Rumeli Hisarı - The Gateway to the Conquest of Constantinople
Rumeli Hisarı is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Istanbul, standing as a testament to critical events in history. The fortress is strategically located on the Bosphorus coast, making it a key target during wars and conflicts. In this article, we will explore the history and importance of Rumeli Hisarı, and how the historical events surrounding it shaped the course of history.
History of Rumeli Hisarı
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror built Rumeli Hisarı as part of his preparations for the conquest of Constantinople. Remarkably, the fortress was constructed in an extremely short period of just four months. The fortress is distinguished by its towering walls, reaching up to 82 meters, making it a marvel of architectural engineering and time management. Its towering towers and robust walls made it a significant stronghold in the region, playing a crucial role in the siege of Constantinople.
Design of Rumeli Hisarı
Rumeli Hisarı stands out for its prime location directly on the Bosphorus shore, adjacent to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. The fortress attracts thousands of local and foreign visitors daily.
The fortress's three towers are located on the European coast, with a distance of about 700 meters between them. The fortress consists of three corners and three towers, with two towers overlooking the sea and one facing the land.
The Conquest of Constantinople and the Role of Rumeli Hisarı
After the construction of Rumeli Hisarı, it was equipped with cannons of various sizes and garrisoned by 400 elite soldiers under the command of Firuz Agha, a key figure for Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. All ships passing through the strait were stopped, inspected, and required to salute the flag and pay a toll with their cargo. Any ship that refused to comply was sunk.
The Byzantine Emperor sent a delegation to protest the construction of the fortress. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror responded by stating that this was a security measure and that the siege site was a Turkish crossing point, not a Byzantine one, ensuring safety and eliminating the threat from Rhodes, Venetian, and Genoese pirates who harmed both Turkish and Byzantine trade. This should have pleased the Byzantine Emperor. However, when the delegation persisted in its stance, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror declared, "The places my power reaches, your Emperor's hopes cannot reach. I will allow you to return this time, but if your delegations come again, I will flay their members alive!" The emperor understood the situation, and it is said that he even sent food to the workers constructing the fortress.
Location of Rumeli Hisarı and How to Reach It
Rumeli Hisarı is located on the narrow border between the Anatolian coast and its shore, with a distance of about 700 meters between them. The fortress was built by the architect Muslihuddin and consists of three corners and three towers. Two of these towers dominate the sea, and one controls the land. The Grand Vizier Halil Pasha Çandarlı built the polygonal tower overlooking the sea, Saruca Pasha constructed the tower overlooking the Hisar village, while Zaganos Mehmet Pasha built the tower overlooking the Bebek neighborhood. It is said that these officials participated in the construction with their own hands, serving as a model of exemplary labor.