A Turkish man inspired by legendary 17th century Ottoman aviator Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi will attempt to achieve a sustained unpowered flight over the Bosporus using an unprecedented method involving BASE jumping as part of the European Outdoor Film Tour (EOFT) in Istanbul.
BASE jumper Cengiz Koçak will make the attempt to fly from Galata Tower in Istanbul's Karaköy on the European side, to Üsküdar's Doğancılar Square on the Asian side, 385 years after Hezarfen's successful attempt which was recorded by famous Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi.
Before his main jump from Galata Tower, Koçak will make six other jumps and will be carrying out extensive work ahead of the stunt.
"There is a chance that I may go down the Bosporus and necessary precautions will be taking regarding the matter" Koçak said, adding that he will make other attempts if he fails to complete the flight.
He noted that he will be using an unprecedented method to complete the flight, but did not give further details.
Koçak's flight follows the footsteps of Hezarfen Çelebi, who, according to Evliya Çelebi flew from Galata Tower to Üsküdar with the help of the sout-west wind.
Upon completing his flight, Sultan Murad IV granted him a sack filled with gold and later sent him to Algeria on exile, as he claimed Çelebi was a "scary" man who was "capable of doing anything he wishes."
The Galata Tower is 35 meters (115ft) above sea level and the peak of its conical dome is around 62 meters (205ft) above ground level, while Doğancılar Square in Üsküdar is around 12 meters (39ft) above sea level. The total amount of distance between the tower and the square is approximately 2.36 kilometers (2mi).
It will be the first time the EOFT will be held in a non-EU member country.
Ten of the most famous historical landmarks and sites throughout Turkey, including Sümela Monastery in Trabzon and Mount Ağrı in the east, will host EOFT events and adventure seeking athletes. For instance, Turkish National Team diver Şahika Ercümen will dive in the Mediterranean in southern Kaş, while author and journalist Ece Vahapoğlu will do trekking near Sümela Monastery.
The events will be broadcast live on YouTube.
