In the middle of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, stands the magnificent and iconic fortress called Rumeli Hisari. This fortress is a big part of the history of Istanbul as it served a crucial role in its conquest. Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II, this historic landmark continues to stand tall, not just as a relic of the past, but as a vibrant part of the city of Istanbul even now, attracting many visitors.
Rumeli Hisari wasn’t just built for aesthetic purposes, it played a crucial role in shaping the history of Istanbul. Rumeli Hisari, also known as Rumeli Fortress was constructed in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II, famously known as Mehmed the Conqueror.
Back in 1453, during the famous Siege of Constantinople, it served as a strategic stronghold for the Ottoman army. Its strong walls and towers were crucial for the victory for the Ottoman army. It was a significant part of our history as it served an important purpose in making Istanbul (known as Constantinople back then) a Turkish city and marking the end of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). It did this by serving as a key military stronghold, providing the Turkish forces with a strategic vantage point to blockade the Roman city and ultimately securing the victory for the Ottoman army. 
However, Rumeli Hisari still continues its relevancy and importance today for Turkey. Today, Rumeli Hisari is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world due to its historical significance and visually appealing architecture. From guided tours to cultural events, there’s always something happening within Rumeli Hisari that not only attracts local visitors butt visitors worldwide. I personally vividly remember visiting it as a kid, imagining its role in history. My visit to Rumeli Hisari was definitely a major factor in developing my interest in history.
The main reason for why rumeli hisari is still standing and relevant today is it’s restoration that occurred between 1955-1958. With this extensive restoration, the fortress was reinforced and turned into a museum. Thanks to this restoration, this important building is preserved and attracts visitors around the world.
In conclusion, Rumeli Hisari is more than just a simple fortress. It is an important relic with historical and cultural significance that has been preserved thanks to restoration efforts (which shows the importance of restoration for historical artifacts). It still is a building of awe and captivates many tourists as well as the inhabitants of Istanbul.
Sources:
Rumeli Fortress | Müze İstanbul (muze.gen.tr)
Great post! I really enjoyed your incorporation of images, and how they were both modern and historical images, that was very cool. Keep up the great work! 🙂