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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan outlined his administration's progressive approach to eliminating terrorism, stating his goal to achieve a "terror-free Türkiye" before expanding this vision regionally.
"We will establish a climate where there is no terrorism, no discord, and brotherhood prevails in every corner, both in our country and in our region, Allah willing, all together. With Allah's help and our nation's prayers, in the upcoming period we will first achieve a terror-free Türkiye, then a terror-free region," Erdogan said at the fourth Türkiye Youth Summit at Istanbul Congress Center.
The president emphasized that this represents a "blessed struggle" requiring strong youth support to accomplish the transformation.
Erdogan stressed his administration's permanent commitment to the country, declaring: "We are not passengers in this country, we are innkeepers. We are the hosts here. We were born here, we grew up here, we live here."
The president reflected on past challenges, stating: "There were those who tried to determine our lifespan through newspaper headlines. Some supposedly showed us places on maps. Some slandered us baselessly, attacked us, and dared to lecture us by relying on their imperialist masters."
"Now none of them exist. Where are they? True to their nature, they fled without looking back. They died dishonorably thousands of kilometers away as the price for their bloody betrayal of our country and nation, but we are here. Thank Allah, we stand tall. We will be here until Allah's command comes to pass," Erdogan continued.
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The president emphasized that identity-based political divisions must end, declaring that the era of divisive politics exploiting differences in identity, origin, denomination, and sect has closed.
"Remember, no one can divide us. No one can extend their dirty hands to our unity and solidarity. We will establish a climate where there is no terrorism, no discord, and brotherhood prevails in every corner, both in our country and in our region," Erdogan stated.
He described the country as "the common home, common roof of all 86 million of us," emphasizing that "every inch of this country where a hero lies is our homeland."
Erdogan emphasized the continuity of Islamic identity in Turkish national life, stating: "Young people, we will continue to live under the shadow of the crescent, in the peaceful climate of the Islamic call to prayer."
This statement reinforced his administration's commitment to maintaining Türkiye's Islamic cultural identity alongside the territorial integrity and security goals.
Addressing the young audience directly, Erdogan sought their support for the anti-terrorism mission: "I expect strong support from you for this blessed struggle. May our Lord facilitate our cooperation and our work."
The president had earlier told youth representatives: "We are cadres brought together by great causes and great ideals. We are travel companions walking side by side on this long, narrow road. Our Century of Türkiye journey, which is our Redapple, has just begun. We will realize our ideal of a great and strong Türkiye with you."
Erdogan described his nearly half-century political career as involving struggles against multiple forms of opposition beyond traditional political challenges.
"We did not only fight against guardianship, prohibitions, and oppressive mentality. Throughout our political life spanning nearly half a century, we also fought against prejudices and ideological blinders," he stated.
The president characterized this as a battle against bureaucratic oligarchy while conducting an even more difficult fight against cultural hegemony.
During his speech, Erdogan also highlighted recent national achievements, including the Osman Gazi vessel project.
"This giant platform, 300 meters long and 56 meters wide, took its place in Filyos as a new symbol of strengthening Türkiye," he stated, referring to the maritime infrastructure development.
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