Documentary on Sultan Mehmat Fateh

The History of Fetih 1453 and the Fall of Constantinople

Introduction

Fetih 1453 (translated as Conquest 1453) is a historical Turkish epic film released in 2012. It portrays one of the most significant military campaigns in history—the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) under Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror (Fatih Sultan Mehmed).

The film was directed by Faruk Aksoy and became one of the most expensive and highest-grossing films in Turkish cinema history. It dramatically depicts the events that led to the collapse of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire as a dominant power in the world.

The Historical Background of Constantinople

Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was one of the most strategically and economically important cities in the world. It was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD and served as the center of Christianity, trade, and culture for over a thousand years. The city was known for its massive walls, which had protected it from numerous invasions for centuries.

However, by the 15th century, the Byzantine Empire had weakened significantly, and Constantinople stood as an isolated city surrounded by the expanding Ottoman Empire.

Rise of Sultan Mehmed II

In 1451, at the age of just 19, Sultan Mehmed II became the ruler of the Ottoman Empire. Unlike previous sultans, he was highly ambitious and determined to capture Constantinople, which he saw as the key to controlling both Europe and Asia.

Mehmed began preparing for war, knowing that the conquest of Constantinople would not be easy due to its strong Theodosian Walls—a series of triple-layered fortifications that had withstood multiple sieges over centuries.

Preparation for the Siege

1. Strengthening the Ottoman Army

Sultan Mehmed II assembled an army of over 100,000 soldiers, including elite Janissaries, cavalry, and siege engineers. The Byzantine Empire, in contrast, had less than 10,000 soldiers defending the city.

2. The Construction of Rumeli Hisarı Fortress

To cut off supplies and reinforcements from Europe, Mehmed II ordered the construction of Rumeli Hisarı, a massive fortress built in just four months along the Bosphorus Strait. This prevented Byzantine ships from bringing aid from the Black Sea.

3. The Creation of the Giant Ottoman Cannons

One of the greatest military advancements in the siege was the use of massive cannons. Sultan Mehmed hired Hungarian engineer Orban, who designed the Basilica Cannon (also called the Great Turkish Bombard).

• This giant cannon could fire 600 kg stone balls over long distances, making it one of the most powerful weapons of its time.
• It shattered parts of the city’s walls, which had previously been considered indestructible.

The Siege of Constantinople (April 6 – May 29, 1453)

On April 6, 1453, the Ottoman army officially began its siege of Constantinople. The city was under constant bombardment from Mehmed’s cannons, and Ottoman soldiers launched multiple assaults against the walls.

However, despite the superior Ottoman numbers and firepower, the Byzantines resisted fiercely for weeks under the leadership of Emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos.

Tactical Moves by Sultan Mehmed II

1. Naval Blockade & the Golden Horn Strategy
   • The Byzantines used a massive chain to block the entrance to the Golden Horn, a vital waterway.
   • Mehmed II came up with a brilliant strategy: he ordered his troops to drag Ottoman warships over land on greased logs to bypass the chain. This allowed the Ottomans to attack the city from multiple directions.
2. Final Assault on May 29, 1453
   • After 53 days of intense battle, Sultan Mehmed II launched a final massive attack on May 29.
   • The Janissaries (Ottoman elite forces) stormed the city, breaching the weakened walls.
   • Emperor Constantine XI led his troops in a last stand but was killed in battle.

The Fall of Constantinople & Its Aftermath

With Constantinople captured, Sultan Mehmed II rode into the city and prayed at the Hagia Sophia, converting it into a mosque.

The conquest of Constantinople marked:
✔️ The end of the Byzantine Empire
✔️ The rise of the Ottoman Empire as a superpower
✔️ The transition from the Medieval era to the Renaissance (as many Greek scholars fled to Europe, bringing knowledge that influenced European learning).
✔️ Istanbul becoming the new capital of the Ottoman Empire

Sultan Mehmed II allowed the city’s Christian population to stay, ensuring that Constantinople remained a center of cultural and religious diversity.

About the Movie Fetih 1453

The film Fetih 1453 captures the epic battle and historical significance of these events.

✔️ Directed by: Faruk Aksoy
✔️ Released in: 2012
✔️ Production Budget: $17 million (one of Turkey’s most expensive films)
✔️ Box Office: One of the highest-grossing Turkish films
✔️ Main Cast:

• Devrim Evin as Sultan Mehmed II
• İbrahim Çelikkol as Ulubatlı Hasan (a heroic Ottoman soldier)
• Recep Aktuğ as Constantine XI

Conclusion

The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 was one of the most transformative moments in world history, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire and establishing the Ottoman Empire as a global force.

Fetih 1453 brings this legendary battle to life, showcasing the bravery, strategy, and determination of Sultan Mehmed II in his mission to fulfill the Ottoman dream of conquering Constantinople.