In a fiery and impassioned nationalistic speech, Recep Tayyip Erdogan used the national anniversary of August 30, marking Turkey’s victory over the Greeks in 1922, to promote his vision of a Turkey that transcends its geographical boundaries (again ).
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for graduates of the National Defense University’s Land War School, Erdogan made it clear that his country aims for an influence that extends beyond national borders, embracing regions and peoples from the Middle East to Africa. On the occasion of the national anniversary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan again expressed his persistent pursuit of making Turkey a country with global reach.
“From Syria to northern Iraq, from Libya to Somalia, our armed forces are fulfilling their duties, wherever they are assigned,” the Turkish president said, trying to reinforce the image of a Turkey that does not hesitate to show its its military power in every corner of the world.
The Turkish army, foundation of national identity
Using the well-known saying, “Every Turk is born a soldier,” the Turkish leader tried to re-instill in his people the notion that Turkey’s military is an integral part of the national identity.
“This perception has always been dominant in our armed forces, which have a deep-rooted history of more than 2,233 years,” he said, ranking the Turkish army among the oldest in the world, even before that of the Ancient Spartans.
Turkey’s military power is presented not only as a shield for the motherland, but also as a symbol of hope for the oppressed everywhere.
“Our military is the source of hope for the oppressed around the world with the flag and the crescent moon, which it proudly wears as a badge of honor,” he said, going on to emphasize Turkey’s strategic position as a hub that unites cultures and economies.
“Turkey is a bridge that unites geographies, a cultural center and an economic transition zone,” he said.
Mandate for Vigilance in ‘Geography of the Heart’
The Turkish president tried to demonstrate the importance of constant vigilance and strength. Turkey must remain active in the areas it considers to be its “heartland geography”, i.e. in areas of historical and cultural significance for Turkey.
“Even the simplest sign of weakness can expose our nation to great threats,” he warned. “If we close our ears to the events in our region and the geography of our heart, it is as if we are fooling ourselves,” he added.
Erdogan appeared once again as the protector of brotherly peoples, conspicuously stating that “from the Caucasus to Africa, wherever there is a brother or sister, their problems are our problems.”
“Who can separate Constantinople from Jerusalem?”
The Turkish president even tried to connect Istanbul with Jerusalem, two cities of enormous religious and political importance, according to him, for hundreds of years, as he noted.
“Who can separate Constantinople from Jerusalem? Who can separate Gaza from Gaziantep,” he asked.
“Out of bounds” Erdogan’s Turkey
Any attempt to limit Turkish influence, Erdogan said, is not going to succeed, stressing once again that Turkey is not limited to its geographical borders.
“Anyone who tries to limit Turkey’s horizon to 782,000 square kilometers is a stranger to this place, if not ignorant.”
Erdogan, on the occasion of the national anniversary, attempted to strengthen patriotic sentiment and give Turkey a global role, revealing ambitions that transcend local and regional contexts.
“We have not given and will not give any value to those who try to limit us to shallow waters. We will think with Turkey in mind, but we will keep our vision broad enough to include the whole world,” he concluded, showing once again that Turkey is not content with the role of a regional power, but aspires to play a role in the global scene.
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