Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Last week Türkiye’s revolutionary founder leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was commemorated nationwide on November 10 on the 86th death anniversary.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the extraordinary joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.
And Defense Minister Yaşar Güler made important remarks on Syria.
Revolutionary founder Atatürk commemorated
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Türkiye’s founder, passed away on November 10, 1938, at 9:05 AM.
As in every year, this November 10 saw tributes to Atatürk across the country with both government officials and citizens. At 9:05 AM, sirens blared nationwide, and citizens held a moment of silence on streets, homes and workplaces.
More than a million people visited Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum, in Ankara. This number is the highest number of visitors recorded for November 10 commemorations as confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense.
The state ceremony at Anıtkabir began at 8:45. President Erdoğan led the procession with Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, government members, opposition and coalition party leaders, and high-ranking military and judiciary representatives.
In the Anıtkabir memorial book, President Erdoğan wrote:
“Dear Atatürk, on the 86th anniversary of your passing, we commemorate you with great respect. We continue our dedicated efforts to strengthen the Republic of Türkiye, a legacy of you and our martyrs. Your legacy navigates us through crises. United as 85 million citizens, we march resolutely towards a brighter future inspired by our glorious past. May your soul rest in peace.”
President Erdoğan later attended another commemorative event and gave a speech. Erdoğan criticized those who “exploit Atatürk’s legacy while colluding with terrorist groups”. He described those as serving imperialism.
The leader of the opposition party, Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, also shared a message. He wrote:
“I commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, the architect of our independence, and our first and eternal chairman, with respect, gratitude, and longing on the 86th anniversary of his passing. Atatürk, who achieved great victories and revolutions within his 57 years of life, symbolizes the fight against imperialism not only for Türkiye but also for oppressed nations.”
Doğu Perinçek, the leader of the Vatan Party, highlighted Atatürk’s “guiding character” for Türkiye’s near future in his message:
“Atatürk is not just a memory; he is a guiding light for our future. It is time to mobilize the high potential of our working classes for the Turkish Revolution. Today, Atatürk is more relevant than ever as we face challenges and strive for revolutionary solutions.”
Erdoğan calls for unity against Israel
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Extraordinary Joint Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In his speech at the summit, Erdoğan condemned Israel’s actions, stating that 50,000 Palestinians, 70% of whom were women and children, had been martyred in Gaza and other Palestinian territories. Erdoğan expressed his condolences and called for urgent ceasefire solutions and humanitarian aid access to Gaza. He said “Türkiye has so far sent over 84,000 tons of aid to Gaza and is ready to send much more if the blockades are lifted”.
Erdoğan called for a unified response to halt Israel’s attacks including imposing arms embargoes, severing trade relations and isolating Israel internationally. He noted that “Stopping arms sales to Israel has already garnered the support of 52 countries and two international organizations, including two permanent members of the UN Security Council”.
Minister of National Defense Güler’s remarks on Syria and Israel
During a TV interview, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler addressed various issues, including President Erdoğan’s normalization message regarding Syria.
President Erdoğan recently stated that the two countries could eliminate terror organizations securing Syria’s territorial integrity. Erdoğan said, “Assad must take steps to create a new climate in his country”.
Minister Güler called for Assad to recognize the opportunity for peace: “President Erdoğan’s offer should be seen as a chance for Assad to rebuild his fractured nation and the region.”
Güler also addressed the question of withdrawal of Turkish Armed Forces from Syria, which has been a point of split between the two counties. Güler said that Türkiye will not withdrawal before the stability is ensured and terrorism is eliminated.
On the role of the Syrian National Army, Güler remarked that it is “crucial for the buffer zone’s security. If normalization occurs, they could form part of Syria’s future national army”.
Asked whether the US would withdraw its troops from Syria, Minister Güler responded: “Trump issued orders three times during his presidency to withdraw troops from Syria. I believe that Trump will strongly insist on this and may indeed withdraw US’ soldiers from Syria and the region”.
Güler was also asked if Israel poses a direct threat to Türkiye. Güler referred to Erdoğan’s statements on the issue: “Our president emphasized the importance of the home front, and I fully agree with him. A strong internal front is always crucial, even in times of peace. If our president didn’t see a danger, he wouldn’t say it.”