The Navy Days Exhibition, held in the Istanbul district of Kasımpaşa, was co-organized by the Beyoğlu Municipality and the Northern Sea Area Command and opened earlier this week at the exhibition hall of the Beyoğlu Municipality. The opening ceremony was overseen by district head, Osman Ekşi, Commander of Northern Sea Area Vice-Admiral Hasan Şükrü Korlu, various staff from the Turkish Army and local residents. Speaking at the inauguration, Beyoğlu Mayor Ahmet Misbah Demircan said that "Kasımpaşa has inherited the determination and will to strive against misconduct from Mehmed the Conqueror who launched his ships in the Golden Horn and captured Istanbul."Vice-Admiral Korlu echoed those sentiments, noting that Kasımpaşa is one of the most interesting districts in Istanbul for its Turkish naval history, underlining, "Kasımpaşa is an area which has played a crucial role in the establishment of Istanbul's identity as a harbor city for centuries - as well as the shipyard that holds great historical significance for the Turkish naval forces - and are not only the basis of a military understanding, but also the cornerstone of our culture. The Turkish Naval Forces experienced a golden age in Kasımpaşa and the importance of naval forces and seamanship are now reflected throughout the country as a result of what took place in Kasımpaşa."Korlu pointed out two buildings of significance - the Divanhane and the Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Paşa buildings - which are currently under construction. Both are monumental structures for Kasımpaşa, the vice-admiral noted, pointing out that these buildings are important for preserving naval traditions, cultural heritage and the longevity of the Turkish Naval Forces. "Preserving these buildings to keep our traditions, culture and history alive and protect the urban fabric should be our primary concern," Vice-Admiral Korlu said. After the speeches, Mayor Demircan, Vice-Admiral Korlu and the Head of Kasımpaşa district Ekşi, examined the artworks that are displayed at the exhibition. The exhibition, which features a total of 25 artworks, will be open until March 7.