Rumeli Fortress is a historical castle located at a point overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Before Mehmed the Conqueror conquered Istanbul, Byzantine Emperor II. This fortress, built during the siege against Constantine, has an important historical heritage with the events that took place before and after the conquest of Istanbul.

It was built between 1451-1452 and was built in a very short time after the decision to conquer Istanbul was made. The Hisar is located directly opposite the Anadolu Hisari on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus. This fortress, built at a narrow point of the Bosphorus, aims to protect the city by keeping the Bosphorus under control.

Rumeli Fortress was built around a courtyard consisting of three towers and auxiliary spaces. The fortress is surrounded by walls and reinforced with bastions. In addition, the cut stones used in the construction of the fortress reflect the architectural features of that period.

History of Rumeli Fortress

The history of Rumeli Fortress is a fascinating building located on the European side of Istanbul's Bosphorus, just opposite the Anatolian Fortress. The fortress was built by Ottoman Sultan II in the 15th century. It was built by Mehmed II for the purpose of defense against his enemies who wanted to cross over to conquer Istanbul.

It was completed in just four months between 1451 and 1452. This rapid construction demonstrates the strategic importance of the Citadel and the Ottoman determination to conquer the city. The stones used in the construction of the fortress were brought from the Aegean Sea and placed.

Rumeli Fortress, which has an important place in the history of the Ottoman Empire, was not used for military purposes after the conquest of Istanbul, but served as a tool at different times. This historical building has become one of the leading tourist attractions in Istanbul today.

Construction of Rumeli Fortress

It is one of the important buildings located on the Anatolian Side of the Bosphorus and reinforced the power of the Ottoman Empire. The construction of the fortress took place between 1451-1452. Ottoman Sultan II. After Mehmed's decision to conquer Istanbul, the need to build a fortress on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus arose.

The construction of the Rumeli Fortress, which was built right across from the Anatolian Fortress, was started during World War II. It was started by the order of Mehmed and completed in a short time. During the construction of the fortress, a solid structure was created by using the natural rocks in the region. At the same time, the siege tactics of the Byzantine Empire were taken into consideration during the construction of the fortress and defense systems were built accordingly.

At the time it was built, it was considered one of the largest and strongest structures on the Anatolian Side of the Bosphorus. The construction of the fortress strengthened the power of the Ottoman Empire in strategic locations in and around the Straits. Rumeli Fortress, which still stands today, is one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture and siege defense systems.

Architectural Features

It is a historical castle located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus. The castle, which was built to ensure security in the lands conquered by the Ottoman Empire, also attracts attention with its architectural features.

When the architectural features of Rumeli Fortress are examined, it is seen that it is a rectangular planned building. The castle, which draws attention with its triangular prism-shaped bastions, also has an eye-catching architecture with its large courtyard and interior structures.

In addition, the stone and brick materials used in the construction of the Rumeli Fortress constitute an important example of the Ottoman architecture of the period. The detailed craftsmanship of these materials and the use of architectural techniques of the period constitute an important part of the architectural features of the castle.

Defense System

It has a very important position in terms of the defense strategies of the Ottoman Empire. It was founded during the period when the fortress was built to protect Istanbul against attacks that could come from the Black Sea. For this reason, the defense system of Rumeli Fortress has a very solid and effective structure.

The defense system of the fort generally consists of three main parts. These are the walls around the castle, the bastions and the gate systems on the road leading to the castle. These elements were built to protect the castle against possible attacks and to prevent the enemy's advance. In addition, the moats inside the castle are an important part of the defense system.

The defense system of the Rumeli Fortress is an impressive structure that still stands today and offers a historical atmosphere to its visitors. Visitors to Istanbul can have the opportunity to closely examine the defense strategies of the Ottoman period by visiting this historical castle.

Current Situation of Rumeli Fortress

Today, the open area where the Citadel is located is so beautiful and well-kept that it makes every visitor feel like they have lived in the 15th century.

The current state of the Rumeli Fortress is very well preserved and open to visitors. The magnificent view of the Bosphorus offers visitors a pleasant experience with the picnic areas established around the Citadel.

In addition, the restaurants and cafes around the Rumeli Fortress offer visitors the opportunity to have a nice day as well as visit a historical building.