Murad II

[magnusvejby]

Reading about Murad II I don't understand why he relinquished his throne in 1444. I have been googling around but I couldn't find an answer.

Why on earth would he do that? he was a strong ruler, winning wars. The only reason he didn't conquer Constantinople, was because he had to go deal with a pretender. (His younger brother, with the support of the Byzantines)

Do any of you know why he gave his throne to his son, I don't get it?

 

[Pyoro]

German wiki claims it was because grief over the death of his oldest son. Maybe he was just tired of that whole ruling business? Although apparently he did a "retire and come back" thing at least one more time ^^;

 

[magnusvejby]

Well he was forced back to rule, I don't think he wanted it.

But thanks for the answer, I could find no such thing at the English wiki, and the Danish wiki is just sh**

 

[Chamboozer]

According to Colin Imber, The Crusade of Varna 1443-45, Crusade Texts in Translation 14 (2006), pp. 26-7.

"What can never be certain is what prompted the abdication. It seems possible that the gloomy mood in which Murad returned from the Zlatitsa Pass never lifted, and that the death of his son Alaeddin had affected him deeply. His love for this son is evident from his will, where he stipulates that he should be buried 'at the side of his son Alaeddin, at a distance of three or four cubits. The abdication was perhaps also a reflection of Murad's own character. The Greek chronicler Doukas, who must have had dealings with him on behalf of his Genoese employers, describes Murad as being a man without guile or malice, while the Burgundian Bertrandon de la Broquiere reports that 'he is said to be a gentle person, benign and free with lands and money. He hates war, which seems to be true ...' The primary function of a monarch, however, was as a leader in war, while politics and diplomacy required a cunning and ruthlessness which were perhaps alien to Murad's character. It is very probable therefore that, after the vicious wars of 1443 in Asia and Europe, and saddened by the death of Alaeddin, Murad had simply lost any taste for rulership. He retired to Manisa, believing that he had secured a lasting peace."

 

[Enravota]

It's quite possible he was simply more interested in spiritual pursuits and monastic life, it's not exactly unheard of.