On May 29, 1453, the Ottoman army under the command of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Constantinople, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire. This great event expanded and strengthened the borders of the Ottoman Empire and created great enthusiasm in the Islamic world. The conquest of Constantinople is considered an important turning point throughout history and is associated with the military genius and determination of Mehmet the Conqueror. This victory led to the Ottoman Empire experiencing its golden age in the 16th century, with Istanbul becoming the political and cultural center of the empire as the new capital.