Which Ottoman sultan captured Constantinople in 1453?

Mehmed II captured Constantinople in 1453. The Ottoman sultan’s victory ended the Byzantine Empire’s control of its capital after a 53-day siege that concluded on 29 May.

Mehmed became sultan in 1451 and quickly prepared for the assault. He built Rumelihisarı on the European shore of the Bosporus, complementing the older Anadoluhisarı on the Asian side. These fortresses helped restrict movement through the strait and demonstrated that the siege was part of a broader strategy to control the city’s approaches.

The Byzantine defenders were led by Emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos, while Mehmed commanded a much larger Ottoman force equipped with powerful artillery. Ottoman troops breached the city’s land walls and entered Constantinople after sustained bombardment and fighting. Constantine XI died during the final defense.

Mehmed was only 21 at the time, earning the title “the Conqueror.” He made Constantinople the Ottoman capital and promoted its recovery as a major imperial center. Murad II was Mehmed’s father, while Suleiman the Magnificent ruled nearly a century later.