He was born in Constantinople and was the son of Alexander Ypsilantis, the son of Alexander of Fanari, a great interpreter of the High Gate and ruler of Wallachia, and Catherine Mourouzis. He was educated in Germany and initially began to organize an anti-Turkish rebellion in Wallachia. In 1796, however, after convincing the Turkish authorities of his obedience, he was appointed grand interpreter, a position he held until 1799. On 22 September 1802 he took over the sovereignty of Wallachia, which he lost in 1806 due to his participation in the Russo-Turkish war – which broke out that year – on the side of the Russians.

After his deposition, he escaped with his family to St. Petersburg, and in retaliation, the Sultan ordered the beheading of his father, who lived in Constantinople. He was honoured many times by the Tsar, and was also distinguished for his education. He had translated French writings into Turkish and had written several poems, which could not be found.

Hegemon Constantine Ypsilantis was the father of Alexander Ypsilantis, an enlightened and cultured ruler who always thought of his enslaved homeland. At his court were men and teachers of the intelligentsia. In Transylvania, Transdanubian rulers in cities like Brasov, Sibiu, Hermannstadt, Bucarest there were lodges and there we find many initiates of the Greek diaspora. Ypsilantis was initiated in 1784 in the lodge“Zu den drei Saulen” in Brasov (aka Corona).