H.E. President Gül's Message on the Occasion of the 557th Anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul
27.05.2010
Below is H.E. President Gül's message:
"Having great value and meaning to our nation, the Conquest of Istanbul was written in history as one of the turning points that have affected the future of humanity.
Embracing a number of civilizations, Istanbul became a model center under the rule of Mehmet the Conqueror where differences could live in harmony and different beliefs and cultures built an atmosphere of tolerance.
Istanbul, bearing a common memory, has been a city that has spearheaded cultures, arts, education, science and trade throughout history.
A junction that connects East and West, Istanbul with its rich and unique history represents not only the past but also the future.
Founded on its seven hills, Istanbul, the pearl of the Bosphorus, today shapes modern Turkey's social, economic, cultural and arts life and displays great development by protecting the country's historic and cultural richness.
The natural beauties and opulence of Istanbul, the 2010 European Capital of Culture, will mesmerize the whole world one again with the activities to be held.
Istanbul, the window onto a dynamic and powerful Turkey, will be entrusted to the next generations as the symbol of tolerance and fraternity, thus embracing the future as a legacy of which they will be proud.
I hereby remember the architect of this conquest, the great statesmen, Mehmet the Conqueror and the heroes of this conquest with tribute and extend my greetings to my fellow citizens."
"Having great value and meaning to our nation, the Conquest of Istanbul was written in history as one of the turning points that have affected the future of humanity.
Embracing a number of civilizations, Istanbul became a model center under the rule of Mehmet the Conqueror where differences could live in harmony and different beliefs and cultures built an atmosphere of tolerance.
Istanbul, bearing a common memory, has been a city that has spearheaded cultures, arts, education, science and trade throughout history.
A junction that connects East and West, Istanbul with its rich and unique history represents not only the past but also the future.
Founded on its seven hills, Istanbul, the pearl of the Bosphorus, today shapes modern Turkey's social, economic, cultural and arts life and displays great development by protecting the country's historic and cultural richness.
The natural beauties and opulence of Istanbul, the 2010 European Capital of Culture, will mesmerize the whole world one again with the activities to be held.
Istanbul, the window onto a dynamic and powerful Turkey, will be entrusted to the next generations as the symbol of tolerance and fraternity, thus embracing the future as a legacy of which they will be proud.
I hereby remember the architect of this conquest, the great statesmen, Mehmet the Conqueror and the heroes of this conquest with tribute and extend my greetings to my fellow citizens."
