How early can the Ottoman Empire, or a similarly Anatolian-based, Muslim, Turkic state sustainably conquer, and hold Constantinople (presumably as a capital).
The reason I've been asking is due to the innumerable "how can we save the Byzantine" threads. While the discussion within is in the finest spirit of this site, I am going through a bit of an Ottoman phase (call me a historical dilettant, whatever.
), and wanted to see y'all's opinion.
My opinion--in regards to having the House of Osman do it-- is it would have to be before Timur comes and ruins everything, but after 1324 and the conquest of Bursa, which is a pretty massive window.
The reason I've been asking is due to the innumerable "how can we save the Byzantine" threads. While the discussion within is in the finest spirit of this site, I am going through a bit of an Ottoman phase (call me a historical dilettant, whatever.
My opinion--in regards to having the House of Osman do it-- is it would have to be before Timur comes and ruins everything, but after 1324 and the conquest of Bursa, which is a pretty massive window.