Istanbul commemorates the 572nd year of the conquest with a lively series of events.
Istanbul celebrated the 572nd anniversary of its Ottoman conquest on May 29, marking a significant historical milestone with a grand program of events. The city, steeped in history, vibrantly honored its rich past while demonstrating a forward-looking spirit.
Highlights of the celebrations included a commemorative ceremony graced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Beykoz district. There, he inaugurated a new public park and paid tribute to Sultan Mehmed II, the young Ottoman ruler who conquered the city in 1453, ending over a thousand years of Byzantine rule.
Another notable event was the symbolic debut of Turkey's first floating gas production unit, Osman Gazi. The vessel, which will double natural gas production in the Black Sea, passed through the Bosphorus during the celebrations. President Erdogan attended the send-off ceremony, signifying the dual commemoration and progress in Turkey's energy sector.
The iconic SOLOTÜRK aerobatic team added a visual spectacle to the day's events with their performance at Yenikapı square.
Soltanahmet hosted a talk on Mehmed the Conqueror's vision for Istanbul, followed by a Turkish classical music concert. Moreover, family-oriented events were held at Saraçhane Park over the weekend, including children's games and workshops.
The celebrations stretched into the weekend, with guided tours of historical fortresses and more family-friendly activities. The journey traced the start and end points of the 1453 conquest campaign, offering insights into that seminal moment in history.
The commemorations began a day earlier in the Black Sea province of Samsun. Student performances, including an Ottoman military band march and a dramatic presentation on Mehmed II's life, marked the occasion in Samsun.
These celebrations serve as a testament to Istanbul's historical importance and Turkey's continuing progress, transforming the city into a bustling metropolis that straddles Europe and Asia.
Politics and general news in Istanbul were centered around the 572nd anniversary celebrations of the city's Ottoman conquest. The event marked a significant historical milestone and showcased Turkey's progress, particularly in its energy sector with the debut of the Osman Gazi floating gas production unit.
