Moscow: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday marked the 572nd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul by inaugurating four new 'nation's gardens' in the city. Speaking at a ceremony, Erdogan stated that the newly opened parks increase the total number of nation's gardens in Istanbul to 34, spanning more than 5.5 million square meters. He also noted that construction is ongoing for 20 more gardens as part of efforts to enhance green spaces throughout the Turkish metropolis.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the role of these nation's gardens as vital gathering points during disasters, highlighting their importance following the recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Istanbul, which resulted in injuries to at least 236 people in panic-driven incidents. In a separate social media post, Erdogan commemorated the 1453 conquest of Istanbul, lauding it as 'one of the most magnificent victories in our history.' He paid homage to Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, known as Mehmed the Conqueror, and his army 'with mercy, gratitude and respect.'

The historical conquest in 1453 signified the end of the Byzantine Empire and the emergence of the Ottoman Empire, as Sultan Mehmed II's forces captured the city after a 53-day siege, making it the empire's new capital.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan was also present at a ceremony for Trkiye's first floating natural gas production unit, Osman Gazi, as it set sail for the Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea. During the send-off ceremony at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, attended by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Erdogan underscored Trkiye's advancements in defense technologies, stating that the country is now sought after rather than seeking aid from others.

The Osman Gazi platform is anticipated to complete its journey through the Istanbul Strait in 11 hours and is scheduled to arrive at Filyos Port in Zonguldak on Trkiye's Black Sea coast by Sunday.