The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has marked the 573rd anniversary of the Ottoman liberation of Istanbul, describing the event not only as a great military victory, but also as a historical turning point that brought peace, security and revival to the city, reports Anadolu.

Speaking at the program “From the liberation of Istanbul to the liberation of hearts”, organized by the Istanbul branch of the Justice and Development Party (AK) at the Halic Congress Center, Erdogan commemorated those who participated in the liberation of 1453 led by Sultan Mehmed II, known as Fatih Sultan Mehmet.

“On this significant day, I remember with mercy all our forefathers who participated in the liberation of Istanbul 573 years ago and who were martyred or became veterans on the city walls,” he said. Erdogan.

“I also remember with respect that glorious commander who liberated Istanbul at the age of 21. May the 573rd anniversary of the liberation be blessed and happy,” he added.

Erdogan said the liberation was “not just a great victory” or an event that “opened and closed an era,” but “the transformation of darkness into light in one of the most precious cities.” of the world”.

He said he brought lasting peace and security, promoted tolerance of people of different backgrounds and faiths, and revived a city that had fallen into decline.

Quoting the late historian Halil Inalcik, Erdogan said Sultan Mehmed II worked tirelessly to liberate and then rebuild Constantinople as a great Turkish-Islamic city through endowments and institutions. public.

Erdogan also referred to the prophetic saying often associated with the liberation of Constantinople: “Constantinople will definitely be liberated. What a wonderful commander will be the commander who will liberate it, and what a wonderful army that army will be.”

He described the liberation as the brightest link in the chain of victories that began with the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 and said it showed what the Turkish nation can achieve in pursuit of its ideals.

Referring to the famous episode when Ottoman ships were transported overland to the Golden Horn, Erdogan said that this action reflected Sultan Mehmed’s determination and belief in victory.

He said that Istanbul has been the “apple of the nation’s eye” since 1453 and criticized those who, according to him, still oppose the legacy of liberation. He argued that calls to change Istanbul’s status or criticism of the city’s historical identity reflect an unresolved dispute with this legacy.

The Turkish president said Turkey will continue to protect Istanbul as the legacy of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and draw inspiration from the liberation for future achievements.

“If we truly believe, work and persevere in the face of difficulties, there is no task we cannot accomplish and no goal we cannot achieve. we can achieve it,” he said, referring to Sultan Mehmed’s famous determination to liberate the city.

Source: prizrenpost