Best 10 Turkish Leaders In History An Ancient Chinese proverb suggests that when two Jews come together, they form a company, while when two Turks unite, they establish a nation. Turkey, a country with a rich history, has seen the rise of many influential leaders throughout the centuries. These leaders not only left their mark on Turkish history but also made their names known worldwide.
10 Turkish Leaders In History
In this blog post, we will explore the lives of ten prominent Turkish leaders whose legacies continue to inspire and shape the nation.
Attila the Hun (395 AD – 453 AD):
Attila, who ascended to the Hunnic Empire throne at the age of 39, became famous for his rapid cavalry attacks on both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. His conquests led to substantial tributes paid by these mighty nations. Attila was also known for making the Christian Pope submissive to his authority, earning him the moniker “Scourge of God.” Despite his notoriety, he is believed to have been poisoned by his wife on their wedding night.
Sultan Alp Arslan (1029 – 1072)
The second Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire, Alp Arslan, ruled for a brief nine years but made a significant impact. He decisively defeated the larger Byzantine army, led by Emperor Romanos Diogenes, at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. This victory reshaped the destiny of all Turkish tribes. However, he succumbed to an assassination attempt a year later.
Mehmed the Conqueror (1432 – 1481)
Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, ushered in a new era with his intellectual pursuits in addition to his military campaigns. He expanded the Ottoman Empire by capturing Istanbul and added 14 countries and over 200 cities to Ottoman territory. At 49, as he prepared for a campaign in Italy, he was allegedly poisoned by a Venetian court physician.
Metehan
Metehan’s life took a remarkable turn from being a slave to leading the Hun and Turkish tribes, uniting them into a regular army. His army, based on a decimal system, had a profound influence on the formation of the modern Turkish Republic’s military.
Tamerlane (1336 – 1405):
Tamerlane’s life journey from leading a small tribe to building a vast empire is a testament to his military prowess. He conquered vast territories spanning Central Asia, Russia, Iran, and India. Despite being a Muslim, Tamerlane waged most of his wars against fellow Muslim states, and his reign ended during a campaign towards China, where his empire crumbled.
Sultan Selim I (1470 – 1520)
Known as “Selim the Grim,” Sultan Selim expanded the Ottoman Empire and added the title of Caliph to his rule, bringing wealth from the East. He was a beloved leader among the Janissaries and led extensive campaigns, often traveling thousands of kilometers. His will predicted that the treasury would remain sealed with his seal if no descendants could fill it.
Suleiman the Magnificent (1494 – 1566)
Suleiman, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ruled for 46 years. He spent a decade on horseback during his campaigns, doubling the empire’s territory. He also showed a keen interest in maritime affairs, enhancing Turkey’s naval power.
Jalal ad-Din al-Mingburnu (c. 1208 – 1230)
Jalal ad-Din earned fame for resisting the Mongol invasion for years. He not only challenged the formidable Mongols but also incorporated the predominantly Christian kingdom of Georgia into his territory. Sadly, he lost his life in a battle with the Seljuks, paving the way for the Mongols to advance into Anatolia.
Murat I (1326 – 1389)
Murat I faced numerous challenges during his reign, including the assassination of his brother, Prince Osman, by the Janissaries. He was a formidable warrior who trained with the best wrestlers of his time, but his reign was cut short, likely due to liver disease or gout.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881 – 1938)
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in Istanbul in 1918 and initiated Turkey’s struggle for independence. He established the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1920, laying the foundation for the Republic of Turkey, officially declared in 1923. Atatürk emphasized the sovereignty of the people and brought governance to the masses. Though he passed away in 1938, his legacy remains a cherished asset for the Turkish nation.
These ten Turkish leaders, each with their unique contributions and legacies, have played a significant role in shaping Turkey’s rich history. From Attila’s ferocious conquests to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s visionary leadership, their stories continue to inspire and serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Turkish people.
