Origins & Early Life

Bayezid II (Ottoman Turkish: بايزيد ثانى, romanized: Bāyezīd-i s̱ānī; Turkish: II. Bayezid; 3 December 1447/1448 – 26 May 1512) was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1481 to 1512. During his reign, Bayezid consolidated the Ottoman Empire, thwarted a pro-Safavid rebellion and finally abdicated his throne to his son, Selim I. Bayezid evacuated Sephardi Jews from Spain following the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and the proclamation of the Alhambra Decree and resettled them throughout Ottoman lands, especially in Salonica.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Bayezid was born in Demotika on 3 December 1447/1448 as the first son of Şehzade Mehmed (future Mehmed II) and his concubine Gülbahar Hatun.. In 1451, his grandfather Murad II died and his father ascended the throne again. Around 1454–1456, he was appointed governor of Amasya, accompanied by his mother. Bayezid was educated in Amasya and served there as governor for 27 years, until he became the eighth sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1481. In 1473, he fought in the Battle of Otlukbeli against the Aq Qoyunlu.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Bayezid II's overriding concern was the quarrel with his brother Cem Sultan, who claimed the throne and...

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