Changes in the urban identity of Istanbul and Florence during the periods of II. Mehmed and Lorenzo de' Medici

This study aims to compare the changes in the city's identity following Mehmed II's conquest of Istanbul with the rule of Lorenzo de' Medici in Florence. This study aims to discuss the role of Lorenzo's and Mehmed II's worldviews and personal visions in the processes of change in the city's identity. It also focuses on the impact of Mehmed II and Lorenzo de' Medici's life trajectories prior to their rise to power on the transformation of the urban identity of Istanbul and Florence. Period sources and secondary sources have been meticulously analysed, emphasizing the historical context beyond the physical elements. The findings are critically evaluated and integrated into the study. This thesis aims to understand and compare the historical processes as well as the individual experiences of Mehmed II and Lorenzo de' Medici in order to understand and compare their impact on city identity. The city identity of Istanbul before the conquest of Mehmed II is emphasized and the change in the city identity that occurred afterwards is explained. Likewise, Florence's identity before the rule of the Medici Family and the identity change that took place during the Medici Family's takeover and rule are explained. The cultural and physical activities that were effective in the identity change of Florence and Istanbul are discussed. Lorenzo de' Medici's contribution to the integration of Florence with the Renaissance and the change in the city's identity is emphasized. Similarly, Mehmed II's greatest contribution to Istanbul's urban identity was to restore the city's reputation and change its appearance. Following both leaders, the identities of the cities changed permanently. Although the changes between the two cities are different, there are also certain similarities.