Ottoman Period of IstanbulThe preparation for a conquest of Istanbul, which served as the capital of religions and cultures actually started a year ago. While Fortress of Rumelia was being constructed in 1452 in aim of controlling the Boshporus, huge canons were cast to be used in the siege. The armed forces were doubled in number. While hectic preparations were being made on land, a very powerful navy force comprised of 16 galleys was formed for the attacks from the sea.
To prevent Byzantines from receiving help, the aiding passages were taken under control and Galata, under Genoese rule, was neutralized at war. And on April 2, 1453, Ottoman leading forces took position before Istanbul fronts.
Conquest of Istanbul was an turning point for Turks, Islam and the world, in a way to shape the course of history. Most important of all, from the point of view of many historians, was the ending of Middle Age by the conquest of Istanbul. |
