Erdoğan: Türkiye Nears Goal of a Terror-Free Future

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a powerful speech at the 954th anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, held in Bitlis’ Ahlat Mesire Alanı. In his remarks, Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is approaching its long-standing goal of a “Terror-Free Türkiye”, describing the nation as being in the “final stretch” of this struggle. He urged patience, unity, and vigilance to ensure the country achieves this historic milestone.

The setting was symbolic. Ahlat, often called the “key to Kızılelma” in Turkish tradition, has long been associated with national identity and continuity. Erdoğan drew on this symbolism to highlight the importance of history, unity, and resilience in confronting modern challenges.

“Ahlat Is the Key to Kızılelma”

Opening his address, Erdoğan reminded the audience of Malazgirt’s place in Turkish history.

“Malazgirt Zaferi tarihimizin şanlı sayfalarındandır. Buradaki eserler tarihimizin şahididir. Ahlat bu topraklarda ezeli ve ebebi mevcudiyetimizin simgesidir. Türk milleti için Ahlat Kızılelma’nın anahtarıdır.”

By invoking Malazgirt and Ahlat, Erdoğan underlined how cultural heritage serves as both a reminder of past victories and a guide for future aspirations.

Unity as the Foundation of Strength

A central theme of Erdoğan’s speech was the power of unity. He highlighted the shared history of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs, emphasizing how solidarity has always been the key to Türkiye’s triumphs.

“Tarih; Türk, Kürt ve Arap bir ve beraber olduğumuzda ortak hedeflere doğru hep birlikte yürüdüğümüzde içeride ve dışarıda hangi başarılara imza attığımız kimi örnekleriyle doludur.”

He added that just as the War of Independence was won through unity, today’s challenges—whether political, social, or security-related—can only be overcome by preserving solidarity.

Rejecting Division and Provocations

Erdoğan warned against attempts to divide the nation, pledging that Türkiye will not fall for traps set by adversaries. He stressed the need for vigilance:

• Safeguarding national unity and brotherhood.

• Strengthening collective determination.

• Repelling all attacks targeting social cohesion.

He declared that Türkiye is determined to build a “Great and Strong Türkiye” for future generations and that the current century will be remembered as the “Century of Türkiye.”

Advancing Toward a Terror-Free Türkiye

The most striking part of Erdoğan’s speech was his statement on Türkiye’s fight against terrorism. He argued that the country has made significant strides in recent years, and the end of this long battle is within sight.

“Terörsüz Türkiye menziline doğru kendimizden emin, ne yaptığımızı bilerek, kararlı adımlarla yürümeyi sürdüreceğiz. Son düzlüğe varmış bulunuyoruz. Biraz daha sabır, gayret ve dikkatle bu düzlüğü de geçecek, menzili maksudumuza suhuletle vasıl olacağız.”

This message framed Türkiye’s current security situation as one of cautious optimism—challenges remain, but the trajectory is positive.

Sacrifice and Legacy

Erdoğan also paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans who shaped Türkiye’s history and safeguarded its sovereignty. He argued that their sacrifice obliges the nation to ensure a future built on peace, stability, and prosperity:

“Şehit ve gazilerimizin emanetini yere düşürmeden huzurun, sükunun ve muhabbetin merkezinde yer aldığı aydınlık bir Türkiye’yi hep birlikte inşa edeceğiz.”

In his words, building such a Türkiye requires not only security but also prosperity and dignity, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are honored with progress.

Looking Ahead: Patience and Perseverance

Erdoğan’s address combined historical symbolism with a forward-looking vision. He called on citizens to show patience and perseverance as the nation advances toward its goals.

By blending themes of heritage, unity, and resilience, Erdoğan positioned the struggle against terrorism not only as a security challenge but also as part of Türkiye’s long historical journey.

At the Malazgirt anniversary event in Ahlat, President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to achieve its “Terror-Free Türkiye” vision. With references to history, unity, and the sacrifices of past generations, his speech sought to inspire confidence in the country’s ability to overcome challenges and move toward a more secure and prosperous future.