Byzantium as an Ally of the Ottoman Pretenders: the case of Mehmed I and Mustafa the Imposter
Byzantium as an Ally of the Ottoman Pretenders: the case of Mehmed I and Mustafa the Imposter

Summary/Abstract: Byzantine diplomacy served as a fundamental tool in the 15th century’s struggle against the Ottomans, exemplified in this paper by two instances of backing Ottoman princes in their bid for the throne. The core focus of this work revolves around analyzing these specific cases mentioned in the title. It aims to uncover the reasons behind the successful accession of Mehmed I to the throne and, conversely, the unsuccessful attempt involving Mustafa the Imposter. Although both Byzantine candidates vied for the Ottoman throne, the outcomes of their efforts differed. Consequently, a comprehensive analysis was necessary, delving into the political and social circumstances in both Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Our primary findings are closely tied to the diplomatic endeavors of Emperor Manuel II. His role in elevating Sultan Mehmed I to the Ottoman throne left a profound impact on the foreign policies of both Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Manuel II’s actions established a model for Byzantine foreign policy in the 15th century. Subsequently, following Mehmed I’s demise, Emperor John VIII sought to replicate these tactics, hoping to secure an even stronger position for the Byzantines against the Ottomans. Moreover, the Ottomans recognized that Byzantine interference in their state’s internal affairs bolstered Byzantium’s standing while causing certain setbacks to the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the subsequent attempt by the Byzantines to place their candidate on the throne did not yield the same success as in the initial instance.

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