Preliminary communication

https://doi.org/10.32728/flux.2019.1.4

A History Dedicated to Mehmed II? Kritoboulos of Imbros and the Enshrining of a Superior's Memory after the Conquest of Constantinople in 1453

Rike Szill ; Institute of History, Kiel University

Abstract

This article examines the perception and productive acquisition of historical realities thereby questioning the imperative applicability of terms like "victory" or "defeat". This complex matter will be exemplified by an extremely controversial source: the ξυγγραΦή ίστοίων, the History of Kritoboulos of Imbros, an author who is notorious for being a biased admirer of Mehmed II. It will be argued that his work is not a mere product of Ottoman panegyric but a productive and innovative attempt to come to terms with the historical events on a broader scope. In this respect, it offers both an alternative explanatory approach and an innovative counter concept to Christian eschatology contributing to the literary discourse on the perception, interpretation and evaluation of the outcome of events. Hence, focal passages of Kritoboulos’ History such as the introductory letter of dedication and the general assault on Constantinople are analyzed.

Keywords

Kritoboulos of Imbros; fall of Constantinople; Mehmed the Conqueror; letter of dedication

Hrčak ID:

230781

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/230781

Publication date:

21.12.2019.

Visits: 1.899 *