Constantinople before and after the latin occupation

Constantinople was the capital of Byzantine, the center of Orthodoxy, and the most magnificent city of the Middle Ages. At the same time, it was the largest city of its time in terms of its population, financial power, and area. The rivalry that emerged after the Council of Chalcedon had grown over the centuries, and both military and religious reasons gave rise to the idea of the elimination of Byzantine and the occupation of Constantinople. The problems experienced during the first three Crusades caused both sides to hate each other and during the IV. Crusade, the Young Alexios's request for help gave the Crusaders an opportunity to occupy the city. The Latin occupation has generally been regarded as a process in which the capital was plundered and the Eastern Roman heritage destroyed. In this thesis, we explained the situation, importance, and city life of Constantinople before the Latin occupation and examined the reasons for the pre-occupation Europe-Byzantine tension. After the occupation, we examined the importance of Constantinople, the damages it suffered, the actions of the Latin Kings, and the continuity of the city life. Despite losing much of its population, wealth, and splendor, Constantinople was still the capital of the Latins and the center of Byzantium. We also examined the dynasties that continued the Byzantine legacy and then described the recapture of Constantinople. As a result, after the city was taken back, there was no dramatic restoration, but an anti-foreign and introverted society emerged.