29.05.2026 13:30
The celebrations organized for the 573rd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul drew great interest. While the performance of the Mehter band at Sultanahmet Square attracted intense attention from citizens, marches, boat convoys, SOLOTÜRK flights, drone shows, and various events will take place throughout the day.
Under the coordination of the Istanbul Governorship, the 573rd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul is being celebrated with various events across the city.
In this context, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, who visited the Tomb of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han in Fatih Mosque, was accompanied by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Vice President Nuri Aslan, 1st Army Commander General Bahtiyar Ersay, Istanbul Police Chief Selami Yıldız, and AK Party Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir. Speaking to journalists during the visit, Governor Gül stated that the anniversary of the conquest is being celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Gül said, "An era closed and an era began. We ask for God's mercy for all our soldiers and our elders who provided material and spiritual support, especially the great sovereign Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han, who was 21 years old. As a sign of these lands becoming a Muslim Turkish homeland with the conquest, our Sultanahmet and Süleymaniye mosques have survived to this day."
Gül, stating that they started the conquest program today by visiting the tomb in Fatih Mosque, said, "Afterwards, we will have a march from Beyazıt to Hagia Sophia. Our ships will present a visual feast in the form of a boat convoy from Sarayburnu to the Golden Horn. Later, at 18:00, our SOLOTURK aircraft will perform a show. Then at 20:30, a band team from the 1st Army Command of our General Staff will play various pieces for about half an hour in Üsküdar."
Gül expressed that as of 21:00, the conquest will be reenacted with drone shows, and they will end the day with fireworks.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN WILL MAKE A SPEECH
Gül, noting that there will be mehteran performances in various places, especially Sultanahmet, said, "We will decorate historical sites with photo and video shows. Our President will make a speech about the conquest celebrations in the Golden Horn after the Friday prayer. With the support of all institutions, the conquest will be celebrated more vibrantly this year than last year. We have prepared a program together to keep this spirit alive."
After the statement, Governor Gül prayed at the grave of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han.
INTENSE INTEREST IN THE SHOWS AT SULTANAHMET
The conquest of Istanbul is also being celebrated with shows at Sultanahmet Square. The crowd in front of the Hagia Sophia Mosque watched the concert of the mehteran unit affiliated with the Ministry of National Defense with interest. Drone and painting shows will take place later in the day. There is intense interest from citizens in the celebrations.