They welcomed 2026 by swimming in the icy waters of the Bosphorus

In Istanbul's Fatih district, at the Sarayburnu Coast, thegroup known as the 'Sarayburnu Conquerors,' who swim regardless of whether it is hot or cold, said 'hello' to the year 2026 in the same way. The group members threw themselvesinto the cold waters after counting down from 10. Swimming in theicy water, the groupwished for theworld in the new yearwished for health, peace, and happiness.

"We want a world where 8 billion peoplelive in peace, where weaponsdo not exist and do not explode."We want a world."

Yüksel Sönmez, one of the membersof the group that welcomed the year 2026 by entering the sea, said, "We are the Sarayburnu Conquerors. EveryWe have been swimming here for years.Just as we do every year,we will finish 2025 and enter 2026 right here. We are about to enter the water. We want a worldfilled with peace,happiness, tranquility, andbeauty. We want a worldthat is full of these things. May God grant everyone health, wellness, and well-being. May everyone be happy. We want peace in thisworld.peace and beauty. Let us livefor it. If 8 billion people were in peace,we want a world where weaponsdo not exist and do not explode.May the new yearbe auspicious," he said.

The group member Zihni Ademoğlu said, "We are the Sarayburnu Conquerors. We are entering the year 2026. Since 2025 passed in a state of war,wehopethat the year 2026will hopefully pass without war.We wish for childrento not dying, a world where this happens. From here, I wish everyone a 2026 filled with health and well-being," he said.

Stating that he wishes for peace and brotherhood, one of the group members, Ramazan Devalue, "First and foremost, we want peace and brotherhood in the world. From here, I have a piece of advice for all fellow swimmers. People who are not accustomed to it should not enter cold water. Since we have been swimming for years, the coldWe are accustomed to the cold water. We enter the sea in this cold weather. May 2026 be auspicious for us all," he said.

The group that welcomed the year 2026 by entering the cold water member Ahmet Ünsal said, "We are the Sarayburnu Conquerors. We swim all the time. We are all together here. We wish for many happyyears to come," he stated.