29.05.2026 20:40
As part of the 573rd anniversary celebrations of the conquest of Istanbul, the Turkish Armed Forces' demonstration team SOLOTURK performed a breathtaking salute flight over the skies of Istanbul. During the event held at Yenikapı, attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and thousands of citizens, the pilots' high-tempo acrobatic maneuvers offered a visual feast in the sky. The excitement of the conquest reached its peak during the show, which the citizens watched with great pride.
The pride of the Turkish Armed Forces, the demonstration team SOLOTÜRK, delivered an unforgettable performance over the skies of Istanbul as part of the 573rd anniversary celebrations of the conquest of Istanbul.
In the event, enthusiastically followed by thousands of citizens at Yenikapı, SOLOTÜRK pilots captivated the audience with high-tempo acrobatic maneuvers performed over the Bosphorus and its surroundings.
SENIOR CITY OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS GATHERED AT YENIKAPI
This magnificent celebration, held at the Yenikapı Event Area, was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Acting President Nuri Aslan, Fatih District Governor Cafer Sarılı, and numerous citizens of all ages. Filling the area with Turkish flags, Istanbulites watched with excitement as SOLOTÜRK painted the sky like a canvas with their challenging maneuvers.
GOVERNOR GUL: "A BRIGHT MILESTONE THAT CLOSED THE DARK AGE"
Addressing the citizens at the event, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül conveyed the greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and congratulated both the conquest of Istanbul and Eid al-Adha. Emphasizing the significance of the conquest in world history, Governor Gül stated:
"The conquest of Istanbul is a history written in gold letters, a source of pride for us and the world. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and his soldiers built a new civilization on these lands with freedoms, peace, and science, closing the dark age and ushering in an enlightened era. I pray to God for mercy for all our martyrs and heroic veterans who brought this homeland to these days."
"I WANT TO BE A PILOT"
Citizens watching the visual feast in the sky experienced both pride and happiness. Hilal Taşçı, who watched the show with her family, expressed great pride in being Turkish, while her son Ali Eren Taşçı said he is very interested in planes and wants to be a pilot when he grows up. Yağmur Elemir, another spectator, said, "I am proud of my nation. I am very lucky to be born in this country," expressing the joy of the conquest.
Here are frames from that breathtaking show: