Syria, with a broader geographical definition known as the “Middle East,” has been a significant center since ancient times, coexisting with humanity. First and foremost, it’s important to note that the term “Middle East” is a political definition and concept. The term Middle East is a concept that originates from British foreign policy and political theories. It is a phenomenon created, defined, and upon which British state policies are built. In our historical sources and state mindset, the name of this region is the “Fertile Crescent.”
Due to being a geographical area where the Abrahamic religions thrived, the Middle East has been one of the most sought-after territories and regions throughout history. Especially, the centrality of this region to the Abrahamic religions has endowed it with immense richness and potential. The presence and sensitivity of three significant Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – have always drawn human attention to the Middle East.
Geography, with all these factors, has acquired a cosmopolitan and multicultural structure throughout history. As a result of this structure, it has been a meeting point and melting pot for all humans and cultures on Earth. Particularly, these characteristics have provided economic prosperity and cultural diversity to the region. Yet, beyond all of these aspects, the main reasons that make this geography important are the energy resources required by the industrial establishments that emerged in the modern era. This resource is petroleum.
Throughout history, these lands have been the stage for numerous wars and invasions. The Crusades, Latin activities, the political presence of Muslim-Turk raiders, and more have all contributed to the significance of this geography and its influence on global politics.
Throughout history, the influence and presence of Muslim Arabs and subsequently Muslim Turks in this region have established a climate of prosperity and peace that lasted for many years. Following the Turkish Mamluks, the Ottoman presence in these lands virtually constructed the Muslim and Turkish character of this geography. The spirit of the Ottoman Peace (pax Ottomana) allowed various ethnic groups, including Arabs, Jews, Armenians, Kurds, and Turks, to coexist peacefully for many years.
The long-standing presence of Muslim Turks in these lands over the years has Turkified and Islamized this geography. From social life to art and architecture, it is still possible to find traces of Muslim Turkish influence in various aspects of this geography, even today. These lands are an integral part of our history and culture, entirely. They are our memory and living history.
However, with the decline of the Ottoman Empire, due to immoral incursions, provocations, and actual activities of global politics on these lands, the political presence of Muslim Turks unfortunately began to waver in this geography. Especially as a result of World War I and the treaties imposed upon us following our defeat, these lands were sought to be taken away from us. The historical and cultural ties and unity we had with these lands were severed by the maps and borders drawn by global powers.
The dark cloud looming over the Middle East geography, unfortunately, has not dissipated. Today, due to the global game being played on this geography and the activities of the actors of this game, these lands have been dragged into an apocalypse.
Today, the dirty politics on the Syrian territories, which are both our border neighbor and a part of our historical and cultural past, concern us as a state and a nation, giving us the right to have a say. Therefore, the Republic of Turkey must put an end to the ongoing violence in Syria and be the party that disrupts this game. These lands are not ordinary; they are our historical memory and our territories.
Due to the reasons we mentioned above, Syria is our national cause and issue. Let there be no doubt or uncertainty about this. The Republic of Turkey, by pursuing a strong and resolute policy on the Syrian issue, must do whatever is necessary. This is a debt for us. Moreover, due to our historical past, it is a matter of pride, honor, and dignity for us. Today, the people living on these lands are our legacy.
Unfortunately, citizens who are part of propaganda and perception management are adopting an indifferent attitude toward our state’s Syria policy, causing our state to be isolated in this struggle. To protect our pride and honor, defend our historical existence, and thwart the dirty games of the representatives of the global system, we must not isolate our state in the Syrian issue and provide the necessary support to our state as a nation. Despite the destruction brought about by the long-standing war in this region, it is still Turkish and Muslim today.
