SoloTürk F-16 Air Show Lights Up the Skies of Yenikapı on the 572nd Anniversary of the Conquest, with the Attendance of Mr. Gül, the Governor and Mr.

The SoloTürk F-16 air show, held in the skies over Yenikapı with the participation of Mr. Davut Gül, the Governor of İstanbul and Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality became a powerful salute drawn in the sky on the 572nd anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul—a tribute to history and a vivid expression of loyalty to the spirit of conquest.

The great victory achieved by Mehmed II the Conqueror on May 29, 1453, when he opened the gates of Istanbul, continues to be remembered with the same excitement and pride even after more than five centuries. The SoloTürk F-16 Demonstration Flight, organized on the occasion of the 572nd anniversary of the conquest, made this legacy once again visible in the skies above Yenikapı. Jointly coordinated by the Istanbul Governorate and the Fatih Municipality, the program brought the crescent and star together with the sky.

The event, attended by Mr. Davut Gül, the Governor of İstanbul and Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of İstanbul Municipality drew crowds of citizens to Yenikapı Square. The breath-taking show by the SoloTürk team of Turkish Air Force captivated spectators with its visual and auditory impact.

Following the event, the Mayor, Mr. M. Ergün Turan stated: “Our F-16 demo team SoloTürk conquered the skies today with their special performance commemorating the 572nd anniversary of the conquest. With its unique roar, it thrilled our ears; with its crescent-and-star maneuvers, it filled our hearts with pride. Our eyes were on the sky, and our hearts were filled with the spirit of the conquest.”

Throughout the show, SoloTürk pilots performed vertical climbs, sharp turns, and symbolic maneuvers that were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The crescent and star figure left behind by the jet especially captivated children and young spectators. A narration of the historical significance of the conquest was broadcast from the square’s sound system, highlighting Mehmed the Conqueror's determination, foresight, and vision of building a civilization.

The conquest of May 29, 1453, was not merely a military triumph; it marked the end of a dark age and the beginning of a new era illuminated by justice, knowledge, and wisdom. Carrying this spirit into the present is possible not only through official ceremonies but also through symbolic events that revive our collective memory. In this context, SoloTürk’s sky-written performance was seen as a meaningful tribute.

In his address during the event, Mr. Davut Gül, the Governor of İstanbul emphasized the importance of young people embracing their history and carrying it into the future with understanding. He noted that the show was not just an aerial display but also carried a strong message of national unity and solidarity.

This powerful salute over the skies of Yenikapı did more than commemorate the conquest; it offered one of the most impactful ways of keeping its memory alive and passing it on to future generations. At the end of the event, citizens expressed their appreciation and gratitude to all those who contributed to the organization.

This special program, organized in cooperation with the Istanbul Governorate and the Fatih Municipality, once again reminded the public of the spirit of the conquest through the crescent and star drawn in the heart of Istanbul’s skies. The traces left by SoloTürk in the air were etched into memory as symbols of loyalty to this land and devotion to history. The Conquest of Istanbul is not merely a historical date; it continues to be a shared source of identity and pride that is relived each year.