The Period of Interregnum of the Ottoman Empire, also known as Fetret Devri, was one of the most turbulent and critical times in Ottoman history. This era, spanning from 1402 to 1413, witnessed a power vacuum following the death of Sultan Bayezid I, leading to a fierce struggle between his sons for the throne. As a result, the empire teetered on the edge of collapse, with external threats and internal instability creating unprecedented challenges. However, it was this very period that shaped the resilience and future dominance of the Ottoman Empire. In this article, we will explore the causes, key events, and ultimate resolution of the Ottoman Interregnum, shedding light on how the empire emerged stronger despite this significant setback.
The Interregnum is an important and difficult period in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Understanding this period requires an in-depth examination of the Ottoman political, social and military structure. The general view that the Ottoman Empire had a strong and stable structure may change with a detailed analysis of this period. In this article, an in-depth analysis of this period will be made under the subheadings of “What is the Interregnum?”, “The Other Name of the Interregnum”, “How Many Years Did the Interregnum Last?”, “Who Ended the Interregnum?”, “The Results of the Interregnum” and “Which War Caused the Interregnum?”
What is the Interregnum?
This period is a period of succession struggles and uncertainty experienced by the Ottoman Empire between 1402-1413. The beginning of this period begins with the defeat and capture of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I by Timur in the Battle of Ankara. Bayezid’s captivity created a vacuum on the Ottoman throne, which led to a civil war between his sons. This period refers to a period of time when the central authority of the Ottoman Empire weakened and political unrest increased in Anatolia.
The Other Name of the Interregnum
This period is also known as the “Great Interregnum” or the “Princes’ Period”. These names better reflect the character of the period and the struggles for the throne that took place. The expression “Princes’ Period” emphasizes the struggle between Bayezid’s sons and the impact of this struggle on the Ottoman Empire. During this period, different princes struggled against each other to seize the Ottoman throne.
How Many Years Did the Interregnum Last?
The period described is a period of uncertainty and chaos that lasted 11 years in total. This period, which began with the Battle of Ankara in 1402, ended with Çelebi Mehmet seizing the Ottoman throne in 1413. During this 11-year period, there was constant war and conflict between different princes in various regions of the Ottoman Empire. During this period when the central authority weakened, many principalities and local powers in Anatolia tried to declare their independence from the Ottomans.
Who Ended the Interregnum?
The person who ended this era was Çelebi Mehmet, the son of Bayezid I. Çelebi Mehmet ended the fight for the throne between his brothers and re-established the central authority of the Ottoman Empire. Çelebi Mehmet eliminated his other brothers Musa Çelebi, İsa Çelebi and Süleyman Çelebi and became the sole ruler of the Ottoman throne in 1413. Under his leadership, the Ottoman Empire was re-united and the central authority was strengthened. Çelebi Mehmet’s success allowed the Ottoman Empire to recover and strengthen, and laid the foundation for future conquests.
The Results of the Interregnum
The period in question had many important consequences for the Ottoman Empire. These consequences had both short-term and long-term effects.
- Weakening of Central Authority: During the period in question, the central authority of the Ottoman Empire was seriously weakened. The throne struggles among the princes threatened the integrity of the state and led to political unrest in Anatolia.
- Strengthening of the Principalities in Anatolia: Taking advantage of the weakening of the central authority of the Ottomans, some Anatolian principalities declared their independence and consolidated their power. This weakened the Ottoman Empire’s control over Anatolia.
- Economic and Social Collapse: The civil wars that continued throughout the interregnum negatively affected the economic and social structure of the Ottoman Empire. Agricultural and commercial activities were disrupted, and unrest and insecurity among the people became widespread.
- Reconstruction of the Ottoman Empire: With the coming to power of Çelebi Mehmet, the Ottoman Empire entered a process of restructuring. The central authority was reestablished and the administrative structure of the state was strengthened. This restructuring played an important role in the future success of the Ottoman Empire.
- Preparations for Future Conquests: The end of this era was a period of preparation for future conquests by the Ottoman Empire. Under the leadership of Çelebi Mehmet, the Ottomans regained lost territories and made strategic plans for future conquests.
Which war resulted in the Interregnum?
This period began with the Ottoman Empire’s defeat in the Battle of Ankara against Timur in 1402. This battle is considered one of the greatest defeats in the history of the Ottoman Empire. The capture of Bayezid I by Timur created a vacuum on the Ottoman throne, which led to a civil war between Bayezid’s sons. The results of the Battle of Ankara had a deep and lasting effect on the Ottoman Empire and led to the beginning of the Interregnum.
The period in question is an important turning point in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Studying this period is of great importance in understanding the political, military and social structure of the Ottoman Empire. The subheadings reveal the complexity of the period and its effects on the Ottoman Empire. With the end of the Interregnum, the Ottoman Empire regained its strength and prepared for future conquests. This period is considered one of the most important periods in the history of the Ottoman Empire and should be studied carefully.
Conclusion:
The Period of Interregnum of the Ottoman Empire may have been a chaotic chapter in its history, but it was also a turning point that solidified the empire’s foundations for future growth. Despite the internal strife and external threats, the Ottomans not only managed to survive but also demonstrated remarkable political and military resilience. This period taught the Ottoman rulers vital lessons in leadership and diplomacy, which would later prove crucial in expanding and maintaining their vast empire. Understanding this interregnum allows us to appreciate the complexities and strength of the Ottoman state during its formative years.