The Namazgah Mosque, the largest mosque in the Balkans, was constructed with the support of Türkiye and is viewed as a symbol of Turkish-Albanian friendship.

Erdoğan, addressing attendees alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, emphasized the moral obligation of the international community to oppose Israeli actions in the region. “It is a conscientious obligation for all of us to stand against the state terror Israel has been carrying out,” he said, condemning the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon. He further criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, stating, “By recently attacking Lebanon, the Netanyahu administration has once again shown that it has no intention of restoring peace in the region.”

Erdoğan’s remarks come amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. The Turkish leader reiterated his condemnation of the violence, which he said has led to the deaths of 50,000 Palestinians and the injury of over 100,000 people. He underscored the indiscriminate nature of the attacks, noting that mosques, churches, hospitals, schools, and marketplaces have all been targeted.

During the inauguration, Erdoğan thanked all those involved in the construction of the Namazgah Mosque, highlighting it as a testament to the strong ties between Türkiye and Albania. “I have no doubt that Namazgah Mosque will be the symbol of the friendship, brotherhood, and solidarity between us,” he said.

Erdoğan also reflected on the mutual support shown by Türkiye and Albania during recent natural disasters, pointing to the Türkiye-Albania Friendship Hospital in Fier and post-earthquake housing projects in Laç as concrete examples of their cooperation. He reassured Albania of Türkiye's continued support, stating, “We, as our state, institutions, and nongovernmental organizations, will inshallah continue to stand with Albania from now on as well.”

Erdoğan concluded his speech by urging Muslims and conscientious people around the world to unite against Israeli aggression. He called for a common stance against the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, framing it as a global moral responsibility. “I once again call from this sacred place for all conscientious people, Muslims in particular, to adopt a common stance against the Israeli aggression,” Erdoğan said.

The inauguration of the Namazgah Mosque, a significant cultural and religious project, served as the backdrop for Erdoğan's sharp rebuke of Israel and his call for greater international solidarity in the face of ongoing violence in the Middle East. (ILKHA)