Suleiman Baltoghlu

Baltoghlu Suleiman (Turkish: Baltaoğlu Süleyman or Süleyman Baltaoğlu) was an Ottoman admiral in the 15th century, of Bulgarian origin. He led the Turkish fleet against the Byzantines in 1453 during the final siege of Constantinople. Famous for the naval battle in which four Christian ships took on his entire fleet and managed to win and escape. Sultan Mehmed II was so angered during the defeat that he rode his horse into the sea screaming at Baltoghlu. When the battle ended, Baltoghlu was brought in front of Mehmed who promptly ordered that he be executed. Only after the pleading of his subordinates who told of Baltoghlu's great bravery during the battle in which he had even been wounded in the eye did Mehmed spare his life. However, he was stripped of titles, land, and wealth. He died in obscurity and poverty.^[1] Some even believe that he became a simple sailor in the fleet.

Popular culture

Süleyman Pasha is played by Hüseyin Santur in Turkish film Fetih 1453. After his failure to enter Golden Horn during siege of Constantinople, he is banished by Sultan Mehmed II (Devrim Evin).
Baltoghlu is a character in the game Legendary Warriors, where his history is changed so that he doesn't die after his disgrace at Constantinople, but continues to serve as an Ottoman general until he is killed by Vlad the Impaler. Another mistake is that, in his fight against the Christian ships, he injures the enemy captain, Andreas's eye, instead of the other way around. He is portrayed as a long-serving Ottoman admiral whose judgment was highly valued. He is also shown to be a very strong fighter. He wields a billhook.

References

↑ Runciman, Steven (1965). "Chapter VI: The Siege Begins". The Fall of Constantinople 1453. Cambridge University. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-521-39832-9.

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