Tatar issues message to commemorate conquest of Istanbul

President Ersin Tatar on Sunday issued a message marking the 569th anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul.

In his message, Tatar highlighted the importance of the date in history, stating that the fall of the city not only brought the end of the Byzantine Empire but was a watershed of the Late Middle Ages and is considered the end of the medieval period.

Remembering Fatih Sultan Mehmet who conquered the city with respect, he said that the Ottoman sultan had transformed Istanbul into a centre of tolerance for different religions, cultures and ethnicities.

“Istanbul which continues to carry the traces of the different civilizations it hosted is a source of inspiration for all from poets to writers and artisans as a result of its historic, cultural and natural wealth. It continues to develop today a centre for finance, trade, art, culture and beliefs, making it one of the most popular cities in the world,” the message read.

President Ersin Tatar concluded his message by remembering all the martyrs who died trying to take the city.