Hosting the waxwork of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror, Madame Tussauds Istanbul awaits visitors on the 564th anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul on May 29. Sultan Mehmet II, who ruled the Ottoman Empire for 30 years, conquered Istanbul on May 29, 1453, when he was just 21. The waxwork of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who ended the Byzantine Empire, leaving his mark on history, was prepared through painstaking work based on historical sources.
One of the most prominent generals in history, with an innovative and intellectual mind, Mehmed II was the first Ottoman sultan who permitted portrayal. Because of his interest in arts and culture, Mehmed II hosted several artists from Europe during his sultanate and wanted them to portray him. Hence, The Conqueror paved the way for Ottoman artists, leading them towards various branches of the arts.
The waxwork in Madame Tussauds Istanbul was designed based on a portrait by Siblizade Ahmed, "The Man Smelling Rose." Siblizade's work, which is in Topkapı Palace Museum, depicts The Conqueror smelling a rose as he hold a handkerchief in his hand. The Conqueror's figure in Madame Tussauds Istanbul was completed after long, meticulous work. His beard, which was put together by sewing each hair one by one, took four weeks to complete. From costume to decor, skin tone and posture, all details of the figure were prepared in light of historical sources. Visit The Conqueror, Mehmed II's waxwork at Madame Tussauds Istanbul on the 564th anniversary of the conquest of the city.
