Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's rhetoric about Jerusalem has sparked concerns, not only due to his aggressive stance on the city's sovereignty but also because it raises questions about Turkey's control over Istanbul [Constantinople].
While Erdoğan's government has pledged to protect Christian and Jewish heritage in Turkey, his actions tell a different story. In recent years, he has overseen the conversion of significant Christian landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Church of St. Savior in Chora, into mosques, undermining Turkey's claimed respect for religious diversity.
Erdoğan's persistent push for Jerusalem's status to align with his political agenda mirrors his authoritarian approach to domestic issues, including the treatment of religious minorities. His actions against the Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches and the Turkish state's historical role in the confiscation of Armenian properties call into question the credibility of his government’s claims of religious tolerance.
By claiming Jerusalem as Turkey's, Erdoğan sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to challenge Turkey’s control over Istanbul. As international discussions about sovereignty in Jerusalem unfold, the U.S. and European powers could reconsider their diplomatic stance toward Istanbul, recognizing its disputed status, similar to how Hong Kong’s consulate operates under independent status.
Erdoğan’s approach to Jerusalem and his domestic policies highlight the tension between his geopolitical ambitions and Istanbul's sovereignty issues, making it crucial for the international community to scrutinize Turkey's actions on both fronts.
Read the full article by Michael Rubin at Middle East Forum.