Video - The Legend of Süleyman Pasha's Rafts

It is rumored that in 1354, Orhan Gazi's son Süleyman Pasha and his commanders used rafts made by binding tree logs with calfskins while crossing the Dardanelles. This narration is accepted among Ottoman historians. However, if we look at previous cases, such a rumor should be approached with caution; because, although small, the Ottomans had ships. If Süleyman Pasha really used rafts, perhaps the reason was to avoid attracting attention or to cross the street quickly. Süleyman Pasha conquered Gallipoli and made it the base of the Ottoman navy. Although the Ottomans' step into the Rumelia side attracted the attention of Europe, they did not react at first because they considered this first conquest in Rumelia as hit-and-run actions by the Western Anatolian principalities. After a while, the rapid settlement of the Ottomans in the conquered places by transferring immigrants from Anatolia alarmed Europe and Byzantium, but Byzantium's efforts did not yield any results. Towards the end of Orhan Gazi's reign, the Crusaders thought and implemented various measures against the Turks. First of all, it was decided to constantly maintain a navy in Eastern waters. This navy, based in the very strong port of Izmir, tormented the people on the Anatolian coast for years. Another measure was the organization of a Crusade against the Ottoman Empire. Despite all the attempts, only Amadée, Count of Savua in France, responded positively to this invitation. They came with galleys and attacked Gallipoli. The Ottomans, who did not have a sufficient navy and skilled sailors, could not resist and were defeated. Gallipoli, thus lost, remained in Byzantine hands until 1376.