Turkish extreme sports athlete Cengiz Kocak performs a base jump off Galata Tower in Istanbul on November 9, 2017, as part of the events organised by European Outdoor Film Tour (EOFT) in Istanbul. (AFP PHOTO)

ISTANBUL, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish athlete on Thursday performed a base jump from the historic Galata Tower in Istanbul, 385 years after a successful flying attempt by Ottoman aviator Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi from the spot.

It took just 8 seconds for Cengiz Kocak to reach the ground following a 36-meter jump from the top of the medieval stone tower located in Karakoy neighborhood on the European side of the city.

"This was one of the lowest jumps ever attempted in the world," Kocak told reporters following his jump. "I believe it was also the first in the world, a perfect one, which was broadcasted live by so many television channels."

He said he was inspired by Celebi, who flew from Galata Tower toward the Asian side in the 17th century, crossing the Bosphorus Strait that separates the two continents.

Turkish extreme sports athlete Cengiz Kocak performs a base jump off Galata Tower in Istanbul on November 9, 2017, as part of the events organised by European Outdoor Film Tour (EOFT) in Istanbul. (AFP PHOTO)

The Ottoman aviator completed his feat by flapping huge wings put on his arms to prove that people can fly like birds.

"I will realize the same flying as Hezarfen did and I will fly from Galata Tower to Uskudar district on the Asian side in May next year," said Kocak.

Kocak's jump, part of the European Outdoor Film Tour in Istanbul, attracted over 50 local and international media outlets as well as citizens and tourists, who took their positions as early as 7 o'clock in the morning.

Police officers, a firefighter crew and an ambulance were also present for the event.