President Erdoğan: "We Will Not Turn a Blind Eye to Those Trying to Resurrect February 28th in 2024 Turkey"
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made significant statements at the 7th Religious Council held at the Conference Hall of the Presidency of Religious Affairs. In his speech, Erdoğan emphasized the need to strengthen the spirit of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood, wishing for the council to bring beneficial results for the Islamic world.
In his opening speech, President Erdoğan expressed his happiness to be at the Presidency of Religious Affairs Complex for the 7th Religious Council. He stated that the meeting symbolizes the unity of scholars and thinkers advancing in the direction defined by Islam and hoped that the decisions made at the council would bring good outcomes for the country, the nation, and the Islamic community.
Erdoğan referred to the religious councils held every five years as a “table of knowledge and contemplation” prepared with sincere hearts and clean, faithful hands. He noted that these councils serve as an important platform for reminding the responsibilities concerning religion. Expressing his satisfaction with the implementation of 95% of the decisions made at the 6th Religious Council held in 2019, Erdoğan congratulated the Presidency of Religious Affairs and its members for their successes.
He also pointed out that the Islamic religion has constructed civilizations across vast geographies for centuries, stating that the spirit and essence of these civilizations retain their freshness from the first day. President Erdoğan highlighted the belief of Muslims in re-establishing their own civilization.
Addressing the threats to Islam posed by the modern digital world, Erdoğan stated that this world is not merely a tool for entertainment but also targets belief systems. He asserted that the digital movement aims to undermine all revealed religions, including Islam, and stressed that Muslims must take urgent measures to preserve their values in the face of digitalization.
“Our universities are free. Our theology faculties are free. Our professors and students should ask every question and discuss every issue courageously, speaking freely without any concern. However, this should not be done publicly in the media and social media, but rather among qualified individuals in scholarly assemblies.”
Erdoğan noted that digital media influences societal values, drawing attention to its impact on children. He warned that this digital world affects beliefs and lifestyles, which could lead to serious problems in the future.
He highlighted that Islam serves as the cement among all nations and indicated that anti-Islamic movements are developing under the guise of racism. Erdoğan emphasized the need to remain vigilant against these movements, cautioning that propaganda carried out through the media and social media is dangerous.
He also stated that targeting religious values and devout individuals constitutes a national security issue, asserting that swift measures must be taken against such initiatives and reiterating that processes similar to the February 28 incident will not be tolerated in Turkey in 2024.
President Erdoğan addressed the dangers of scholars discussing scholarly matters openly in the media and social media. He emphasized that these topics should be discussed among competent individuals and in scholarly circles to prevent any erosion of trust in religious structures within society.
He stated, “We will not turn a blind eye to those trying to revive February 28 in 2024 Turkey. We will never allow an atmosphere conducive to such an event.”
Expressing regret that scholars are entering a dangerous path by bringing the most sensitive and intricate subjects into the media and social media, Erdoğan noted that discussions that should take place among experts are instead being done publicly, confusing the minds of those who do not master the issues.
He underscored that it is unacceptable for role models in society to distance themselves from sincerity for the sake of fame and power, stating that this will have severe consequences in both this world and the hereafter. Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan wished for the council to serve beneficial purposes for the Islamic community and greeted the participants with love and respect.