Information about Rumeli Hisar Castle in Istanbul

Rumeli Hisar Castle is located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, near the Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge. It is distinguished by its strategic location for which it was built in the 15th century to control the strait and secure the passage of ships.

Historical information about Rumeli Hisar Castle "Hisar"

Rumeli Hisar Castle was built in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, and its construction was completed in just four months. The height of its walls reaches 82 meters, which is remarkable, as it is considered a miracle in construction and timing, especially with its high towers and walls. Rumeli Hisar Castle overlooks the Bosphorus Strait and is known for its beauty and unique location.

The thickness of the castle walls is between 20 and 25 feet! The thickness of the tower walls, covered with a layer of poured lead, ranges between 30, 32, and 35 feet. The most fascinating aspect is that the castle was built in the shape of the name of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.

The castle consists of three corners and three towers, with two towers controlling the sea and one on land. The polygonal tower next to the sea was built by Minister Khalil Pasha Chandarli, Saruca Pasha built the tower overlooking Hisar village, and the tower overlooking the Bebek district in Istanbul was built by Zaganos Mehmed Pasha. It is said that they worked with their own hands as an example for the workers.

Rumeli Hisar Mehmed the Conqueror: When did construction begin and when was it completed?

Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror arrived at the castle site on Sunday, 5th Rabi' al-Awwal 856 AH, corresponding to March 26, 1452 AD, at the head of a force of 50,000 people to cut off the Black Sea channel to Byzantium, thereby cutting off its supplies and controlling the Bosphorus Strait between Anatolia and Rumeli.

Construction was completed in four months, but there is a narrative that says it was finished in forty days. However, according to Byzantine sources, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror arrived on 5th Rabi' al-Awwal, and according to the inscription on the inner gate of the castle overlooking Bebek district, the completion date was in the month of Rajab, corresponding to July, which means this amazing and grand project was completed in three and a half months. After its completion, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror returned to Edirne on Monday, 12th Sha'ban, corresponding to August 28.

The castle was built on the site of the demolished Church of Saint Michael, and its ruins were added to the materials brought from Anatolia. Wood was brought from Ergli, Karadeniz, and Izmir. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror supervised the work himself. The number of workers was between 3,000 and 5,000, with another 10,000 assisting. At that time, the Sultan was also adding annexes to Anadolu Hisar Castle, repairing its fortifications, and placing cannons and soldiers there, thus controlling the channel at its narrowest point from both sides.

The role of Rumeli Castle in the conquest of Constantinople

After the completion of the castle, cannons of various sizes were installed, and 400 selected soldiers were stationed there. Their commander was Firuz Agha, who was greatly trusted by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. All ships passing through the channel were stopped, inspected, required to salute the banner, and pay a fee along with their cargo. Ships that violated the orders were sunk, and Commander Firuz Agha strictly followed and enforced the orders.

The Byzantine emperor sent a delegation to protest the construction works. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror informed them that this was a security measure and that the location of the fortress was a crossing point belonging to the Turks, not the Byzantines or southerners. This provided security and eliminated pirates from Rhodes, Venice, Catalonia, and others who harmed Turkish and Byzantine trade, which should have pleased the Byzantine emperor.

However, the delegation insisted on their position, so Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror told them: "The places reached by the power I possess cannot be reached by the hopes of your emperor. While I will allow your return this time, if your delegations come again, I will have their skins flayed alive!"

Thus, he expelled them, and the emperor understood the situation. There is even a narrative that he sent food to the workers to appease the Sultan's anger.

Tourism in the Rumeli Hisar area and castle "Hisar Castle"

The castle attracts many tourists and is open daily except Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The entrance fee to the castle is 5 Turkish lira.

Other important information and topics, learn about them:

• Your comprehensive guide to Levent district in Istanbul.
• Taksim district in Istanbul and living and investing there.
• Learn about Sile district in Istanbul and its most important features.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©