This came in a speech delivered by the Turkish President on Tuesday during a ceremony commemorating the 954th anniversary of the historic Battle of Manzikert, held at a national park bearing the same name in the eastern Turkish province of Muş.
Erdogan noted that Türkiye is defending Gaza's rights through diplomacy, phone calls with world leaders and officials, and international meetings, in addition to providing more than 102,000 tons of humanitarian aid.
The Turkish president emphasized that his country would not abandon its brothers in Gaza to confront Israeli injustices alone, affirming that Türkiye represents the safest haven for its brothers outside its borders in times of adversity.
Erdogan also reiterated Türkiye's support for achieving lasting peace in the region and resolving problems through dialogue and diplomacy.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving 62,744 Palestinians dead, 158,259 wounded, most of them children and women, more than 9,000 missing, hundreds of thousands displaced, and a famine that has killed 300 Palestinians, including 117 children, as of Monday.
In his speech, the Turkish president addressed the situation in Syria, emphasizing that his country is the guarantor of the security, stability, and safety of the Kurds and all other components, and that whoever turns toward Ankara and Damascus will win.
He continued: "We have seen this in Iraq before, and we have seen it for 14 years in our neighbor Syria, and we have seen it before in the Balkans, the Caucasus, and many other geographical regions that are friendly to us. Tomorrow, too, the Turkish people and Turkey will be a safe haven for those who are subjected to injustice, marginalization, persecution, and those who face death."
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Erdogan emphasized, "Let no one forget that we, the Turks, Arabs, and Kurds, will live in this geographical area side by side until the Day of Judgment," adding, "Even after those who feed on the blood of Muslims withdraw from the stage of history, we will remain here."
Regarding the war on terror, the Turkish president said: “Thank God, in a short period of time, we have made significant progress on the path to a terror-free Turkey, which we began to tear down the walls of discord that were woven between our people.” He added: “Despite all kinds of obstacles and all kinds of impediments, we are literally fighting for a great and strong Turkey. No matter what is said about us, we will act in a manner that suits us and befits our people, without bowing down, submitting, or hesitating to anyone.”
Erdogan noted that "it is certain that the further Turkey advances toward fully resolving the issue of terrorism, the more attacks and plots against it will increase." He continued, "God willing, and with the support of our people, no one will be able to stand in the way of the atmosphere of hope that has been created. And those who have benefited from division, fragmentation, and discord among brothers for years, God willing, will not be victorious this time."
For months, the Turkish government has been spearheading a "Türkiye Without Terrorism" initiative aimed at finding a radical solution to the terrorism problem the country has faced for nearly four decades.
Regarding the Battle of Manzikert, the Turkish president noted that the 954th anniversary of the victory carries a powerful message: "We are here, and we will remain here until the Day of Judgment."
The Turkish President paid tribute to the immortal souls of Sultan Alp Arslan and his heroic soldiers, recalling the Sultan's pre-battle sermon, urging his soldiers to either triumph or die a martyr.
Addressing the audience, Erdoğan said, "The values for which the heroes of the Battle of Manzikert sacrificed their lives, which represent a spiritual blend of the diverse peoples of Anatolia, remain present and deeply rooted in Türkiye to this day."
