Erdogan urges Muslim unity, faith as world turns blind eye to suffering

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Muslim world is passing through a “difficult and painful period,” pointing to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises across multiple regions. Speaking at the International Quran Recitation Competition Awards Ceremony in Turkey on Wednesday, Erdogan said: “From Palestine to Lebanon, from the Gulf to Sudan, from Somalia to […]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Muslim world is passing through a “difficult and painful period,” pointing to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises across multiple regions.

Speaking at the International Quran Recitation Competition Awards Ceremony in Turkey on Wednesday, Erdogan said: “From Palestine to Lebanon, from the Gulf to Sudan, from Somalia to Yemen, wherever we turn our heads, we are unfortunately met with tears.”

He criticised the so-called civilised world for turning a blind eye to massacres, saying: “In these days of trial, when the so-called civilised world turns a blind eye, infants in cradles and defenceless civilians are being brutally massacred.”

Erdogan also condemned those who have long spoken “arrogantly” about justice, equality, and human rights.

“Today, we all see their true faces,” he said, without naming specific countries.

His remarks come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the US-Israel war with Iran, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—all of which have disproportionately affected Muslim-majority nations.

The Turkish president emphasised that Muslims should turn to faith and unity to endure the current period.

“To pass this test, we have no option other than believing in each other, trusting each other and supporting one another,” he said.

He added that internal divisions must be set aside: “As Muslims, we are obliged to put aside discord, strife and hostility, as well as unnecessary and untimely debates, and become one body.” (Yeni Safak)