Istanbul
The celebrations for the 560th anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul started on Wednesday with prayers and visits to the tomb of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul.
Following Quran recitation by the imam of Fatih Mosque and prayers for Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, traditional drinks from Ottoman time and Turkish delight was served to the people.
Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu stated they remembered Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror with deep gratitude and said, "It is a divine grace that such a great city as Istanbul belongs to our nation. We are aware of the beauty and sacredness of this city and regard serving the people of this city as honourable. We wish God's mercy and grace to our ancestors who made us feel proud of our history."
Mehmed the 2nd or widely known as Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was a Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
At the age of 21, he conquered Istanbul and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire, transforming the Ottoman state into an empire.
