Beyazid II


Beyazid II,

1447–1513, Ottoman sultan (1481–1512), son and successor of Muhammad II to the throne of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). With the help of the corps of JanissariesJanissaries
[Turk.,=recruits], elite corps in the service of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). It was composed of war captives and Christian youths pressed into service; all the recruits were converted to Islam and trained under the strictest discipline.
..... Click the link for more information.
 he put down the revolt of his brother Jem. A peace-loving monarch, Beyazid did little to advance Ottoman power but much to further culture. He warred (1485–91) with the Mamluks of Egypt, to whom he lost Cilicia, and allowed Cyprus to be seized (1489) by Venice. A war (1499–1503) with Venice ended to the sultan's disadvantage, after which he renovated his army and navy. Beyazid speedily rebuilt Constantinople after it was devastated (1509) by an earthquake. In 1510 civil war broke out between Beyazid's sons Selim ISelim I
(Selim the Grim) , 1467–1520, Ottoman sultan (1512–20). He ascended the throne of the Ottoman Empire by forcing the abdication of his father, Beyazid II, and by killing his brothers.
..... Click the link for more information.
 and Ahmed. In 1512, Beyazid was forced to abdicate by Selim's supporters, who included the JanissariesJanissaries
[Turk.,=recruits], elite corps in the service of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). It was composed of war captives and Christian youths pressed into service; all the recruits were converted to Islam and trained under the strictest discipline.
..... Click the link for more information.
. Selim then became sultan.