Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday greeted distinguished ships of the Turkish Navy passing through the Istanbul Strait. Trkiye's indigenously-developed and largest warship TCG Anadolu, the TCG Savarona, which is a legacy of the founder of the Republic of Trkiye Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, as well as the TCG Orucreis, TCG Istanbul, TCG Heybeliada, TCG Kalkan, TCG Alanya, TCG Sancaktar, and the TCG Hizirreis submarine, all transited the strait as part of the TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland parade.
According to Anadolu Agency, the parade began at Istanbul's Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and was followed by citizens traveling through several key districts, including Sariyer district center, Tarabya, Emirgan, Kanlica, Rumeli Hisari, the Kandilli-Bebek line, Ortakoy, and the July 15 Martyrs Bridge. President Erdogan observed the ceremony, which included the participation of multiple naval vessels, from his Dolmabahce Working Office.
The military crews on the ships saluted the Turkish president with a 21-gun salute and a traditional special maritime salute. Erdogan, standing in the open area of his office, waved to both the crew and the citizens attending the ceremony. He was joined by the Turkish first lady, Emine Erdogan, who was seen wearing white, the color associated with the Naval Forces Command.
The parade concluded after President Erdogan saluted the ships, marking the end of a significant display of naval strength and national pride. On the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Erdogan remarked on the event, stating, "Blue Homeland journey with our strong and powerful navy during our Victory Week, etched in history in golden letters."
In a separate post, Trkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran commented on the symbolic significance of the parade, particularly noting the return of the Savarona. "The return of the Savarona, which holds a distinguished place in our nation's historical memory, to the seas has become a symbol that renews our ties with the past and strengthens our sense of pride," Duran said. He further expressed confidence in Trkiye's future, emphasizing the inspiration and vision of the nation's youth as pivotal to its progress. "Trkiye's march toward a stronger future will continue, God willing, with even greater strength, fueled by the inspiration and vision of our youth. May our Victory Week be blessed in advance," he added.