Istanbul is alive with festivities today as it commemorates the 572nd anniversary of the 1453 Ottoman conquest of the city, a turning point in world history that ended centuries of Byzantine rule and marked the rise of one of the most powerful empires in history.

The city has rolled out an expansive program of cultural and public events spanning several days, blending tradition and modernity to honor the legacy of Sultan Mehmed II, the 21-year-old Ottoman ruler who led the historic campaign. The conquest, viewed as the symbolic end of the medieval era, is celebrated in Türkiye each year on May 29.

President Erdoğan to Attend Key Ceremonies

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to attend a commemorative event in the Beykoz district, where he will officially open a new public park in honor of the anniversary. He will also oversee the symbolic passage of Türkiye's first floating natural gas production vessel, the Osman Gazi, through the Bosphorus Strait, en route to the Black Sea. The vessel is expected to double the country’s gas production capacity, adding a contemporary economic milestone to this year’s historic commemoration.

SOLOTÜRK Air Show, Free Transit, and Cultural Events

Highlighting the celebrations, the Turkish Air Force’s SOLOTÜRK aerobatic team will deliver a dramatic airshow over Yenikapı Square, drawing crowds to the waterfront. Across the city, public transportation is free of charge for the day, and entry to the Panorama 1453 History Museum, which chronicles the conquest through interactive exhibits, is also free.

A public march from Edirnekapı to Saraçhane is planned, culminating in a live concert outside Istanbul Municipality’s headquarters. The festivities will extend into the weekend with family-friendly activities, children’s workshops, and guided tours of the historic Anatolian and Rumeli fortresses, which played pivotal roles in the 1453 campaign.

Historic and Religious Significance

The fall of Constantinople—renamed Istanbul after the conquest—holds deep significance in Islamic tradition, as it is believed to fulfill a prophecy by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who foretold its conquest by a “wonderful commander with a wonderful army.”

Sultan Mehmed II, later known as Fatih (The Conqueror), not only captured the city through strategic brilliance—including transporting Ottoman ships overland to bypass Byzantine defenses—but also ushered in an era of religious tolerance and cultural revival. His first act was to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque, symbolizing victory without vengeance.

Under his rule, Istanbul became a flourishing hub of Islamic scholarship, architecture, and diversity. He invited scientists, artists, and thinkers from across the empire to help rebuild the city as the new Ottoman capital.

Legacy in the Modern Era

Today, Istanbul remains a bridge between continents and civilizations, continuing to reflect the legacy of its conquest through art, architecture, and cultural resilience. This year’s anniversary also features lectures, including one in Sultanahmet on Mehmed II’s vision for the city, followed by a Turkish classical music concert.

Beyond Istanbul, the Black Sea city of Samsun kicked off early celebrations on May 28 with student performances, a traditional Mehter (Ottoman military band) march, and dramatic reenactments of the conquest.

As Istanbul celebrates 572 years since its transformation from the Byzantine capital to the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire, the city continues to honor not only a military triumph but a defining moment in the shaping of global history. (ILKHA)