Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the current period as the beginning of a new era for Turkey, linking this vision to developments in Syria, Iraq and the Middle East.
During a speech in the southeastern province of Bitlis, where he participated in activities marking the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert, Erdogan spoke to soldiers dressed in Seljuk uniforms and outlined his vision for a stronger Turkey.
According to him, Syria, Iraq and the wider region could enter a period of peace and stability after years of conflict.
“Syria and Iraq, as well as our wider region, will gain the climate of peace and stability they have been seeking for years,” Erdogan said, also mentioning cooperation between Turks, Kurds and Arabs.
But his speech also had a strong political component. Erdogan opposed those who, he said, are trying to obstruct Turkey’s path and cooperation in the region.
“We know who is worried about this. We know who is worried. To them I say: no matter what you do, you cannot divert us from our path,” the Turkish president said.
In his speech, Erdogan also spoke about the plans that, according to him, are being developed in the region and the efforts that could harm Turkey and the stability of the Middle East.
He used harsh tones against those he described as “merchants of blood,” people who profit from terrorism, and actors who seek to keep the region in insecurity.
Although he did not directly mention Israel in this part of his speech, his criticisms come at a time of strong tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv over developments in the Middle East and particularly the situation in Syria and Gaza.
In the end, Erdogan returned to his vision for Turkey, linking it to what he calls the “Century of Turkey.”
“The winner will be the Turkish people, with its 86 million citizens. The era of a great and powerful Turkey has begun. The century of Turkey has begun,” he said.