Administrative and military experiences of Ottoman princes: The case of Mehmed II

One of the most debated issues in Ottoman historiography is how the Ottoman state was able to transform from a small frontier principality into a world empire in a relatively short period of time and how it managed to preserve its power for centuries. The most widely accepted answer to this question is provided by Paul Wittek's "Gaza Thesis." According to this thesis, the founding ideology of the Ottoman principality was based on the principle of "gaza," that is, a holy struggle conducted for a religious purpose. In this study, titled "Administrative and Military Experiences of Ottoman Princes: The Case of Mehmed II," the education of Mehmed II—one of the most powerful rulers in Ottoman history—along with his administrative activities during his princely period before ascending the throne, his first enthronement, his deposition, and his eventual restoration to power, are examined in detail. The main argument of this study is that the princely period was not merely a phase of education but also a process of practical governance, military experience, and familiarization with the mechanisms of the state. The study emphasizes that the "şehzâdelik" (princely) period should not be regarded as limited to theoretical training; rather, it must be considered a formative stage in which princes matured through war, crisis management, and hands-on practice. According to the findings of the research, princes who lacked administrative and military experience generally experienced weak or unsuccessful reigns. In contrast, those such as Mehmed II, who grew up amidst struggle and gained an understanding of state affairs at a young age, emerged as strong, determined, and effective rulers in history.