Over 80 years ago, the sun set on the Ottoman Khilafah after centuries of being a world superpower. Although some argue that the Khilafah was dead and buried a long time before that; with the demise of Sultan Abdul Hameed II, the final bit of string that held the Muslim ummah together broke.
The secular Turkey emerged from the ashes of the Ottomans. Turkey with its feet geographically planted in Europe and Asia never really fitted into either continent. The new state looked to Christian Europe and the West who still viewed her with suspicion whilst its fundamentalist adherence to secularism distanced her from the Muslim Middle East and Asia.
Since its election to power in 2007, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) is viewed by secularists as ‘Islamists in disguise’. The AKP have had several tense standoffs with Turkey’s powerful army generals who see themselves as defenders of secularism. However, those who want to see Turkey return to its Islamic roots see the AKP simply as conservatives, as opposed to Islamists, and are critical of its stance on many issues.
Recent events are suggesting that this sleeping giant of the Muslim world is awakening and seeks to once again take its rightful place on the International stage.
Evidence of this awakening was openly displayed by the strong stance taken by Turkey’s Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, culminating with his much praised actions at Davos. The destruction of Gaza it seems may have splashed water over the Muslim world and Turkey is no exception. On Turkish TV, Mr Erdogan passionately declared the assault on Gaza: “Unacceptable …Allah will sooner or later punish those who transgress the rights of innocents.” He was a strong voice for the Palestinian cause during his visits in early January to Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
Then came Davos. On stage at a panel discussion with Shimon Peres (Israeli President) and Ban Ki-Moon (UN), Mr Erdogan watched an animated outburst and finger pointing by Mr Peres in his justification for the killings in Gaza. He answered Peres’s outburst stating: “… I feel that you perhaps feel guilty and that’s why perhaps you are using such a strong voice… When it comes to killing, you know well how to kill people, I remember the children whom you killed on beaches, and I remember two former prime ministers in your country who said to me that they felt very happy when they were able to enter Palestine in tanks.”
But before he could finish the moderator stopped him and as a result he walked off the stage.
Turkey’s PM was expressing a new found independence and strength and declaring on the world stage Turkey will longer play second fiddle to anyone. A fact borne out in his explanation for walking off: “He (Peres) should show respect, he was talking to the Prime Minister of Turkey.” And: “This was a matter of the esteem and prestige of my country. Hence, my reaction had to be clear. I could not have allowed anyone to poison the prestige and in particular the honour of my country,” It is reported that Peres immediately called Erdogan to explain his actions.
Yesterday (Saturday 31 Jan) he continued to criticize Israel in an interview with the Washington Post. In response to a question on his close relationship with Hamas he said:
“Hamas entered the elections as a political party. If the whole world had given them the chance of becoming a political player, maybe they would not be in a situation like this…. The world has not respected the political will of the Palestinian people. On the one hand, we defend democracy and we try our best to keep democracy in the Middle East, but on the other hand we do not respect the outcome….Palestine today is an open-air prison. Hamas, as much as they tried, could not change the situation. Just imagine, you imprison the speaker of a country as well as some ministers of its government and members of its parliament. And then you expect them to sit obediently?”
To some the stance taken by Erdogan may not seem much, but to a country which has strong military ties with Israel this is indeed a massive departure from the past. Turkey has always towed the US line and kept Islam out of state affairs. These small signs coupled with attempts to reinstate the wearing of the Hijab and the banning of alcohol in state institutions has already alarmed the secular elements in Turkey. And the army generals are waiting in the wings for their chance to pounce. However, the rapturous way in which the Turkish people responded to Erdogan’s actions suggests that the vast majority of the people are behind him.
Is the world about to witness the emergence of a new Islamic age in Turkey? That remains to be seen. A few strong statements does not equate to a revolution. One thing for sure, if an Islamic dawn did rise again on this land, it will find a people who have a history of reflecting its light on the whole world.
I think this is very significant. The cowardly world leaders of both the Muslim world and the West fear to stand up to the Israelis. But Erdogan faced Peres fearlessly, forcefully and sent out a clear message.
For such a politically astute man this was quite a statement. We may have just witnessed the rise of neo-Ottoman leadership in Erdogan and in Turkey. A powerful country that can bring balance to the pathetic leadership that most Muslim countries provide in defence of the Ummah.
If Turkey continues to show leadership in this way, they will find many willing followers and supporters worldwide – both Muslim and non.
Turkey is no third world country. It has a powerful army, one of the best in the world. Its strategically located making it even more powerful. I doubt if the West will let alone Turkey’s Kamalists will allow Turkey to stray too far before clamping down
I agree with Nabeel, leadership by Turkey can be crucial in dragging out the Muslim Ummah from the malaise.
And rightly so since in her hands we saw the institution of the Khilafah demise. Of course Turkey alone is not to blame. The British and our very own Saud family backed by some misguided Muslim preachers had a lot to do with it.
Will Turkey rise up to play its part? Not likely. But one can still hope.
Respect to Erdogan Gul and all else in the AKP – Insha Allah gradually they win the confidence and trust of turks. If they carry on persuing justice and fairness both internationally and nationally they will go on stregth to stregth. At the end of the day Islam is Justice!
I agree with br Nabeel. There are some ahadith wich indicate that the revival of the khilafa or islam will emanate from there. Insha’Allah, this will come true in our lifetime.
Wassalam
Really good insight and comments overall. Abdullah did you say that there are ahadith which indicates a revival via Turkey? Can you post some of them here. Are they authentic? It will good to read some of them…
Indeed, this may represent a significant change in stance for the Turkish republic. More and more turks are turning back to their religion and maybe what Erdogan did can be good for the Ummah in the long run. However, it’s only sensible that we do not expect too much from the AKP, even though they are relatively conservative, due to some secular aspects of their govt. May Allah (SWT) guide Erdogan and his colleagues to be sincere, steadfast and firm in Justice as Allah always favors the just amongst us.
There will be no caliphate. Democracy would never allow it.
Islamofascism will be wiped out!
USA ALL THE WAY!!!
British person – “There will be no caliphate. Democracy would never allow it. Islamofascism will be wiped out! USA ALL THE WAY!!!”
So explain to me what islamofascism? It looks like you are the facist since you seem to have an ignorant view of islam. It is because of people like you that the world is currently in a credit crisis. Because “USA” wanted global dominance they have been pursuing 2 major wars which has lead to the economic meltdown of the USA which has had a knock on effect on the rest of the western world. Because of “USA” policy the rest of the world is suffering. You need to stop being a facist and open your eyes to what is happening.
This british person needs to be shut up, if US can have nuclear weapons and Israel, why cant IRAN? they have a right to make and develop these weapons for self defense agasint Zionist countries like the US and israel
Respect to Erdogan, at least somone stood up and spoke againt the injustice from the EU.
Well done to Erdogan Gul. At last a signicant figure has made some comments and sent straight forward message. Perhaps the muslim leaders should not just sit and watch and finally offer the money for rebuilding but perform some effective actions then those innocent civilians will come to an end of suffereing. May all the leaders have the mercy of Allah to have the knowledge to understand and be fair and just.
The people – in this case leaders – who abstain from speaking the truth do so in the fear that they will lose status, power and respect. But strangely enough, the case of PM Erdogan goes to show that actually speaking the truth and standing by it does the exact opposite; it LIFTS a person in status, honour and respect.
Imagine what heroes the leaders of the Muslim world would be (just look at the hero Hugo Chavez became) if they had taken the correct stance of justice in the Gaza episode! Instead they foolishly chose otherwise and have gone down in the pages of history alongside the worst of the worst.
thanks br tuhel for this topic. I wish a proper step by turkey. But confuse and disapointed about the level of undrstanding and idiological bases of truk army and mass people. Thanks Erdogan at least he did a good start.
We shall all encourage the Turkish PM and the Turkish people. If Turkey did have an Islamic awakening, it will have a dynamic effect on the Muslims all over the world.
It will be a catalyst what we all are waiting for…
the turkish prime minister is more of an arab than a turk concerning the gaza issue
I’m not suet that I agree with absolutely everything you say, but I like your presentation and the very interesting vew pointy you have. Thank you and I will return to offer more comments.