The Discourse of Sultan Mehmet II
John Freely - an author of Sultan Mehmet II Sang Penakluk - had succesfuly described the discourse of Sultan Mehmet II. He is not only telling about the biography of Sultan Mehmet II, but also showing switching paradigm in understanding the Sultan.
From European perspective, John Freely described the Sultan as a real terror, not only for Europe but also for their religion. Conversely, from Turkey perspective, the Sultan is described as the real leader, so citizens labelled the Sultan as Al-Fatih (a conqueror).
But, is it right that the switching paradigm is something that John Freely want to show to readers? I am not sure at all. In my opinion, there is something more important than just describing hostility between these powers, that is to show what makes Europe and Turkey become nowadays, and its complexity to become one in European Union. And, it is reflected implicitly in John Freely’s writing.
