Rumeli Fortress Rumeli Castle is a historic fortress located on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait. It was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, also known as "Mehmed the Conqueror," in 1452 as a strategic element of his campaign to conquer Constantinople. Positioned opposite another Ottoman stronghold, Anadolu Castle, which was built in 1394 by Bayezid I, both castles were designed to block military and commercial support from reaching Byzantium through the Black Sea. The fortress features three large towers, one smaller tower, and thirteen minor towers, all of which remain remarkably well preserved. Following the conquest of Constantinople, Rumeli Castle functioned as a customs checkpoint, regulating the movement of ships through the strait. Its strategic role diminished after additional fortresses were constructed further along the Bosphorus, near its junction with the Black Sea. In the 17th century, Rumeli Castle was repurposed as a prison, primarily holding foreign captives from wars. It experienced partial damage due to an earthquake in 1509, but repairs were quickly made. The fortress underwent reconstruction and restoration under Sultan Selim III (1761-1807) and later served as a residential area during the 19th century. Eventually, it was abandoned and ceased to be used during that century. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Rumeli Fortress, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via Whatsapp, and we will reply as soon as possible.