Mehmed: Sultan of Conquests

Prince Alaaddin's unexpected death prompts Murad Khan to retreat to Bursa, succeeded by his son Mehmed. Despite being perceived as immature by European states, Mehmed proves otherwise when faced with Orhan, backed by Byzantium, in his first major battle for the throne. Mehmed's dream is to conquer Constantinople, despite doubts from those around him, including Çandarlı. Mehmed's determination leads to clashes with rebels, orchestrated by Çandarlı, resulting in his exile. However, Mehmed remains resolute, destined to return as sultan one day.

Mehmed, having left the throne to his father Murad, returns to Saruhan to address local issues, including pirates obstructing trade. Solving this would fulfill the people's wishes and address a personal problem for Mehmed. The Venetians complain about Mehmed to Murad, and Çandarlı presents evidence against him, prompting Sultan Murad to summon Mehmed to account for his actions. Mehmed must either face the Sultan with Bali Beys or capture the pirate leader, Capello, to clear his name. In the harem, Mehmed's summons worries Hüma but pleases Halime. Mara plots to eliminate rivals for Mehmed by ensuring Ahmed's disappearance. The reactions of Hüma and any counter plans from Halime add to the intrigue.

Mehmed proved his innocence to Sultan Murad by capturing Capello. Murad then questioned Mehmed about the silver coins printed in his name, which Mehmed explained. With the Crusaders advancing, Mehmed proposed an Oghuz Union, which Çandarlı opposed. The council awaited Murad's decision. Following Murad's orders, Mehmed found Wallachians escaping from Janosh and planned an attack with their help. Janosh, however, also strategized against the Ottomans, leading to uncertainty about the outcome. Prince Ahmed choked on roasted chickpeas, witnessed only by Hüma and her apprentice Çeşmidil. Hüma faced a dilemma of whether to intervene or not, creating potential tension in the palace, especially with Halime. In Byzantium, Demetrios escaped a trap and became emperor, surprising Helena, Konstantinos, and Notaras. Demetrios's judgment on the attempt and the responses of the others remain to be seen.

Mehmed, having overcome many obstacles, prepares for the siege of Constantinople, uniting his viziers and subjects. He strengthens the navy, led by Baltaoğlu, who aims to reunite with his brother, Rizzo. Çandarlı makes Rizzo grateful to the Ottomans, and Mehmed sets his plan on Rizzo, whose help is crucial. In the Harem, preparations for the siege continue, with Mara, Bahar, and Gülşah actively involved. Gülşah's pregnancy adds excitement, with the upcoming birth expected to change the harem's dynamics. In Byzantium, the fear of the Ottomans grows, and Constantine, struggling to make decisions, is advised by Plethon to call Notaras back. This decision's impact on the Byzantines remains to be seen.

After Admiral Rizzo's betrayal and Hayrettin's death, Mehmed plans revenge, forcing Rizzo to seek refuge in the Pontus Greek Empire, which must choose between surrendering Rizzo or facing Ottoman wrath. Rizzo is also targeted by Çandarlı for causing his nephew's death. In Byzantium, Emperor Constantine invites Notaras, who begins forming alliances with the Kingdom of Serbia and Karaman Principality, aiming to corner the Ottomans. The success of these alliances and their impact on the Ottoman siege plans remain uncertain. In the Harem, the alliance attempts affect Mara Hatun and Gülşah Hatun, creating tension and a test of loyalty towards Mehmed, possibly leading to a rift.

After thwarting Byzantium's plans and responding to Notaras, Mehmed continued his conquest preparations, warning his pashas to stay vigilant, especially Baltaoğlu. However, Baltaoğlu fell victim to Konstantinos' plot. Çandarlı, seeking revenge for his nephew Hayreddin, focused on finding Rizzo. Konstantinos, seeing the failure of alliances with the Serbs and Karamanoğlu, sought the Pope's support but was rejected, except by Giovanni Giustianni, who nonetheless set off for Constantinople.

Driven by his vision of the "Three Romes" and inspired by the Battle of Yarmouk, Mehmed the Conqueror sets his sights on the Pontic Empire, prompting Emperor David Komnenos to seek support from Pope Pius II and forge strategic alliances using sacred relics from the Sumela Monastery. As political tensions rise, a mysterious Aramaic-inscribed parchment discovered in Hagia Sophia draws Mehmed’s attention, leading him to summon the eccentric "Mad Lütfi" and assign Vlad Tepeş to decipher its secrets. Amid dynastic maneuvering and shifting allegiances, the unfolding drama tests not only imperial ambitions but also Mehmed’s deepest personal dilemma: choosing between the survival of his empire and the fate of his own children.

Sultan Mehmed faces a harrowing dilemma between safeguarding his empire and disciplining his son Beyazıd, who defies orders and stirs unrest by leaving his sanjak amid Karamanid threats demanding his surrender. As Mehmed puts Beyazıd on trial, a deeper conspiracy unfolds: Pontic Emperor David Komnenos and Pedri ally with Karaman to incite rebellion among Turkmen lords, while Mehmed pursues a sacred icon hidden in Hagia Sophia. Provoked by the Karaman envoy’s threats, Mehmed executes the ambassador and launches the Pontus Campaign to crush Roman influence in the Black Sea, confronting both internal discord and the remnants of Byzantine power.

As Sultan Mehmed struggles with internal strife sparked by Prince Beyazıt’s rebellion and the dismissal of İshak Pasha, tensions escalate within the palace and harem, while external threats loom as Pontus and Karaman seek alliances against the Ottomans. Vlad and the Karatuğs pursue sacred relics amid Vatican conspiracies, facing both enemies and inner turmoil. Süleyman, blaming Beyazıt for Julia’s death, stirs rebellion through İsfendiyaroğlu Kasım Bey. After Beyazıt is gravely wounded in an ambush, Sultan Mehmed, consumed by fury, rallies the Janissaries and declares war on traitors, plunging the empire into a dark tide of vengeance.