In remarks following the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed a range of issues, including justice, the economy, urban planning and making the streets safer. Erdoğan said decisions had been taken at the meeting to improve citizens’ welfare, peace and security.
Erdoğan said Türkiye would protect its history and the heritage of the Republic spanning from the past to the future, criticizing an understanding of history that separates the Seljuk, Ottoman and Republican periods. He said projects seeking to define Türkiye’s social identity independently of its past could not be accepted.
Emphasis on Ahlat and Manzikert
Erdoğan recalled the events organized in Ahlat and Manzikert under the leadership of the Archers Foundation. He said Nationalist Movement Party Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and the leaders of other political parties had also attended this year’s gathering, adding that the 955th anniversary of the Victory of Manzikert had been commemorated.
Erdoğan said the messages delivered from Manzikert had reached their intended recipients and stated that Türkiye was not opposed to any country, society, faith or culture. He said Türkiye would stand against actions it described as lawlessness, injustice, bullying and banditry.
Erdoğan said Türkiye wanted to continue its path as an independent, stable and prosperous state, adding that those disturbed by Türkiye’s strengthening and its efforts to establish peace and stability in the region would not be able to turn the country away from its goals.
Accidents off Girne and Silivri
Erdoğan announced that 239 people had been rescued, 14 had died and 14 were missing after a passenger ship traveling from Girne to Taşucu capsized. He said nine vessels and 11 aircraft were supporting the search efforts in cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, adding that eight crew members, including the ship’s captain, had been detained.
Erdoğan said search-and-rescue efforts were also continuing for the 10 crew members of the dry cargo ship that reportedly sank off Silivri on September 2. He said it had become clear that the accident was caused by human error.
Regional tensions and the economy
Erdoğan said efforts to develop relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation would continue. He said regional tensions had led to some adjustments in economic targets, adding that Türkiye’s economy would be kept on a path of growth and development.
Erdoğan also made assessments regarding Israel’s stance in the region and allegations of sabotage. He argued that ending the crises in the region required an approach that did not view the possibility of peace as a threat.
New timetable for housing projects
Erdoğan announced that the deadline for the Yarısı Bizden project, which was planned to be completed by the end of this year, would be extended until December 31, 2027. He said applications for 15,000 social rental homes in Istanbul would open on September 14 and that the draw for the first 1,000 homes would take place in October.
Erdoğan said security measures in schools would also be implemented resolutely, adding that the necessary precautions would remain in place to prevent incidents seen in previous months from recurring.
