Part 24
By Harith Ubaidah
Sultan Mehmed I
Sultan Mehmed I was highly admired by the Ottomans for his bravery and leadership, earning the title Pahlawan (Champion). Through his remarkable achievements, he rebuilt and strengthened the Ottoman Caliphate after a period of turmoil.
Beloved by his people for his justice, patience, and love of knowledge, he was also honored with the title Çelebi, signifying courage, dignity, and nobility. While many Ottoman rulers achieved greater fame, Mehmed I stood out for his exceptional character and morals, a fact acknowledged even by Eastern and Greek historians.
Ottoman chroniclers described him as a wise captain who steered the empire through the storms of Tatar invasions, civil wars, and internal strife, rescuing the “sinking ship” of the state and bringing it safely to shore.
The Death of Sultan Mehmed I
After restoring order and suppressing rebellions, Mehmed I turned his attention to strengthening the empire’s internal system to ensure lasting stability. It was during this period that illness struck. He summoned Bayezid Pasha and said:
“I have appointed my son Murad as my successor. Support him as you supported me. Bring him here, for I cannot rise from this bed. If I die before his arrival, do not announce my death.”
In 829 AH / 1421 CE, Sultan Mehmed I passed away in Edirne at the age of 43. To prevent unrest, the viziers concealed his death until Murad arrived. They informed the army that the Sultan was gravely ill and had summoned his son. Forty-one days later, Murad reached Edirne, where the viziers entrusted him with the keys of the empire.
His Legacy
A devoted Muslim with deep respect for scholars, Sultan Mehmed I transferred the capital from Edirne, the “City of Conquerors,” to Bursa, celebrated as the “City of Scholars.” He was remembered as a kind, dignified, and patient ruler, renowned for his exemplary conduct toward both friends and foes.
