On this day in Islamic history: May 22

On this date, May 22, 1481 CE (13/14 Rabi al-Awwal, 886 AH), the Ottoman Empire witnessed the ascension of Bayezid II to the throne, succeeding his illustrious father, Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. Bayezid II, the eldest progeny of Mehmed II, thus became the 8th sovereign of the Ottoman dominion.

Throughout his tenure, Bayezid II fortified the extensive Ottoman territories and successfully quelled an insurrection instigated by the Persian Safavids. His reign concluded when he voluntarily relinquished the throne to his progeny, Sultan Selim I, who notably became the first Ottoman Sultan to assume the title of Caliph.

Bayezid II’s legacy is predominantly marked by his humanitarian endeavor to provide refuge for Jews expelled from Spain following the Alhambra Decree. He orchestrated their resettlement across the vast expanse of the Ottoman Empire, offering them sanctuary from persecution.