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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at the National Gardens Opening Ceremony in Istanbul, marking the 572nd anniversary of the city’s conquest on Thursday.
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s significant progress in the defense industry, noting that the country has shifted from waiting at others’ doors to becoming a nation whose door is now sought after.
He mentioned the recent deployment of the Osman Gazi vessel to the Black Sea, emphasizing that underwater explorations will allow Türkiye to extract natural gas, which will greatly benefit its citizens.
At the event held in Beykoz National Garden, Erdogan expressed pride in the historic importance of Istanbul’s conquest. He recalled the 53-day siege led by the 21-year-old Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han in 1453, a decisive victory that changed history. Erdogan paid tribute to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han and his army, highlighting their lasting legacy.
He described the conquest as a triumph of knowledge, determination, and faith.
The Ottoman army had besieged Istanbul four times before without success. Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who ascended the throne at 19, personally oversaw new military strategies, including transporting ships over land.
The first breach occurred at Topkapi, and by midday on May 29, Istanbul and Hagia Sophia became part of the Ottoman Empire forever. Erdogan stressed Istanbul’s unique contributions to civilization, culture, science, art, and architecture.
Erdogan also emphasized Fatih’s role as a brilliant scholar whose development of artillery transformed warfare and left a lasting mark on history. He connected this spirit of innovation to modern Türkiye’s advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), armed drones (SIHAs), unmanned submarines, and other technologies that continue to redefine warfare today.
Regarding Türkiye’s defense industry, Erdogan noted that the country no longer waits at foreign doors but has become a sought-after partner. The Osman Gazi ship’s deployment to the Black Sea is part of efforts to conduct underwater research and extract natural gas to improve citizens’ living standards.
Addressing young people, Erdogan stressed their responsibility to protect the homeland and honor those who sacrificed their lives.
He urged the youth to elevate and strengthen the Republic of Türkiye, building on a history of glorious victories. He expressed confidence that the nation’s future depends on their courage and resilience, entrusting them with shaping the “Century of Türkiye.”
Erdogan also spoke about environmental stewardship, describing nature as a sacred trust from God that must be preserved and improved for future generations.
He criticized opposition parties for inconsistent positions on environmental issues and contrasted this with Türkiye’s firm commitment to protect nature, inspired by Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s legacy.
Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s dedication to following in Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s footsteps, driven by confidence in its strength and potential.
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