Turkish president marks 573rd anniversary of Istanbul conquest, praises Fatih Sultan Mehmet

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday marked the 573rd anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul, honoring Sultan Mehmed II and the warriors who captured the historic metropolis in 1453 during a commemorative program organized by the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in the city.

From conquest to renewal

Speaking at the "From the Conquest of Istanbul to the Conquest of Hearts" event held at the Halic Congress Center, Erdogan said the 1453 victory represented "the transformation of darkness into light" in one of the world's most cherished cities — establishing lasting peace and security while promoting tolerance among different faiths. The conquest revived a metropolis that had fallen into decline and demonstrated what the Turkish nation could achieve in pursuit of its ideals, he noted. "On this meaningful day, I commemorate with mercy all of our elders who participated in the conquest 573 years ago," Erdogan said, honoring those martyred during the siege while also respectfully remembering the "glorious commander" who conquered Istanbul at age 21.

Legacy of Fatih Sultan Mehmet

Quoting the late historian Halil Inalcik, Erdogan highlighted how Sultan Mehmed II worked tirelessly to achieve the conquest before rebuilding Constantinople into a magnificent Turkish-Islamic city through foundations and public institutions. The president also cited the prophetic saying associated with the victory: "Constantinople will surely be conquered. What a wonderful commander will be the commander who conquers it, and what a wonderful army will be that army." He described the conquest as the brightest link in the chain of victories that began with the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 and noted that the episode in which Ottoman ships were transported overland into the Golden Horn reflected the sultan's determination and unwavering faith in victory against all odds.

Protecting Istanbul's heritage

Erdogan described Istanbul as the nation's "apple of the eye" since 1453 and criticized those who oppose the conquest's legacy, arguing that calls to alter the city's status or criticize its historical identity reflect an unresolved dispute with the conquest itself. Türkiye would continue to protect Istanbul as the legacy of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and draw inspiration from the conquest for future achievements, he stated. "If we truly believe, work, and persevere in the face of difficulties, there is no task we cannot accomplish and no goal we cannot reach," he said, invoking the spirit of the 21-year-old commander who captured the city against all odds.