In his message commemorating the 573rd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul, President Erdoğan stated, "I remember Sultan Fatih and all the soldiers of his heroic army with mercy, gratitude, and thankfulness."
The 573rd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul was celebrated with magnificent events on land and at sea. The program began with prayers at the tomb of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, followed by a march of tens of thousands from Beyazıt to Hagia Sophia, and then a massive conquest procession of 120 ships in the Bosphorus.