Study Guide for Halil Inalcik, "The Policy of Mehmed II ..."

  • See the Study Guide for Inalcik, "Emergence" for information on this scholar.
  • 1. The importance of this article is that Inalcik discusses exactly what Mehmed II did in Constantinople in the years after the conquest - in a framework of state-building and "public policy." He refrains from concentrating on ideological issues which characterize much western study of this event and development. How did Mehmed II view Constantinople? What role did he hope it would play in his empire?
  • 2. Did Mehmed II adhere to "Islamic law"/shari'a in his dealings with the conquered city and its population?
  • 3. Why did Mehmed II forceably settle people in Constantinople?
  • 4. Do Runciman and Inalcik disagree on any issues? Which?
  • 5. As "public policy" did Mehmed II's policy make sense? Was it effective?
  • Names/terms
    1. Mehmed II
    2. Emperor Constantine
    3. Venice
    4. Megadux
    5. "timar"
    6. "vaqf"/waqf
    7. "dhimmi"
    8. "jizya"
    9. Orthodox [Christian]
    10. Grand Vizier/vizir