President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurates the Fatih Masjid in Yedikule Fortress

The President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, together with Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality, inaugurated Fatih Masjid within the Yedikule Fortress, one of the venues where the call to prayer was first heard after the conquest of Istanbul. This meaningful meeting once again demonstrated the importance attached to the preservation of historical heritage.

The President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, together with Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality, inaugurated Fatih Masjid within the Yedikule Fortress, one of the venues where the call to prayer was first heard after the conquest of Istanbul and stands out with its historical and spiritual value.

During the opening ceremony, the historical background of the masjid and its place in the memory of Istanbul were emphasised. Mr. Turan, the Mayor stated that this masjid, which hosted the first Friday prayer in Istanbul after the conquest, is not only a place of worship, but also one of the symbol structures of the new civilisation established in these lands. He emphasised that the building, which has been neglected for many years and has become dilapidated over time, is being rebuilt with great sensitivity by preserving its original identity.

Stating that as Fatih Municipality, they undertook the restoration with the support of a philanthropist compatriot, the Mayor, Mr. Turan said that they carried out this process with the understanding of ‘loyalty to the past, legacy to the future’. ‘We are proud to revive this precious work, located in the heart of Yedikule Fortress.’ he said, adding that the work is not only a physical repair, but also a loyalty to historical memory.

The restoration process of the masjid was carried out in the light of scientific reports and historical sources. A meticulous approach was adopted at every stage, from the structural system to the facade details, from the interior arrangements to the improvement of the surrounding areas. The handling of the building together with its surroundings also contributed to the historical texture of Yedikule Fortress.

During the inauguration, the President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan examined the works on site and thanked those who contributed. He emphasised that the responsibility of protecting and preserving historical buildings lies not only with local governments but with the whole society.

Thanks to this comprehensive work carried out by Fatih Municipality, Fatih Masjid within Yedikule Fortress came to life again. This revitalisation process has been memorable as a strong step towards carrying Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage into the future.