Learn all about The Conquest of Istanbul
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Turkey Series at TurkishClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Turkish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 15 - The Conquest of Istanbul. In Turkish, it’s called İstanbul'un Fethi. |
| The Conquest of Istanbul was the day on which Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was captured. It occurred on May 29,1453 by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, after a siege by the invading Ottoman Army. The conquest greatly altered the political and religious balance in Europe and solidified the emergence of the Ottoman Empire. |
| In this lesson, you are going to learn about the Conquest of Istanbul celebrations and this event’s importance in European history. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| Why do you think the Turkish name of this historical event is different in English? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Istanbul’s conquest altered the course of not only European history, but also global history. One of the most important states, the Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire, which had existed for over ten centuries, fell to the Ottoman Turks, or Osmanlı Türkleri. This event marks the end of the Middle Ages, and the beginning of the Renaissance, which lasted until the French Revolution. From this conquest onward, Mehmed became known as Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, or Fatih Sultan Mehmet. |
| One of the most ingenious strategies of the siege was when ships were launched from the land into the Golden Horn, or Haliç, a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus. The strategy was formed thanks to Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror’s innovative ideas, in which he ordered construction of greased logs across Galata, which is located at the northern shore of the Golden Horn. Ships were mounted on top of carriages. With the help of oxen pulling these carriages, all ammunition was transferred to the Golden Horn in one night. The idea of transporting the fleet overland into the Golden Horn was the defining moment of the siege. |
| Every year, the Conquest of Istanbul is celebrated in the Golden Horn-Balat region as a great, joyful triumph. Gigantic platforms are placed on the water, where music and lighting facilitate a magnificent laser show. Adding fireworks on top of everything, this event turns into a visual feast for spectators. Also, in military museums and several other locations, Ottoman military bands or Mehter, perform their traditional folk dance. |
| Due to the conquest of Istanbul, many scientists had to flee to Europe, thereby ushering in the Renaissance Movement. In that respect, the Conquest of İstanbul is also considered to be the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Why do you think the Turkish name of this historical event is different in English? |
| The Conquest of İstanbul was a big loss for the divine Holy Roman Empire, and for that reason it is called “The Fall of Constantinople”. However, since it was an enormous victory for the Ottoman Empire, in Turkish it is called “The Conquest of İstanbul”. This is a very good example of relativity, or görecelik, in history. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| What is the most important event that took place in your country’s capital city? |
| Leave us a comment letting us know at TurkishClass101.com. And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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