Portrait of Sultan Mehmet II by Gentile Bellini, painted during Bellini's visit to the city, 1479-1481. London: National Gallery

"And the greatest of all is this, that you will capture a city whose renown has gone out to all parts of the world. It is evident that to whatever extent the leadership and glory of this city has spread, to a like extent the renown of your valor and bravery will spread for having captured by assault such a city as this. But think; what deed more brilliant, what greater enjoyment, or what inheritance of wealth better than that presented to you, along with honor and glory!"

--An address to troops assembled before the city on the eve of the final assault, attributed to Sultan Mehmet II by the contemporary historian, Kritovolous.