Spectacular opening for Paris 2024 Olympics in France

National athletes Busenaz Sürmeneli and Mete Gazoz carried the Turkish flag at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

In the Olympics, which will feature athletes from 204 countries and the Refugee Olympic Team, the founding country Greece was the first to pass. The parade, in which the 36-member Refugee Olympic Team took second place, continued in alphabetical order according to the French language.

Turkey appeared 190th in the parade, which covered a distance of over 6 kilometers, starting from under the Austerlitz Bridge and continuing along the Seine River to the Iena Bridge at the point where the Eiffel Tower is located.

Sharing the same boat as Tunisia, Turkey's flag was carried by Olympic champion national boxer Busenaz Sürmeneli and national archer Mete Gazoz. The national athletes greeted the spectators by waving the Turkish flags in their hands.

The A National Women's Volleyball Team did not participate at the request of head coach Daniele Santarelli.

FAMOUS NAMES TOOK THE STAGE

The opening ceremony, where France's historical and cultural riches were showcased, was the scene of colorful images.

More than 3,000 dancers performed spectacular shows on the banks of the Seine River in the ceremony, which was artistically directed by French director and actor Thomas Jolly.

The scenario prepared for the opening ceremony was well-received. In the prepared scenario, the Olympic Torch was brought to the Trocadero Square after a series of challenges.

In the scenario where the Olympic Torch was carried through iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Alexandre Bridge, and the Eiffel Tower, emphasis was placed on important cultural values such as Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the French Revolution, and "Marianne," who represents France's motto of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity."

The scenario featured famous French figures including Maurice Leblanc's novel character Arsene Lupin, novelist Colette, singer and songwriter Barbara, accordionist Yvette Horner, historical figure Joan of Arc, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist Marie Curie, writer Marcel Proust, the fictional character Cyrano de Bergerac penned by Edmond Rostand, mime artist Marcel Marceau, and US-born French citizen singer and actress Josephine Baker. Additionally, "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Musketeers" were also included in the scenario.

Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, Marina Viotti, Gojira, and Celine Dion took the stage during the parade.

INTENSE SECURITY MEASURES TAKEN

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was held under intense security measures.

Those entering the ceremony area, where thousands of police, soldiers, gendarmes, and private security personnel were on duty, were subjected to searches at many points.

While important parts of the city were closed to traffic and pedestrian crossing, only authorized vehicles were able to use these roads.

Citizens residing in this area of the city were also able to enter the zone using a special QR code system provided to them.

Disruptions in the organization also drew attention. Those who waited for a long time at checkpoints under the heavy rain reacted to the situation.

DIFFICULT MOMENTS DUE TO HEAVY RAIN

Press members and spectators experienced difficult moments during the ceremony, which was held under heavy rain.

Press members in the open-air grandstand created at Trocadero Square had difficulty performing their duties due to the heavy rainfall.

Many spectators and press members who got soaked in the rain had to leave the ceremony area.

During the opening ceremony, flowers were thrown into the Seine River from the boat carrying the Algerian delegation.

The delegation commemorated the hundreds of Algerians who were shot by French police on October 17, 1961, and whose bodies were thrown into the Seine River.

THEY DREW ATTENTION WITH THEIR COLORFUL OUTFITS

Some countries that will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games drew attention with their colorful outfits in the parade.

While these countries preferred outfits unique to their cultures, the outfits worn by Mongolia, the Republic of Ireland, Haiti, South Korea, Kenya, and Taiwan, in particular, attracted interest.

The Palestinian delegation also stood out with their flags and keffiyehs.

France's historic cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, closed its doors for the second time in its history to take part in the opening ceremony.

The cabaret, which began operations on October 6, 1889, had previously closed its doors only once before to perform a special show for Queen Elizabeth II of England. The Moulin Rouge received applause for its performance at the ceremony.

Turkish-origin sailor Sinem Kurtbay, who is part of the Finnish delegation, carried the Finnish flag at the opening ceremony.

Sinem Kurtbay was accompanied by Eetu Kallioinen, who competes in the shooting discipline.

On the other hand, star basketball player LeBron James carried the US flag.

OLYMPIC FLAG BROUGHT OVER THE SEINE RIVER

The Olympic flag was first brought to the Iena Bridge over the Seine River.

Later, French gendarme Florian Isser, who received the flag, crossed the bridge on horseback and arrived at Trocadero Square. The athletes carrying their countries' flags followed Isser on horseback and stepped onto the platform in the square.

OLYMPIC FLAME IN THE HANDS OF FAMOUS NAMES

In the final part of the ceremony, the flame of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games was lit.

The Olympic Torch was passed from hand to hand by names such as former French footballer Zinedine Zidane, Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, former US athlete Carl Lewis, former French basketball player Tony Parker, former Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, former French handball player Nikola Karabatic, former member of the French National Assembly Jean-François Lamour, French swimmer Florent Manaudou, former US tennis player Serena Williams, and former French tennis player Amelie Mauresmo, before being handed to 100-year-old French cyclist Charles Coste, who won a gold medal at the 1948 London Summer Olympics.

The Olympic flame was then lit by French judoka Teddy Riner and former athlete Marie-Jose Perec.