29.05.2026 15:01
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan performed the Friday prayer at the Hagia Sophia Mosque as part of the celebrations for the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul. Speaking after the prayer, Erdoğan stated that the excitement of the conquest would continue throughout the day, offered sweets to journalists, and declined a sweet offered to him by saying, "I am not eating."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived at the event venue to attend the celebrations for the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul. He was accompanied by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and protocol members.
President Erdoğan performed the Friday prayer at Hagia Sophia Mosque before the celebrations. After the prayer, Erdoğan made statements to the press, highlighting the conquest enthusiasm in Istanbul.
"IT'S PACKED TODAY"
Stating that citizens showed great interest in the celebrations, Erdoğan said, "We will have a celebration; it is currently packed. Today we had the opportunity to perform our prayer at Hagia Sophia. The participation there was magnificent. Thank God, there was a march from Fatih to Hagia Sophia, and the people of Istanbul performed Friday prayers here today."
"ISTANBUL WILL BE ESPECIALLY BEAUTIFUL IN THE EVENING"
Stating that the program will continue at the Halic Congress Center, Erdoğan said, "We are going to the Halic Congress Center. We'll be there during the day; Istanbul will be especially beautiful in the evening. Stars will put on a show, and we will celebrate it together. I want to congratulate you all in advance."
OFFERED DESSERT, SAID "I'M NOT EATING"
After his statements, President Erdoğan offered dessert to the press members. It was notable that when dessert was offered to him, Erdoğan responded, "I'm not eating."
Various events, shows, and celebration programs are being held throughout the city for the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul.