Erdogan Condemns Islamophobia, Antisemitism at Interfaith Iftar in Ankara
ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a strong message against religious hatred and extremism during an interfaith iftar dinner in Ankara, condemning both Islamophobia and antisemitism as threats to humanity and to peaceful coexistence.
Speaking before religious leaders and community representatives gathered for the Ramadan evening meal, Erdogan warned that rising hostility toward Muslims in recent years has increasingly endangered social harmony. “In recent years, the escalating Islamophobia is openly threatening both our people and the culture of living together,” the Turkish leader said.
Erdogan also denounced violent extremist organizations, stressing that terrorism carried out in the name of religion undermines faith communities and the sanctity of places of worship. “We have no tolerance for dark structures like ISIS that bomb mosques, churches, synagogues indiscriminately and show no respect even for places of worship,” he added.
The Turkish president emphasized that hatred directed at religious groups must be universally rejected. “Just as Islamophobia is a crime against humanity, antisemitism is also a crime,” Erdogan said. “It is an evil that cannot be considered reasonable or legitimate.”
Erdogan’s remarks came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly during the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. While the Turkish leader has been one of Israel’s most vocal critics during the conflict, his comments at the interfaith gathering underscored a broader call for mutual respect among religious communities and a united stance against hate-driven violence.
Observers noted that the message delivered at the iftar event reflects Ankara’s attempt to frame its regional and global diplomacy around interfaith dialogue and opposition to both religious extremism and discrimination.
About The Author
