‘Unchaining history’: Golden horn’s key role in Istanbul’s conquest
The conquest of Istanbul is a historically significant event that has left a profound impact on the collective memory of humanity. This pivotal event occurred under the leadership of Sultan Mehmed II, with strategic elements like the Golden Horn chain playing crucial roles.
Istanbul, then known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was besieged by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. During the siege, strategic defenses such as the Golden Horn were vital in the city’s efforts to repel the invaders.
Map showing the chain stretched across the Golden Horn
The Golden Horn was a narrow waterway that was a natural harbor of Istanbul and was located on both the European and Asian sides. Therefore, it had a strategic importance in the city’s defense.
The Golden Horn chain was built by the Byzantine Empire in the 8th century and fortified by the Venetian Bartholomeo Soligo on the orders of Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI Paleologos.
The chain’s main purpose was to prevent enemy navies from entering the Golden Horn and to protect the city against attacks from the sea. The Golden Horn Chain played a critical role in the city’s defense, especially during the Byzantine Empire.
Illustration by Tarik Tamyurek
Sultan Mehmed II, while making preparations for the conquest of Istanbul, understood the strategic importance of the Golden Horn chain. Before the siege, he determined the chain should be removed and made the necessary preparations for this.
The chain blocking the Golden Horn prevented the Ottoman navy from entering during the siege. Sultan Mehmed II prepared a great plan to overcome this obstacle and ensured that the Golden Horn chain was removed.
Map showing the chain stretched across the Golden Horn
On May 29, 1453, the conquest of Istanbul was achieved by removing the Golden Horn chain. The Turkish navy successfully breached this barrier, allowing them to enter the city. This pivotal action marked the conquest of Constantinople as a historic victory, solidifying the power of the Ottoman Empire. The removal of the Golden Horn chain exemplifies the successful execution of a critical strategic maneuver in the conquest.
Photo by Koray Erdogan, Türkiye Today, May 29, 2024
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Istanbul
The conquest of Istanbul was not only a military victory but also the result of a successful implementation of strategic planning and tactics. The removal of the Golden Horn chain was an important step that brought the city under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, the relationship of the Golden Horn chain to the conquest of Istanbul is of great historical significance.
Photo by Koray Erdogan, Türkiye Today, May 29, 2024
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Istanbul
The chain, which played a crucial role in the conquest of Istanbul by enabling the transport of ships over land, was displayed for a long time in the Halil Pasha Tower at Rumeli Hisari. During the repair of the fortress, the chain was transferred to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for conservation.
Photo by Koray Erdogan May 29, 2024
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Istanbul
The other chain parts are in the Harbiye Military Museum, Istanbul Naval Museum and Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
