Ankara, July 12, 2025 — In a stirring address at the 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a powerful vision of unity, resilience, and shared heritage, declaring that Turkey is on the cusp of a historic transformation. Emphasizing the deep historical and cultural ties among Turks, Kurds, and Arabs, Erdoğan heralded the end of a decades-long struggle against terrorism and outlined a bold path toward a “Turkey Century” built on dialogue, brotherhood, and collective prosperity. His speech, rich with historical references and a call for inclusivity, underscored Turkey’s role as a unified nation ready to overcome past divisions and forge a stronger future.
A Shared History: The Unbreakable Bond of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs
Erdoğan began by invoking Turkey’s ancient roots, tracing the presence of Turks on the world stage back to the 8th century BCE under the names of the Scythians and Sakas. He highlighted the pivotal moment in 751 CE at the Battle of Talas, when Turks embraced Islam en masse, forging an indelible link between Turkish identity and the Muslim faith. “Since that day, when you say Turk, Muslim comes to mind; when you say Muslim, Turk is foremost in thought,” Erdoğan declared, emphasizing the intertwined destinies of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs in shaping the Islamic world’s cultural, intellectual, and political landscape.The president painted a vivid picture of the shared contributions of these communities to some of the most iconic moments in history. From the construction of Baghdad, immortalized in One Thousand and One Nights, to the conquest of Jerusalem under Saladin, and from the victories at Malazgirt, Istanbul, and Çanakkale to the War of Independence, Erdoğan stressed that these were not solely Turkish triumphs but collective achievements of Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and other Muslim peoples. “Damascus is our shared city. Diyarbakır is our shared city. Mardin, Mosul, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Aleppo, Hatay, Istanbul, Ankara—these are our common cities,” he proclaimed, celebrating the shared heritage that binds these communities.Erdoğan’s speech was a poignant reminder of the strength derived from unity. “When Turks, Kurds, and Arabs formed an alliance, the wind of our horses carried cool breezes from the China Sea to the Adriatic,” he said, evoking the image of a united front that brought peace and prosperity to the region. He contrasted this with the devastating consequences of division, citing the Mongol invasions, Crusader attacks, and the loss of Jerusalem in the aftermath of World War I as moments when disunity led to defeat. “Whenever we were divided, we lost. Whenever we united, we shaped history,” he asserted.
Ending the Scourge of Terrorism: A Triumph of Unity
Central to Erdoğan’s address was the announcement of a historic milestone: the dissolution of the terrorist organization responsible for 47 years of violence, which began with its first attack in 1984. He emphasized that this achievement was not the result of compromise but a resolute strategy to dismantle terrorism while preserving Turkey’s dignity. “No one has the power to divide Turkey,” Erdoğan declared, dismissing the notion that the terrorist group’s aim was to fracture the nation. Instead, he argued, terrorism served to delay progress, drain resources, and sow discord, particularly between Turks and Kurds.“For 41 years, who won? The barons of terrorism won. The terrorism industry won. Those who feed on blood won. Those with sinister designs on Turks, Kurds, and Arabs won,” Erdoğan stated, vowing to dismantle this “vile game” and end the cycle of division. He announced the establishment of a parliamentary commission to address the legal and structural needs of this peace process, with participation from the AK Party, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the DEM Party. Recent meetings with DEM Party representatives, including the late Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Pervin Buldan, and Mithat Sancar, have laid the groundwork for this collaborative effort.Erdoğan’s vision for reconciliation is rooted in dialogue and inclusivity. “We will sit and talk—not with weapons, not with violence, but with affection and brotherhood,” he promised. He extended an open invitation to all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or belief, to resolve issues through dialogue. “Kurdish brother, do you have an issue? We will talk without weapons or terror. Alevi brother, do you have a concern? We will solve it through dialogue,” he said, affirming that every citizen—Turk, Kurd, Arab, Sunni, Alevi, rich, or poor—is a first-class citizen of the Republic of Turkey.
A Vision for the Turkey Century: Prosperity Through Brotherhood
Erdoğan’s speech was not only a reflection on past struggles but a forward-looking blueprint for the “Turkey Century.” He envisioned a nation where resources once consumed by counter-terrorism efforts are redirected toward development, welfare, and prosperity. “Turkey will grow with brotherhood, strengthen with democracy, and march toward the future with stability and confidence,” he declared, urging citizens to embrace this new era with optimism.The president highlighted the AK Party’s commitment to collective wisdom, describing its consultation meetings as a democratic platform where diverse voices are heard. “The Republic of Turkey is our common home, our common roof,” he said, emphasizing that the nation’s 86 million citizens are united as one, bound by a shared history and a collective future. He called for a renewed sense of solidarity, where “fists are unclenched, hands are clasped, and hearts meet” to build a stronger, more cohesive Turkey.Erdoğan also addressed the global context, condemning the ongoing “barbaric” violence in Gaza and drawing parallels to the disunity that has weakened the Muslim world. “Today, in Gaza and Palestine, the most brutal genocide in history is being perpetrated. Why? Because Turks, Kurds, and Arabs have not come together as they did throughout history,” he said, pledging Turkey’s support for the Palestinian cause and calling for renewed alliances to prevent such tragedies.
A Call to Action: Overcoming Division, Embracing Unity
Erdoğan’s speech was a rallying cry for unity, urging all citizens to reject the forces of division and embrace the spirit of Malazgirt, Jerusalem, and the War of Independence. He warned against those who profit from instability, accusing them of attempting to undermine this historic moment. “They are disturbed because their racket is collapsing,” he said, calling on the nation to recognize these opportunists and remain steadfast in supporting the peace process.The president expressed gratitude to Turkey’s security forces, the MHP, the DEM Party, and other political actors who have supported the peace process with maturity and responsibility. He also acknowledged the contributions of Iraq’s central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in bolstering Turkey’s anti-terrorism efforts.As Turkey stands at the threshold of a new era, Erdoğan invoked the words of poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy to underscore the nation’s enduring spirit: “When hearts are united, borders vanish.” He called on citizens to adorn their streets with the Turkish flag, symbolizing unity and pride, and to work together to build a “prosperous and victorious” Turkey.
A Future Built on Dialogue and Resilience
Erdoğan’s address was a testament to Turkey’s resilience and its ability to overcome decades of challenges through unity and determination. By ending the scourge of terrorism and fostering dialogue among its diverse communities, Turkey is poised to reclaim its place as a beacon of strength and solidarity. “We will build the Turkey Century together,” Erdoğan concluded, expressing confidence that this new chapter will bring peace, prosperity, and a renewed sense of brotherhood to the nation.
This article was compiled based on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s speech at the AK Party’s 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting in Ankara on July 12, 2025.
