ISTANBUL FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTS WITH 16 MILLION ISTANBULITES UNDER THE VISION OF "PREVENTION FIRST"
The Istanbul Fire Department is celebrating its 312th anniversary. Our organization, which works 24/7 for the well-being of Istanbul’s 16 million residents, is coming together with citizens through events scheduled for September 21–25, 2026.
Our Focus: An Istanbul That "Prevents" Rather Than Just "Extinguishes"
We will be out in the field with our training vehicles at key squares on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul (Eminönü, Üsküdar, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, Bakırköy, Maltepe, Beylikdüzü, Tuzla, Taksim, and Ümraniye). Through free awareness training sessions held between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, our teams will explain—in practical and clear language—the immediate actions to take during emergencies, all without causing panic.
Strength Rooted in History, Technology Advancing into the Future
Our deep-rooted heritage—spanning from the traditional *tulumbacı* (historical manual fire brigades) to today’s cutting-edge technology—is coming to the public squares. We are keeping our traditions alive with the "Historical Tulumbacı" ceremony to be held at the historic Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Sultanahmet, and Bakırköy; meanwhile, a special event in Sultanahmet will once again showcase the operational speed of our modern fire department alongside these historical figures.
A Tribute to Our Heroes
As emphasized by our Head of the Fire Department, Remzi Albayrak, the foundation of this century-long trust lies in the dedication of our firefighters, who perform their duties at the risk of their own lives. As a reflection of our institutional sense of gratitude, the families of our cherished martyrs will be visited throughout the week; on Friday, our heroes will be commemorated with prayers during a memorial ceremony and a *Mevlid-i Şerif* (religious service) at the Edirnekapı Firefighters' Martyrs' Cemetery. Meanwhile, our valued colleagues who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in the line of duty will be honored with "Firefighter of the Year" and "Staff Member of the Year" awards. Additionally, a visit to the Firefighting Museum in Beşiktaş will be organized to refresh our organization's visual history.
We would be honored to welcome all residents of Istanbul to our events. ISTANBUL FIRE DEPARTMENT 312th ANNIVERSARY EVENT PROGRAM
Monday, September 21, 2026:
10:00 – Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Taksim Republic Monument
11:00 – Public Awareness Training via Mobile Training Units (European Side: Eminönü Square | Anatolian Side: Üsküdar Square)
13:30 – Visits to the Families of Fallen Firefighters
14:00 – Historical *Tulumbacı* (Traditional Firefighter) Ceremony (Historic Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar)
Tuesday, September 22, 2026:
10:00 – Public Awareness Training via Mobile Training Units (European Side: Sultanahmet Square | Anatolian Side: Kadıköy Square)
13:30 – Visits to the Families of Fallen Firefighters
14:00 – Performances by *Tulumbacıs*, Modern Firefighters, and the *Mehteran* (Janissary) Band (Sultanahmet Square)
Wednesday, September 23, 2026:
10:00 – Public Awareness Training via Mobile Training Units (European Side: Bakırköy Square | Anatolian Side: Maltepe Republic Square)
14:00 – Historical *Tulumbacı* Ceremony (Bakırköy Square)
Thursday, September 24, 2026:
10:00 – Public Awareness Training via Mobile Training Units (European Side: Beylikdüzü Square | Anatolian Side: Tuzla Coastal Park)
10:30 – Firefighter of the Year and Staff Member of the Year Award Ceremony (Fire Department Headquarters)
13:30 – Visits to the Families of Fallen Firefighters
Friday, September 25, 2026:
10:00 – Awareness Training via Mobile Training Units (European Side: Taksim Square | Anatolian Side: Ümraniye Bazaar)
11:00 – Visit to the Firefighters' Martyrs' Memorial (Edirnekapı)
12:00 – Recitation of the *Mevlid-i Şerif* (Religious Commemoration) for Fallen Firefighters (Firefighters' Martyrs' Mosque / Fatih)
13:30 – Visits to the Families of Fallen Firefighters
14:00 – Visit to the Firefighting Museum (Yıldız Neighborhood, Çitlembik Slope / Beşiktaş)
Note: Awareness training sessions using mobile training units will be conducted continuously between 10:00 and 17:00 at the specified locations and squares.
