In a fiery address marking the 571st anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took aim at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denouncing his actions as "barbarism" during a live broadcast.
Speaking at the AK Party TBMM Group Meeting, Erdogan commemorated the historic event, emphasizing the significance of Istanbul as a pivotal center of power, administration, science, and art in the Turkish and Islamic world since its conquest.
Drawing parallels between the achievements of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and the challenges of the present day, Erdogan called attention to what he perceived as Netanyahu's aggressive tactics. He asserted that the world was witnessing acts akin to barbarism perpetrated by the Israeli leader, whom he referred to as a "vampire."
Erdogan's remarks underscored ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. As Erdogan's words reverberate globally, they highlight the enduring legacy of historic conquests while casting a spotlight on contemporary conflicts.