Şahi Cannon Fire Animation

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The Cannon of Mehmed II, a massive bronze split cannon, is housed in the Fort Nelson Museum. Cast in two pieces for easy transportation, the cannon was a novelty in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II, an avid fan of firearms, this cannon devastated enemy ships attempting to breach Ottoman seas. It was created by skilled designers and engineers like Saruca Usta and Muslihiddin Usta, as well as non-Muslim craftsmen dissatisfied with Byzantine treatment. The cannon weighs 18 tons, has an overall length of 5.23 meters, and a diameter of 0.635 meters. Its breech is shorter and slightly smaller in diameter than the chase, both parts featuring intricate mouldings and ornamentation. Inscribed in Arabic, it reads "Help O Allah. The Sultan Mohammed Khan son of Murad. The work of Kamina Ali in the month of Rejeb. In the year 868 (CE. 1464)." The cannon was eventually gifted to Queen Victoria by Sultan Abdulaziz and now resides in the Fort Nelson Museum after a series of transfers between museums.