In the past week, I returned from my trip to Saudi Arabia, where I've been traveling since the beginning of the week. This visit marked a significant milestone as it meant that I have now visited almost all the Gulf countries at least once this year. During my stay, both before and after the elections, I had the opportunity to observe various perspectives on Türkiye. Our discussions were informal and focused on technical aspects, given that we didn't have any official duties. I engaged with individuals
In the past week, I returned from my trip to Saudi Arabia, where I've been traveling since the beginning of the week. This visit marked a significant milestone as it meant that I have now visited almost all the Gulf countries at least once this year.
During my stay, both before and after the elections, I had the opportunity to observe various perspectives on Türkiye. Our discussions were informal and focused on technical aspects, given that we didn't have any official duties. I engaged with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including businesspeople, members of non-governmental organizations, academics, and journalists.
First and foremost, it's important to note that in the lead-up to the elections and even after, there was an outpouring of support and well-wishes for Türkiye under President Erdoğan's leadership. This enthusiasm and warmth continue to be strong. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the possibility that efforts may be made to create a situation, like the recent incident in one of our provinces, which could lead to strained relations between Turkish and Arab communities. There is a Western influence that wishes to disrupt the strong social ties and warmth shared by both communities. They will attempt every means to do so.
Despite our primary source of revenue being tourism, our oil in other words, and despite them spending three times more on average compared to European tourists, we should view any efforts to distance or alienate Arab tourists not as a tourism matter but as a problem for every faction that supports even the slightest hint of national, regional, or local development. The question we need to ask is, are we addressing this issue adequately? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
I have been a businessman operating in Türkiye since the 1990s, right in the heart of Istanbul, in Laleli. At that time, the contributions of Arabs to the economy, market, and local businesses were on the rise, much like the current period. However, the behavior of shopkeepers outside of their business activities, combined with the public perception that was cultivated, led to a withdrawal of Middle Eastern foot traffic from our country. There were days when we, as businessmen and friends, wished that it hadn't come to this.
And now, history appears to be repeating itself. It's crucial that we analyze the most recent incident, not to repeat the same mistake. The first step, without delving into who is right or wrong, should have been a step under the 'Erdoğan' banner. Under this banner, the district governor should have visited the family, shown support, and conveyed the message that while the legal process would naturally run its course, justice would be served. In fact, the governor should have personally shown affection to the children of the family.
Nevertheless, what's done is done. Still, it is essential that our Minister of Interior, Mr. Yerlikaya, who has successfully handled significant operations, provides training and guidance on crisis management and communication to governors and district governors based on this incident.
Moreover, it is an imperative requirement to have at least one police officer proficient in a foreign language at every police station. To incentivize this, a language allowance for the staff must be implemented. The structure of the tourism police, which currently exists only in a few provinces, should be expanded.
Impressions from Saudi Arabia:
Our close relationship with Saudi Arabia is thriving, and it's evident in the new visa arrangements. For the first time this month, I traveled to Saudi Arabia without a visa but rather with a visa issued upon arrival, which essentially fosters a strong sense of closeness and mutual trust. It feels like traveling between two provinces within one's own country. We must express our gratitude to our President, Mr. Erdoğan, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for this development.
We had the opportunity to learn about the efforts of Crown Prince M.B. Salman to advance his country, particularly through consulting and educational collaborations with King Abdulaziz University by Dr. Esam H. Kawther, the head of Consultation and Training. It became clear that Saudis have a favorable view of Turks and that not only do they expect investments from Turkish citizens, but they also welcome investments from Türkiye to their country. The Crown Prince has played a significant role in facilitating this.
As I've said before and will continue to do so, the destinies of Türkiye and Gulf countries are intertwined. Recognizing this shared destiny, we should stand shoulder to shoulder and support each other. Discord, animosity, and hatred are seeds sown by the West. We must think with wisdom and foresight before taking any steps.
We should always remember the example of when Türkiye accidentally downed a Russian plane, which could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome. It was the level-headed thinking and wise actions of both countries that prevented this from happening and led to the West's elaborate scheme collapsing. This example should never leave our minds.
