“Our brothers and sisters in Gaza will live freely in their homeland, God willing. On that blessed day, if Allah permits, we will be there too — embracing one another with love, standing shoulder to shoulder in a prayer of gratitude.”
Istanbul, August 1, 2025 — Speaking to thousands of youth gathered at Beşiktaş TÜPRAŞ Stadium for the closing ceremony of TÜGVA Summer Schools, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a deeply emotional and politically charged speech that centered on solidarity with Gaza, the resilience of Turkish youth, and Turkey’s regional vision.
Addressing the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Erdoğan described the situation as “the most brutal genocide of the century,” emphasizing Turkey’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, in defiance of international pressures and domestic criticism.
“The Most Savage Genocide of the Century Is Taking Place in Gaza”
President Erdoğan began his address by underscoring the magnitude of the suffering in Gaza, calling it an unparalleled humanitarian tragedy.
“Every day we receive news of martyrdom — starving babies, children, and women falling victim to hunger, thirst, and violence,” he said. “People collapse from exhaustion at what are deceitfully named ‘distribution centers’ that are, in truth, execution zones.”
He continued, “What is unfolding in Gaza is a massacre surpassing even the horrors of concentration camps. And the so-called civilized world watches silently.”
Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s position as one of the few global actors that has continuously and vocally condemned Israel’s actions, referring to it directly as a “terror state.”
“We Never Turned Our Backs on Gaza’s Brave Sons”
Throughout the speech, Erdoğan harshly criticized those — both internationally and within Turkey — who he claims have slandered the Palestinian resistance by labeling them terrorists.
“To those who now dare question our commitment to the Palestinian cause, I ask: weren’t you the ones who once called the defenders of Gaza ‘terrorists’?” he said.
He argued that the Turkish government has stood by the Palestinians not only with statements, but through tangible actions: delivering over 101,000 tons of humanitarian aid, halting trade with Israel, and engaging in relentless diplomatic efforts.
“Despite threats, pressure, and covert operations against us, we have never abandoned our support for Palestine,” Erdoğan declared. “History is recording our stance with honor.”
“We Will Be There… Shoulder to Shoulder in a Prayer of Gratitude”
One of the most memorable and symbolic moments of the speech came when Erdoğan envisioned a liberated Gaza in the future:
“The crimson gate of freedom will be opened,” he said. “Our brothers and sisters in Gaza will live freely on their sacred lands, watered with the blood of martyrs. On that blessed day, God willing, we will be there — with the peace of having fulfilled our duty of brotherhood.”
The President described a vision of unity, faith, and justice:
“We will be there with the pride of standing tall against tyrants. With the honor of defending the oppressed. And together, we will embrace, and perform a prayer of gratitude shoulder to shoulder.”
He drew a parallel to Syria, expressing hope that, as with Turkish involvement in northern Syria, Turkey would also witness the end of oppression in Gaza.
“The Century of Türkiye Is Near”
Shifting his focus to domestic affairs, Erdoğan spoke with confidence about Turkey’s future under the “Century of Türkiye” vision.
“We are closer than ever to realizing the dream of a great and powerful Türkiye,” he said. “Soon, we will deliver to our youth a nation where peace, security, and prosperity reign.”
He emphasized the importance of a morally upright, well-educated generation — one that will carry Turkey’s ideals into the future.
“You Are Not Just Your Parents’ Children — You Are the Children of This Nation”
Erdoğan directly addressed the youth, who were the primary audience at the TÜGVA Summer Schools event, urging them to remain principled, resilient, and morally guided.
“You are not only the children of your parents,” he said. “You are the children of this nation. Always stand on the side of what is right, true, and good. Adorn your knowledge with ethics, and your character with compassion.”
He encouraged students to not be discouraged by criticism or attacks, referencing the recent national exam debates:
“They will try to break your morale — as they did during the LGS exam controversy. But do not yield. Respond with your successes, with the honor boards you will hang on your school walls, with your national and international achievements.”
“Those Who Once Remained Silent on Syria Now Dare to Preach About Gaza”
Erdoğan’s remarks took a sharply political turn as he lambasted opposition figures who questioned the government’s stance on Palestine. He accused them of hypocrisy:
“Where were you for 14 years while one million people were being massacred in Syria? Why were you silent as barrel bombs rained on the people of Aleppo and Hama?”
He also referenced past criticisms of Turkish foreign policy in Libya, Karabakh, and other conflict zones.
“You have never stood with the oppressed. You have never understood what it means to be an ‘ummah.’ And now you criticize us? You insult our ministers and slander our government?”
Erdoğan asserted that Turkey’s actions are recorded not only in history, but in the hearts of the oppressed:
“Whether you accept it or not, the Palestinian people carry a deep love for Turkey — and for Tayyip Erdoğan.”
“And in the End, All That Will Remain… Is Palestine”
Concluding his speech, Erdoğan quoted poet Salih Fervana, reflecting the steadfast spirit of Gaza:
“Everything will pass. The blood will dry, the rubble will be cleared. And what will remain — with all its might — will be Palestine.”
He prayed for the day when freedom and justice prevail across Gaza, and reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering solidarity with its people.
“May God grant us the blessing to witness that day alongside our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” he said.
Erdoğan closed by thanking the participants and organizers of the TÜGVA Summer Schools, and declared his hope that Turkey’s youth would continue to grow in strength, virtue, and purpose.
