Suleiman Baltoghlu

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Life

Turkish Admiral in the 15th Century. 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 Mehmet 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 Mehmet 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 Mehmet spare his life.

Legacy

However, he was stripped of titles, land, and wealth. He died in obscurity and poverty. Some even believe that he became a simple sailor in the fleet.

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Last updated on Monday February 25, 2008 at 19:38:23 PST (GMT -0800)
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