Overview
Murad II spent most of his reign at war in the Balkans and left his son Mehmed a state strong enough to take Constantinople. His tughra reads 'Murad son of Mehmed Han, ever victorious'.
Rise to Power
He succeeded his father Mehmed I in 1421 and defeated two rival claimants, his uncle Mustafa and his brother Mustafa.
Rule and Achievements
- Besieged Constantinople in 1422 and took Thessalonica from Venice in 1430
- In 1444 handed the throne to his twelve-year-old son Mehmed, then returned to command and defeated the crusade of Varna on 10 November 1444
- Took the throne back in 1446 and defeated John Hunyadi at the second battle of Kosovo in 1448
Legacy
He died at Edirne in February 1451, and Mehmed II succeeded him.