Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday marked the 838th anniversary of the Conquest of Jerusalem.

"On the 838th anniversary of the Conquest of Jerusalem, I commemorate with mercy Saladin Ayyubi, the second conqueror of this holy city, and his heroic soldiers," Erdogan said on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

Erdogan also expressed resolve to "fight with determination" for Jerusalem, which he said was "a legacy entrusted to us" by the Prophet Muhammad and the prophets who preceded him.

Jerusalem, also known as Quds, is home to the first qibla of Muslims and is considered the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city was recaptured by the Ayyubids in 1187.