Nigeria has extended warm congratulations to the Republic of Türkiye as the country marks the 572nd anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople, a monumental event in world and Islamic history. The milestone, which commemorates the moment when the then 21-year-old Sultan Mehmed II, famously known as Sultan Al-Fātiḥ (The Conqueror), led the Ottoman army to capture the ancient Byzantine capital, is being celebrated across Türkiye and the broader Muslim world.
The historic event took place on May 29, 1453, and is widely regarded as a defining moment in the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the evolution of Islamic civilization. The fall of Constantinople, which was then the stronghold of the Byzantine Empire and a symbol of Eastern Christianity, marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of a new era in both European and Islamic histories.
Sultan Mehmed II, a direct descendant of the legendary Ertuğrul Gazi, the father of Osman I—the founder of the Ottoman dynasty—emerged as one of the most formidable military and strategic leaders in Islamic history. His successful campaign not only established Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe but also elevated Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) as the new capital of the Caliphate, positioning it as a center of Islamic learning, governance, and culture for centuries to come.
The conquest, which was achieved after a prolonged siege and the deployment of advanced military strategies, including the use of massive cannons and naval blockades, marked the beginning of a new Islamic golden age under the Ottoman Caliphate. It also fulfilled a prophecy attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who had foretold the fall of Constantinople to a righteous leader and army.
Today, May 29 is observed annually in Türkiye with patriotic fervor, historical reenactments, and national pride, as citizens remember the bravery, faith, and vision of Sultan Mehmed II and his men. The anniversary remains a symbol of resilience, unity, and strategic foresight, and continues to inspire many in the Islamic world and beyond.
As Türkiye marks this milestone, Nigeria joins in celebrating the legacy of this epochal victory and the enduring cultural and spiritual impact it had on the Muslim world. The friendly relations between both nations, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, remain strong as they continue to collaborate on various fronts, including diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
The celebration of the 572nd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul serves as a powerful reminder of a pivotal chapter in global history, one that reshaped continents, faiths, and civilizations for generations to come.