Discuss the achievements of two of the following Ottoman leaders: Mehmet II (1451–1481); Selim I (1512–1520); Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566).

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the achievements of two of the Ottoman leaders; Mehmet II (1451–1481) and/or Selim I (1512–1520) and/or Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566). Candidates may approach the question in several ways, for example they may adopt a chronological approach or choose to categorize the various achievements, such as political, military, economic or social and cultural achievements. In terms of military success, all the Sultans expanded the empire by waging war, for example, Selim I claimed the title of caliph after defeating the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt. In terms of political success, reference could be made to Suleiman’s institution of laws or Mehmet’s establishment of Constantinople as the capital of the empire. Candidates may or may not choose to use a comparative approach.