Impact of Ottoman Scientific Advancement in the Era of Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih (Mehmed the Conqueror) towards the Ottoman Scientific Zenith

Abstract

The main criteria of a developed country lie in its scientific and technological development. Nevertheless, in developing those fields in a nation, it starts with its ruler and his rule. In the case of the Ottomans, the field of science and technology was stagnant in the early stage of their rule. Through transformations in the field of science and technology undertaken by Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih (Mehmed the Conqueror) as the seventh ruler of the Ottomans during his reign, this field experienced its advancement era. In the subsequent years (post-Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih era), the field of science and technology attained its golden age. Hence, the objective of this paper is to analyse the impact of scientific advancement in the era of Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih towards the Ottoman scientific zenith in the subsequent era. This study employed a qualitative approach via a historical research design and was analysed using a method of content analysis and deduction by examining authoritative sources in Ottoman studies. Through this study, it was found that the transformation brought about by Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih in the field of science and technology during his era succeeded in elevating the scientific fields of the Ottomans to a new height of glory. The impact can be seen in material and non-material cultures of the Ottoman society in post-Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih era. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n29p81