Presidency’s Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran shared his assessments of the events organised to mark the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of İstanbul.
Stating that the anniversary was commemorated through four separate events organised by the Directorate, Head of Communications Duran noted that the mapping and laser show at Rumeli Fortress highlighted the military genius and vision of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Emphasising that the conquest was not merely the acquisition of a city but also the construction of a civilisational vision, Head of Communications Duran said that the path opened by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror continues today through President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s vision of the Century of Türkiye.
Noting the strong public interest in the events, Head of Communications Duran stated that the spirit of the conquest would continue to be kept alive in the years ahead through a variety of programmes and activities.
Head of Communications Duran followed the video-mapping show organised by the Directorate to mark the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of İstanbul, together with members of the press, from a boat.
Meanwhile, the video-mapping display depicting the Conquest of İstanbul, projected onto landmark historical structures across the city, drew significant public interest during commemorations marking the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of İstanbul.
The enthusiasm generated by the events, organised to preserve the spirit of the conquest, keep historical memory alive, and pass on Türkiye’s deep-rooted cultural heritage to future generations, was reflected across the city through illuminated displays.
The visual presentation projected onto Rumeli Fortress, depicting the conquest of İstanbul by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, was followed with great interest by citizens.
Those gathered along the shoreline recorded the memorable moments on their mobile phones.
In a post shared on his NSosyal account regarding the celebrations, Head of Communications Duran stated:
“On the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of İstanbul, the great legacy embodied by this cherished city was once again etched into our collective memory through a range of events.
As part of the programmes organised under the auspices of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, the spirit of the conquest was once again felt throughout İstanbul through the Conquest of the Mind digital experience space, video mapping displays, and mehter concerts held across various parts of the city.
Throughout this extensive programme, stretching from Sultanahmet Square to Rumeli Fortress and from Kadıköy to Eyüpsultan, not only the military genius of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror but also the importance he attached to knowledge, thought, and civilisational development was recalled through a powerful narrative.
The video-mapping display projected onto the walls of Rumeli Fortress vividly recreated historical scenes, from the transport of ships overland to the breaching of the city walls. It also highlighted the connection between this great legacy and its ongoing journey in present-day Türkiye through advances in technology, science, and culture.
The programme titled From the Conquest of İstanbul to the Century of Türkiye: 1453 Young Huffaz, 1453 Complete Qur’an Recitation was particularly meaningful. Held at the Fatih Mosque, the programme revived the spiritual atmosphere of the conquest through recitations from the Holy Qur’an and prayers upon the completion of the Qur’an. The recitations and prayers offered by our young huffaz served as a powerful bridge carrying the sacred legacy of our ancestors into the future.
These comprehensive events held on the anniversary of the blessed conquest stood as a powerful reflection of the Century of Türkiye vision, which, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, embraces and preserves its history, culture, and civilisational values. Bringing the spirit of the conquest together with the opportunities of the modern age, these meaningful events once again reinforced our nation’s civilisational consciousness and historical awareness as it advances towards the future inspired by its past.
I once again commemorate with mercy, gratitude, and profound appreciation our heroic ancestors who conquered İstanbul.”