In 1453, the legendary city of Constantinople, a vibrant center of Eastern Christianity and commerce, faced its dramatic end. As the jewel of the Byzantine Empire, it remained a coveted prize due to its strategic location. The expanding Ottoman Empire, under the command of Sultan Mehmed II, launched a relentless siege in April. Despite the desperate defense by the Byzantines, employing the formidable Theodosian Walls, the city’s fate was sealed. On May 29th, Mehmed’s forces breached the defenses using massive cannons, leading to the fall of Constantinople. This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of Ottoman dominance. From the ashes, Istanbul emerged, becoming a crucial bridge between East and West and forever altering the geopolitical landscape. The fall of Constantinople remains a pivotal chapter in history.
