Rumeli Fortress, also known as Rumeli Hisarı or Bogazkesen in Turkish, is a magnificent historical structure perched on the European shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. This imposing fortress stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and the strategic importance of the Bosphorus Strait.

Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror built Rumelian Castle in the narrowest point of the channel to control the Bosphorus in 1452, a year before the conquest of Istanbul. Rumeli Fortress ( Bogazkesen) was built in a short time like four months. It aimed to block the aids coming to the Byzantine from Anatolian Castle across the shore.

Castle consists of three big towers, smaller bastions between them and walls. Minaret body seen from the courtyard of the castle remains from the mosque built the Conqueror period and collapsed in 1907.Stage platform next to the minaret hosts concerts of famous artists in summer.There are also cisterns under the platform.

Today, Rumeli Fortress has been wonderfully restored and serves as an open-air museum and a venue for various cultural events and concerts. Its extensive green grounds, adorned with centuries-old trees and panoramic views of the Bosphorus, make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The fortress also plays a vital role in Istanbul’s history and culture, being a testament to the unification of different civilizations. It stands as a symbol of the Ottomans’ determination to conquer Constantinople and is often linked to the events leading up to the fall of the city in 1453.

Visiting Rumeli Fortress is not only a historical journey but a chance to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and relive the strategic importance of the Bosphorus Strait. It is a living testament to the glorious past of Istanbul and its role in shaping the course of history in the region.