Nuri Aslan calls on TFF for the IMM Mehter Band

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan met at Saraçhane with the IMM Mehter Band, which enthusiastically supported the stands during the crucial match where Turkey defeated Romania in Istanbul in the 2026 World Cup Play-Off semi-finals. The group, part of the IMM Orchestras, received great appreciation for their performance during the match.

During the meeting held at the Saraçhane Service Building, Aslan expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the team's contribution to the success in the Turkey-Romania match. Touching upon the impact of the Mehter band on society, Aslan shared the emotional effect that Mehter music has had on him since his childhood. "You are the most beautiful expression of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's commitment to its traditions. Since we grew up with these melodies, an indescribable enthusiasm arises within us when Mehter music is played. We are proud of your success," he stated.

Recalling the march during the Conquest of Istanbul celebrations 572 years ago, Aslan highlighted the moral support provided by the Mehter band in the victory against Romania. Stating that they participated without hesitation upon the offer from the Turkish Football Federation before the match, Aslan explained the organizational process, saying, "When our support was requested to increase the motivation of our national team, I immediately consulted with my team members. We concluded that there was no public loss and that it would stir emotions."

Expressing his satisfaction with the performance displayed during the match, Aslan said, "When our footballers called for the spectators to cheer, our team immediately stepped in and increased the excitement in the stands. As a result, we achieved the victory."

Making a suggestion for the World Cup to be held in America during his meeting with the IMM Mehter Band, Aslan issued the following call:

"We have a young and strong team; we will show the same struggle at the World Cup in America. However, when motivation needs to be raised, the most effective team is definitely the Mehter band. I am calling out to the Turkish Football Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports from here; if a request comes, we would like to be by our national team's side as the IMM Mehter Band. As the IMM, we would be happy to experience this honor."

Stating that they want to show the emphasis on Turkish culture and history all over the world with the atmosphere created by the combination of Mehter melodies and football, Aslan said, "With the spirit of our ancestors, Fatih, and Istanbul; we have the potential to win every match in America and bring the World Cup to our country. The enthusiasm of the Mehter band on the field will add extra strength to our footballers."

At the end of his speech, underlining unity and solidarity, Aslan stated that the Mehter band contributes to the motivation of society and added the following:

"We are a heroic nation and we have a past full of historical victories. The Republic of Turkey will live forever and will write new success stories. We must reinforce our need for social unity and love with such events. Now is your time. You play, pass the enthusiasm to us, and let us build the bright future of our country together."