This week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, promised that Turkey would remain a sanctuary for people fleeing from warzones in the region.
“Yesterday, they came from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan,” he said. “Today, they come from Ukraine. We do not know where they will come from tomorrow. But do not doubt that this country will remain a haven for those … who flee murderers, who put their trust in Turkey as the only place of safety,” said Erdogan
Erdogan filled his speech with many references to Islamic history and theology, declaring that the Prophet Muhammad was first a refugee.
The speech was seen by some analysts as part of Turkey’s efforts to repair its relations with its NATO allies that have come under serious strain in recent years. Erdogan has been criticised by the West for undermining democracy in Turkey and claims that Turkey was supporting Islamist groups in Syria.