Istanbul’s Iconic Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge Lights Up with PH Flag Colors 

Istanbul PCG personnel pose with Istanbul’s third bridge on 12 June 2025 (Istanbul PCG photo). 

ISTANBUL 20 June 2025 — Istanbul’s iconic Yavuz Sultan Selim, a bridge connecting Europe and Asia, came alive in vibrant lights of blue, red, and white of the Philippine flag on 12 June 2025 in celebration of the 127th Philippine independence day. The lighting began at sunset (08:36 PM) until 20 minutes before sunrise (05:10 AM) on 13 June 2025. 

This year marks the second time that the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, also known as Istanbul’s third bridge, was illuminated in PH flag colors. The lighting of the Bosphorus bridges started in 2023 with Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, followed by the lighting of two bridges in 2024. 

Through this initiative, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul aims to raise awareness of the Philippines’ rich heritage and foster unity among diverse communities, as well as its commitment to serving its nationals wherever they are in the world. 

The historic event also highlighted the enduring friendship, shared history, and common aspirations for a brighter future between the Philippines and Türkiye, and the commitment to further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul thanks the Turkish Government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Highways, the Office of the Governor of Istanbul, and all the agencies involved in making this initiative possible. END 

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (Istanbul’s 3rd bridge) in Philippine flag colors (Istanbul PCG Photo).

For more information, visit https://istanbulpcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinIstanbul/.