ANKARA, May 26 (BV)— President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Türkiye would emerge stronger and more influential once conflicts in the Middle East subside, describing the country as an “island of stability” in a turbulent region.
In a message marking Eid al-Adha, Erdoğan said the Middle East was passing through a dangerous period shaped by wars, regional instability and economic uncertainty.
“At a time when our region is grappling with wars and crises, Türkiye remains an island of stability with its economy, infrastructure, experienced institutions and strengthened domestic front,” Erdoğan said.
He pointed to Israeli military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem and Lebanon, as well as the broader effects of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran on energy, agriculture, transportation and global markets.
Erdoğan said Türkiye was benefiting from policies implemented over the past 23 years, particularly in the defense industry, despite what he described as criticism and obstruction from opponents.
According to Erdoğan, the Turkish economy has grown from $238 billion to more than $1.6 trillion over the past two decades, while defense exports have reached $10 billion annually.
“Once the dust settles around us, Türkiye will be one of the shining stars of the new era,” Erdoğan said. “We are doing everything necessary to achieve this.”
He also linked the government’s “terror-free Türkiye” initiative to broader regional stability and long-term national security goals.
Erdoğan said the project was aimed at strengthening peace and security within Türkiye while countering what he called “imperialist games” beyond its borders.
“Our resolve to save our nation from this problem, which has cost Türkiye more than $2 trillion economically, is unwavering,” he said.
The Turkish president has increasingly framed Ankara as a central diplomatic and geopolitical actor amid regional crises, while positioning Türkiye as both a military power and mediator in conflicts stretching from the Middle East to the Black Sea.