[74519] Turkish President Erdogan Marks Istanbul Conquest Day with Prayer at Hagia Sophia

President Erdogan Marks Istanbul Conquest Day with Prayer at Hagia Sophia

On Friday, May 29, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held noon prayers at the Hagia Sophia-i Kebir Mosque as part of the anniversary events for the conquest of Istanbul. According to reports from TRT Haber, the President emphasized the city's importance to the Turkish nation, pledging to uphold the legacy left by Fatih Sultan Mehmet.

In a speech delivered after the prayer, Erdogan sharply attacked parties who he claimed "cannot digest" the site's transformation into a mosque. As published in A Haber, a media outlet affiliated with the ruling line in Turkey, Erdogan declared that "anyone who calls for a change in the status of Istanbul is a person who cannot digest the Quran being recited at Topkapi and the Adhan being called at Hagia Sophia."

In addition to the religious and national aspect, the President highlighted the significance of the historical victory of 1453. According to İhlas Haber Ajansı, Erdogan described the conquest of the city not just as a military victory, but as "turning darkness into light." The President is expected to continue the day's celebrations at a central event at the Haliç Congress Center, as reported in Haber Gündem.

Upon leaving the prayer, President Erdogan demonstrated a prominent public presence, handing out sweets to journalists on-site while emphasizing the festive nature of the evening expected in the city.