Turkey marks 573 years since the conquest of Istanbul with state events and a drone show

573rd Anniversary Celebrations of the Conquest of Istanbul

Turkey marked yesterday, May 30, 2026, the 573rd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul. As part of the celebrations, a spectacular light show took place in the Yenikapı district, using 1,453 drones to draw symbols of monarchy and history in the city's sky, as reported by TRT Haber and Haber Gündem.

At the same time, additional events were held throughout the city. According to Haber X, the Turkish Presidency's communications service projected special video mapping displays on the Rumeli Hisarı walls. Additionally, during the 'From the Conquest of Istanbul to the Conquest of Hearts' conference held at the Haliç Congress Center, a reconstructed helmet inspired by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror's hat was presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In a speech he delivered at the events, President Erdoğan stated: "Just as we broke the chains on the doors of Hagia Sophia, so shall we draw inspiration from the blessed conquest and sign our names to new victories". The President attacked those who question the status of Istanbul, noting that they are the ones who cannot come to terms with the reading of the Quran at Topkapı or the sounds of the muezzin at Hagia Sophia.

The Turkish defense establishment also joined in marking the occasion. According to Türk Savunma Sanayi Haberleri, the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) released a statement highlighting the legacy of engineering and military production that stretches from the historic 'Tophane-i Amire' foundry to the cutting-edge technologies of today.