Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday 9 August 2022, inaugurated the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games in the country's central Konya province.
A composition describing different periods of Turkish history and culture was demonstrated during the ceremony. At the end of the composition, the stadium turned red to depict the striking colour of Türkiye’s flag before the country’s rousing national anthem was blasted, building to a crescendo to ignite a firework display.
This marked the start of the Parade of Nations with Afghanistan leading the way as the countries came out in alphabetical order. All 56 countries competing at the Games entered the arena with hosts Türkiye marching last.
Aishath Himna Hassan and Ismail Vildan, the dual flag bearers led the Maldives contingent during the parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony.
More than 4,000 athletes from 56 countries will compete for 483 sets of medals in 24 sports at the Games, which are scheduled to last until 18 August 2022.
Photo credits: MOC Media / Ismail Thoriq
