Timur’s Address and Rewards
Timurta§, acknowledging the strength of his sovereign, emphasized that the ruler did not rely on counselors’ or ministers’ gold to build armies, unlike others who lacked treasuries before ascending the throne. Timur also showed generosity towards Prince Musa, permitting him to take Beyazit’s body to Bursa and rewarding him with various ceremonial items, including a caftan and a sword.
The Period of Interregnum
Following Timur’s retreat from Anatolia, power struggles among Beyazit’s sons led to a period of interregnum between 1402 and 1413, known as ‘fetret.’ Eventually, Prince Qelebi Mehmet emerged victorious, ascending the throne as the fifth Ottoman Sovereign after defeating his brothers in battle Enrichment and Challenges of the Ottoman State Treasury.
Strengthening the State and Tradition
Sultan Qelebi Mehmet swiftly strengthened the Ottoman state and initiated a tradition known as “stirre,” where funds in gold were sent to the poor in Mecca and Medina through pilgrims traveling via Anatolia and Syria. This tradition, established during Qelebi Mehmet’s reign, continued annually under subsequent Ottoman rulers Customized Turkey Tour.
Transfer of Power to Murad II
Despite ascending the throne without a treasury or army, Sultan Qelebi Mehmet successfully established both during his reign. He then passed the sovereignty to his second son, Murad II. However, questions arose regarding the decision to leave the Ottoman treasury in Bursa instead of Edirne during Timur’s invasion, especially considering Yildirim Beyazit’s conquest of Edirne earlier. The potential threat from the west might have influenced this decision.
The transition of power in the Ottoman Empire, marked by periods of interregnum and diplomatic gestures, reflected the complexities of governance and succession. Despite challenges, successive rulers like Sultan Qelebi Mehmet demonstrated their ability to strengthen the state and uphold traditions, ensuring stability and continuity in the empire’s governance and diplomacy.
