Question

Ottoman sultan Mehmed II helped to strengthen the empire by

changing Constantinople to Istanbul.
promoting religious diversity.
taxing non-Muslims less than Muslims.
helping Janissaries get government jobs.

Answer 1

Promoting religious diversity.

Mehmed II repopulated and rebuilt Constantinople after 1453 by encouraging Muslims, Christians, and Jews to settle there, restored churches and allowed the Orthodox Church to operate, and generally used tolerant policies to make the city a thriving, multiethnic commercial capital.

Why the others are incorrect:
- Changing Constantinople to Istanbul: the city became the Ottoman capital, but the modern name change was gradual and not the key strengthening policy.
- Taxing non‑Muslims less than Muslims: false — non‑Muslims paid the jizya (poll tax) and often had a heavier tax burden.
- Helping Janissaries get government jobs: Janissaries were elite troops; while some recruited through devshirme entered administrative service over time, Mehmed’s main strengthening measures were administrative, military reform, and tolerant repopulation policies rather than specifically placing Janissaries into civilian government posts.