From the Blue Homeland doctrine to the music of the Mehter military band, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a series of notable messages at the conclusion of the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara on Wednesday, before addressing US sanctions, F-35 fighter jets and developments in the Middle East.
“For us, the Blue Homeland is a very important issue, and we will continue to use this term,” Erdogan said.
Through the Blue Homeland concept, Türkiye encapsulates its maritime and economic ambitions, as well as its diplomatic and military assertiveness in the waters surrounding the country.
Work is currently under way on legislation bearing the same name, aimed at reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to its rights and authority over its internal waters, territorial waters, contiguous zone, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. The initiative is particularly significant amid continuing maritime disputes with Greece, which is also a NATO member.
The Mehter Band and an Ottoman Military Tradition
Erdogan also reflected on the reception of NATO leaders, who were welcomed with performances by the Mehter band, a military musical ensemble historically associated with the Janissary corps of the Ottoman era.
“Everyone praised it and said during the handshakes that it was wonderful. Some even said, ‘We know your Janissaries’,” Erdogan said.
In a personal gesture carrying cultural significance, Erdogan presented leaders attending the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government with a copy of the book The Politics of Courage: Erdogan and the Rise of Türkiye, accompanied by a personally signed message.
The English-language book examines Türkiye’s modern political history through Erdogan’s political career, highlighting moments of decisive decision-making and the challenges the country has faced.
Erdogan Says US Sanctions Have Been Lifted
In another part of his remarks, Erdogan addressed relations with the United States and military cooperation, saying Washington is no longer imposing sanctions on his country.
“Most of the US sanctions have already been lifted, and we face no problem in this regard,” he said.
On Türkiye’s efforts to acquire US-made F-35 fighter jets, Erdogan said US President Donald Trump had “adopted a positive approach towards Türkiye”.
“When these fighter jets are delivered to our country, the world will say that the United States has fulfilled its promise,” Erdogan said.
Trump had announced on Tuesday, while sitting alongside Erdogan, that he would lift sanctions on Türkiye and make a decision regarding a possible sale of F-35 aircraft to the country.
Erdogan also criticised Israeli and Greek opposition to Türkiye acquiring F-35 fighter jets, saying such opposition “has no place in my world”.
The Turkish president stressed his country’s right to purchase aircraft and military equipment, confirming that discussions on the matter are continuing.
Defence Cooperation and the Steel Dome
Erdogan also called for the removal of restrictions affecting defence cooperation between NATO members.
He said Türkiye had taken the necessary steps to meet the alliance’s target of allocating 5 per cent of gross domestic product to defence spending by 2030.
Erdogan confirmed that Türkiye had allocated an additional US$24 billion to its Steel Dome project to strengthen NATO’s air and missile defence capabilities.
“If others have different domes, we have the Steel Dome, and this project is one of the most significant elements of NATO’s strength in our region,” the Turkish president said.
Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and Gaza
Addressing the Iranian issue, Erdogan said Türkiye was doing everything possible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“We do not want the strait to become a lake of war,” he said.
He stressed the need to end tensions in the Middle East and maintain the necessary political will to resolve outstanding issues.
Erdogan also addressed Gaza, confirming that Türkiye had persistently raised the issue during the NATO summit.
“We see what is happening in Gaza as a catastrophe for the Middle East, and peace and calm must be established there as soon as possible,” he said.
