Ottoman Claim to Roman Succession
The Ottoman Empire, following its conquest of Constantinople in 1453, laid claim to being the legitimate successors of the Roman Empire. This claim was rooted in their control over Constantinople, which had been the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, for more than a millennium.
Historical Context
The city of Constantinople, originally named Byzantium, was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great as the new capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD. For centuries, it stood as a symbol of the continuity of Roman imperial authority, even after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
The Conquest of Constantinople
The fall of Constantinople to Sultan Mehmed II marked a pivotal point in world history. Mehmed, often referred to as "Mehmed the Conqueror," viewed his control over the former Byzantine capital as a divine endorsement of his rule as the new Caesar. This claim was intended to bolster the legitimacy of his empire, both in the eyes of his subjects and in the broader context of global geopolitics.
Claims of Legitimacy
The Ottomans never formally abandoned their claim to Roman imperial succession. This claim was not only a matter of political legitimacy but also a religious and cultural assertion, as Mehmed sought to portray himself as the rightful heir to the Roman and Byzantine legacies. In Western Europe, the sultans were generally recognized as emperors but not as Roman emperors, reflecting how Western Europeans had treated Byzantine emperors.
Challenges to Ottoman Claims
The Ottoman claim to Roman succession was contested by two primary powers: the Holy Roman Empire and the Russian Empire. Both empires asserted their own rights to the legacy of the Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Emperors saw themselves as the continuation of Roman authority in the West, while the Russian Tsars adopted the title of "Tsar," derived from "Caesar," to signal their imperial ambitions and succession claims.
Cultural and Religious Dimensions
The Ottoman claim to succession also had cultural and religious implications. The Ottomans inherited the multicultural and multi-religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. Although the Christian populace within the empire did not view the Ottomans as a seamless continuation of the Byzantine legacy, they recognized the Ottomans as an heir to its imperial tradition.
Impact on Ottoman Policies
This assertion of Roman succession influenced the Ottomans' foreign and domestic policies. It justified their campaigns of conquest in Europe, including attempts to conquer Italy and expand their influence throughout the Mediterranean. The possession of Constantinople solidified the Ottomans' status as a dominant power in the region, enabling them to claim the mantle of universal rule.
Legacy
The concept of being the "Roman" empire gradually waned over the centuries as the political landscape of Europe evolved. However, the legacy of the Ottoman claim to Roman succession is a testament to the enduring significance of the Roman imperial identity, which continued to influence empires long after the fall of Rome.