"Melike Öztürk"
Being the youngest daughter of the Governor of Sanjak of Kocaeli, Melike is a very complex minded, strategic woman who helps Mehmed II to conquer Constantinople (Modern day Istanbul). She was more smarter and intelligent than her elder sisters in the face of war. Even Mehmed II thought she was a great soldier as a women. He kept her in his army because of her fighting and sword skills.
After her father died, Melike first came into power. Sultan Mehmed II made her the Governor of the Sanjak of Kocaeli. She also became part of the Turkish Army when Mehmed the II allowed are to join. He thought if this women is going to help him in conquering Constantinople then he will use every bit of her power. Melike joined the army after many opposition from her family and the men in Turkish army.
Melike joined during the Siege of Constantinople. She crushed the Christian men and proved her loyalty to Mehmed the II. She then became one the leading commanders in Mehmed’s army. Me, the author, will explain the journey of Melike and how she became as strong as any soldier ever.
As she flipped through another page , she wondered if her father would be back soon. Melike’s father, Mert, would always be out in the capital, doing his duties when he should be protecting the city. He gives this duty to his trusting soldiers.
Melike loves him, but sometimes thinks he is an idiot. Sultan Murad made him a governor because Mert is a brave man, but also careless. Murad thought of using him, which he did. Mert was related to everybody. The royal family of Constantinople, the family of Serbia, and all his contact to the west. He was the link between the Slavic world, the Greek world, and the Ottoman world. He was even related to Mara Brankovic, step mother of Mehmed the Conqueror. This meant that it made Melike somewhat related to Mehmed the II too. Murad used him in every way to make contact with Serbia.
Melike kept on reading the book she had in her hand. She was in this huge library full of books. She was sitting on a table reading a book. She was surrounded by books of all kind. Warfare, Poetry, History. English etc. She always found peace in reading books. Her elder step sisters thought of her as a worm who is attached to books. They despised her because Mert liked her the most.
As Melike kept reading, the door to the library opened, showing a women, this women was wearing a red gown with long sleeves. Beautiful art was embroidered on to the fabric of the woman’s gown. Different types of accessories were on her hair which made her look elegant.
She quickly rushed towards Melike, it seemed she had some news. “Melike, dear, I have news”, said the woman to Melike while catching her breath.
“What is it? You do know I’m busy reading my books, Sevgi,” said Melike with boredom.
When Sevgi, Melike’s caretaker or you can say best friend, always brings news but it is mostly about the what Melike’s elder sisters have done, or about the men she loves the most. Her name literally meant love.
“No, it is good news. I don’t even know if it is good news but Melike, You’re father has arrived from the capital. He has summoned you and her other daughters. He is in his room,” said Sevgi.
Melike abruptly stood up. Father is home, finally. She can talk to him now and he can now tell her about his time in the Capital. Melike always loved to hear her father’s stories. He will talk about all type of battles he ever had in his life. Melike listened so carefully to his stories. She always looked delighted when he talked about terror. Yes, Melike loved terror. She would ask her father how many men died or about how he felt when he almost died.
Melike quickly walked towards the door of the library. He is here. Melike went outside of the library. She passed through several maid and noblewoman. Sevgi side by side her, Melike passed by a group of soldiers and she finally stopped. She was standing in front of his bedroom door. Melike gave a one last look to Sevgi.
She opened the door only to reveal a huge room, fully decorated. Her three elder step sisters were standing one by one in line in front of the Governor’s bed. He was sitting on the bed. His back touched the pillow and half of his body was tucked in bed. The governor didn’t look good.
"Father?”
