Speaking at events held to mark the 955th anniversary of the Manzikert Victory, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz delivered notable messages on Türkiye's rights and interests at sea.
Yılmaz said, "The security of the Blue Homeland has become more strategic than ever. We want to declare here to everyone that we will protect our rights in the Blue Homeland without concessions."
The Blue Homeland takes center stage
Yılmaz's remarks underscored the continuation of Türkiye's policies on energy, security and maritime jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea in recent years.
Under the Blue Homeland doctrine, Türkiye emphasizes that it will protect its rights concerning the continental shelf, exclusive economic zones, energy resources and maritime security within the framework of international law.
Ankara continues its policies aimed at strengthening its strategic presence at sea, particularly amid competition over energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, disputes over maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and shifting security balances in the Black Sea.
A strategic message from Manzikert
The speech marking the anniversary of the Manzikert Victory highlighted not only Türkiye's historical legacy but also its current geopolitical objectives.
Yılmaz described the Manzikert Victory as a historic turning point that opened the gates of Anatolia to the Turks and emphasized that Türkiye today also has the determination to protect its rights on land, in the air, in space, in cyberspace and at sea.
The speech also identified advances in Türkiye's defense industry, energy security efforts and regional stability policies as factors strengthening the country's strategic power.
Eastern Mediterranean and maritime jurisdiction remain on the agenda
In recent years, Türkiye's hydrocarbon activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, its maritime jurisdiction agreement with Libya and natural gas discoveries in the Black Sea have placed the concept of the Blue Homeland at the center of the foreign policy and security agenda.
Officials emphasize that Türkiye will not compromise its rights under international law while also expressing support for resolving regional problems through diplomacy and dialogue.
Yılmaz's latest remarks at the Manzikert events once again demonstrated Ankara's determination regarding its sovereign rights and strategic interests at sea.
