Ascension of Sultan Mehmed II
Sultan Mehmed II ascended to the Ottoman throne, marking the beginning of his reign and setting the stage for the Conquest of Istanbul in 1453.
1451
1452
Construction of Rumeli Hisari
To prepare for the siege, Sultan Mehmed II ordered the construction of the fortress Rumeli Hisari on the Bosphorus Strait, cutting off Constantinople from aid by sea.
April 6, 1453
Start of the Siege
The Ottoman forces began their siege of Constantinople, marking the official start of the Conquest of Istanbul in 1453.
April 22, 1453
Ottomans Transport Ships Over Land
In a surprising maneuver, the Ottomans transported their ships over land to the Golden Horn, bypassing the chain that protected the harbor.
May 6, 1453
Intensified Bombardment
The Ottomans intensified their bombardment of the city walls, using large cannons to breach the defenses.
May 22, 1453
Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurred, which many defenders saw as an ominous sign. Morale within the city began to waver.
May 25, 1453
Final Assault Preparation
Sultan Mehmed II prepared his troops for a final assault on Constantinople, rallying them with promises of wealth and glory.
May 29, 1453
Fall of Constantinople
The Ottomans launched their final assault and successfully breached the walls, leading to the fall of Constantinople and marking the culmination of the Conquest of Istanbul in 1453.
May 29, 1453
Death of Emperor Constantine XI
Emperor Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor, died in the final battle, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.
June 1, 1453
Transformation of Hagia Sophia
Sultan Mehmed II ordered the conversion of the Hagia Sophia from a cathedral into a mosque, symbolizing the Islamic conquest.
1453
Establishment of Istanbul as Ottoman Capital
Sultan Mehmed II declared Istanbul the capital of the Ottoman Empire, initiating a new era for the city.
1454
Repopulation Efforts
Mehmed II initiated efforts to repopulate Istanbul, inviting people from various parts of the empire to settle in the city.
1455
Renovation of City Infrastructure
The Ottomans began extensive renovations of Istanbul's infrastructure, including rebuilding walls, roads, and public buildings.
1459
Construction of Topkapi Palace
Construction of Topkapi Palace began, which would become the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries.
1478
Completion of Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was completed, symbolizing the establishment of Ottoman administrative and cultural dominance in Istanbul.
