supported naval activity under commanders including Kemal Reis and received many Jews expelled from Spain. His reign also contained court faction, competition among his sons and conflict with Venice and neighbouring powers.

The period is suited to fiction about Istanbul after conquest, Janissaries, refugees, Mediterranean travel and the international politics surrounding Cem Sultan. Simon Turney’s Ottoman Cycle follows Greek brothers divided within this imperial order.