Lecture on the Palestinian-Turkish Relations

On Monday, 19 August 2013, the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies at Birzeit University held a lecture on Palestinian-Turkish relations, presented by Mr. Shaker Ozkan Turonlarn, the Turkish Ambassador to Palestine.  Mr. Shaker first met Dr. Khalil Hindi, Birzeit University President, to discuss the best ways of cooperation between Palestinian and Turkish universities.  

In his lecture, the Turkish Ambassador talked about the significant economic and political role that Turkey plays as a member in different local and international organizations. He added that the country’s size and geographical location are factors that make Turkey able to influence policies affecting the whole region. Then the Turkish Ambassador covered the topic of Palestinian-Turkish relations, and emphasized the deep historic ties between the Palestinian and Turkish peoples.

Mr. Shaker also discussed the transformation that Turkey has experienced since the Development and Justice Party won the election in 2002. This has been reflected in Turkey’s foreign policy, which has been seen as independent and open, and has improved its regional relations. He stated, “It’s a great chance for Turkey to be open to regional, Arab, and Islamic countries.  This helps us show Turkish civilized identity, and the Turkish people’s worries and ambitions. Furthermore, such openness has helped Turkey economically by achieving wide regional commercial exchange, which affects Turkey’s political role as well.”

He also mentioned that the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip has increased Turkish local and official support for Palestine by criticizing Israel’s actions, demanding an end to the siege on Gaza, and respecting the Palestinian choice to elect Hamas to the government.

On the other hand, Mr. Shaker stated that the Turkish position towards Palestine goes along with the official Arab position, which aims to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict. Turkey established its position with consideration of its international relations and its desire to join the European Union.  

This lecture comes within a series of meetings on the topic of diplomacy that has been organized by the IALLIS. The lectures aim to host international diplomats and other policy makers.