Turkey Deepens Its Footprint in Jerusalem Through Culture and Security Ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is deepening Ankara's footprint in Jerusalem through cultural, financial, and security institutions, raising strategic concerns in Israel regarding regional influence.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has increasingly emphasized Turkey's historical and religious ties to Jerusalem in recent years, while Ankara deepens its footprint in the city through government institutions, cultural activities, and ties with Palestinian figures.
Erdogan previously declared that "we were forced to leave Jerusalem, but it is ours," a statement reflecting the central place the city holds in Turkish discourse. The Ottoman Empire ruled Jerusalem for about 400 years until the early 20th century, and this heritage continues to serve as a significant pillar in the Turkish president's rhetoric.
Turkish Activities and Institutional Presence
One of the prominent arms of Turkish activity in the city is the Turkish Consulate in Jerusalem. Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the consulate published a condolence message and condemned what it termed Israel's "heinous crime." Ties are not limited to political statements. The former Turkish consul in Jerusalem, Ahmet Riza Demirer, was filmed after completing his term alongside senior Hamas officials, and later moved to a role in the Turkish Foreign Ministry. In 2023, he was also filmed alongside officers from the Palestinian Authority's security apparatus during the inauguration of a gym built for them with assistance from TIKA, the official aid agency of the Turkish government.
Turkish involvement is also evident in the training of Palestinian security forces. An agreement to train Palestinian police officers in Turkey was signed in 2022, and since then, according to the Turkish Interior Minister, about 2,000 Palestinian police officers have been trained in the country. Alongside political and security activities, the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center operates in Jerusalem, promoting the Turkish language and culture.
Strategic Concerns and Israeli Response
"This is our responsibility. It is not enough to tell hostile elements to get out; if we do not fill the space ourselves, they will return inside," said Ran Yishai, head of research at the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy.
In recent years, Erdogan has sharpened his rhetoric against Israel, and senior Hamas figures continue to operate from Turkey. At the same time, Ankara deepens its ties with Palestinian figures and establishes a presence in Jerusalem through official institutions, aid, culture, and training. The question for Israel is no longer just what Erdogan says about Jerusalem, but how deep the Turkish grip on the city will be.
