Route of Sultan Mehmed II’s conquest of Trabzon determined by experts
The route used by Sultan Mehmed II’s land army during the conquest of Trabzon and the route walked by mercenaries who participated in the war between two brothers, the Persian Prince and his sibling, 2,400 years ago, has been identified by expert academics after years of research, despite being previously undetermined. (AA Photo)
A team of expert academics has successfully identified the route that Sultan Mehmed II, one of the most renowned Ottoman sultans, used to conquer Trabzon in 1461.
This groundbreaking research reveals the journey taken by Sultan Mehmed II and his army as they traversed the rugged landscape to reach the Black Sea port city.
The project, led by Professor Ismail Kose from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), focuses on the identification and mapping of historic routes.
Supported by the European Union’s COST Action Science and Technology Cooperation Program (SEADDA), and with contributions from KTU’s Technology Transfer Center, the study also aims to explore ancient paths used by the Persian Prince Cyrus the Great and his mercenaries in 401 B.C.
The findings are being presented to TUBITAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye).
Unveiling historical routes: From Persian Ten Thousand to Sultan Mehmed II
The primary goal of this two-year project was to uncover the paths followed by the ancient mercenaries known as “Onbinler” (The Ten Thousand) and the one used by Sultan Mehmed II during his siege of Trabzon in 1461.
The Ten Thousand were hired by Cyrus the Great during his attempt to seize power from his brother, Artaxerxes II.
According to Professor Kose, much of the route leading to Trabzon remains unknown. He explained, “The northern part of the route from Bayburt to Trabzon has not been documented, and while there are some references to the path taken by the Onbinler in 400 BCE, as well as to Sultan Mehmed II’s journey, no detailed field studies have been conducted to pinpoint the exact routes.”
Mapping journey: An integration of literature and fieldwork
The research team from KTU, Trabzon University, Atatürk University in Erzurum, and Gumushane University worked together to piece together the historic routes.
With a combination of ancient literature and on-the-ground surveying, the team was able to digitally map the routes followed by both the Onbinler and Sultan Mehmed II’s army.
“We focused on overlaying the geography with historical sources, aiming for a route accuracy of around 90%. While it’s not 100% precise, we have identified a plausible path for both the Onbinler and Sultan Mehmed II,” said Professor Kose.
Tracing ancient roads: Insights into region’s historic infrastructure
Associate Professor Osman Emir, a key member of the research team, highlighted the significance of the ancient road network.
He explained the routes used by the Ottoman army and the Onbinler remain largely unchanged in the region, making them crucial for understanding historical transportation.
“We conducted our research by examining the existing infrastructure, including ancient structures like castles, watchtowers, and inns, which have stood the test of time,” Emir added.
Tourism potential: Unlocking region’s rich history
During the research, the team uncovered several important historical and archaeological sites along the identified routes.
The discovery of castles, watchtowers, bridges, and inns provides evidence of the region’s rich history, which has the potential to attract tourists.
“The significance of these routes extends beyond their historical importance,” remarked Emir. “The sites along these paths, such as castles and bridges, have immense tourism potential. This research could pave the way for these historical routes to become major tourist attractions in Türkiye.”
Looking ahead: Future of cultural heritage, tourism
The team envisions the second phase of the project, which will focus on promoting these ancient routes as part of Türkiye’s cultural heritage and tourism initiatives.
By preserving and showcasing the region’s unique historical infrastructure, the project could boost local economies and offer a deeper understanding of the historical movements that shaped the region.
