Islamic Empires - Mehmed II & The Fall of Constantinople

This lesson focuses on Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, who is renowned for his 1453 conquest of Constantinople, reshaping the Ottoman Empire and the region. The lesson includes differentiated scaffolds and resources to accommodate various learning needs, along with keyword cards to enhance vocabulary and concept retention. Students will engage in a variety of activities:

Quiz-Quiz-Trade Activity: Facilitates the review and consolidation of key facts about Mehmed II’s reign and achievements.

Source Analysis: Students will watch and discuss a documentary to grasp the broader context of Mehmed II’s strategies and accomplishments.

Timeline Activity: This involves constructing a timeline detailing significant events during Mehmed II’s life, enhancing historical chronology understanding.

Group Discussion: Focuses on the factors that contributed to Mehmed II’s success, allowing students to debate and evaluate the political, economic, and social influences of his time.

These activities, supported by additional scaffolds and resources, are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Mehmed II’s role in the expansion and cultural development of the Ottoman Empire.