SOLOTÜRK’s Commemorative Flight Over Istanbul Strait Marks Historical Anniversary
Istanbul, May 28, 2026 – The Turkish Air Force’s aerobatic team, SOLOTÜRK, captivated audiences with a commemorative flight over the Istanbul Strait yesterday, May 28, 2026. The breathtaking display was part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 573rd anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han, an event that heralded the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the New Age. The flight served as a prelude to a larger airshow scheduled for May 29, 2026, at Yenikapı Square.
The flight, which integrated seamlessly with the deep blue sea and sky, left spectators in awe. SOLOTÜRK, known for its numerous domestic and international performances with F-16 jets, created unforgettable moments for those witnessing the spectacle.
Preparations for the Yenikapı Airshow
Prior to the main airshow at Yenikapı Square, SOLOTÜRK conducted a familiarization flight over the area and the commemorative flight over the Istanbul Strait. Lieutenant Colonel Murat Bakıcı, SOLOTÜRK Team Leader, and Air Pilot Major M. Erhan Aydemir, are set to lead the team in delivering a series of captivating aerial maneuvers for the public.
Public Reactions: Pride and Hope for the Future
The event garnered significant public interest, with many expressing immense pride and hope. Coşkun Akboğa, who traveled a considerable distance with his children to witness the display, stated, “We came, we saw. We came from afar because my children wanted to.”
Kaan Emre Gündoğan, another spectator, shared his sentiments: “We are very proud here today. We came to watch SOLOTÜRK, Turkish aviation. We are watching SOLOTÜRK with pride. There are viewers from various parts of our country, citizens from different provinces and districts. We are watching SOLOTÜRK with great pride.”
A retired member of the Turkish Armed Forces, who traveled from Kartal with his family, expressed his deep pride: “Our pride, the Turkish Armed Forces. I am also retired from the Turkish Armed Forces. We came to watch, I will watch today and tomorrow.”
Abdulmennan Çiçek, who came from Kağıthane with his children, highlighted the inspirational aspect of the show: “When we watched the SOLOTÜRK show, we felt proud and hopeful for our future generations. We are very proud here today. We watched SOLOTÜRK, Turkish aviation, with pride here. It is a proud event that demonstrates our country’s achievements in aviation, and we are hopeful and proud for the future. This is a very proud and beautiful feeling for the Turkish nation.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators
The SOLOTÜRK performance also served as a source of inspiration for students from Istanbul Rumeli University’s Aviation Management department, who call themselves ‘Solo Youth’. Timur Küçükgüner, a student in the pilotage department, expressed his ambition to become a SOLOTÜRK pilot after completing his education, acknowledging SOLOTÜRK as one of the world’s leading teams.
Furkan Helvacı, another student with a passion for aviation, spoke of his admiration for SOLOTÜRK’s flights and performances. Beyza Mengi emphasized how SOLOTÜRK’s display broadened their horizons, stating that as young people passionate about aviation, they aspire to study and become excellent pilots.
The main SOLOTÜRK airshow is scheduled to take place at Yenikapı Square on May 29, 2026, at 18:00.
