Making a speech at the ceremony, Erdoğan described Ahlat as one of the keystones of the bridge extending from past to future, and said: “Ahlat stood out as the shining star of its region at a time when barbarism within Europe reached its peak, Europe was shedding blood in abundance with the Crusades that were after religious objectives in appearance but were after plunder in reality, and the migration of civilization from the east to the west was taking place.”

“We will continue our operations in line with our country’s security priorities”

Drawing attention to Türkiye’s ongoing fight against terror, Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye will continue to crack down on terrorist organizations to protect its peace. Recalling that this year marks the sixth anniversary of Operation Euphrates Shield, President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “I once again declare it to the entire world that our fight will not stop until we ensure security all along our southern borders with a corridor that is 30 kilometers in depth. We are aware of the hypocrisy of those who conduct operations whenever and wherever they wish while shaking fingers at us saying ‘don’t you dare!’ We pay no heed to these insincere remarks. We will maintain these operations in line with our country’s security priorities and our own plans. As we always say, we can come suddenly one night and we can come anywhere. What differs us from others is that we don’t have an eye on anyone’s lands or assets. We work only for our own security and our friends’ peace. Countries and nations whose histories are tainted by colonialism and massacres have no rights whatsoever to criticize this honorable, principled and fair fight waged by Türkiye.”  (ILKHA)