“The brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkey is too deep-rooted to be confined to daily events. We must not allow seeds of discord to be sown between us.”
Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Turkey, addressed a comprehensive message to the Turkic world on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey and the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Turkic republics.
Modern.az reports that in his address, Bahçeli touched upon important issues ranging from common historical and cultural heritage to the future cooperation of Turkic states, from sovereign equality to economic integration. The MHP leader gave special attention to Azerbaijan-Turkey relations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing brotherhood over daily disputes.
One of the main messages of his statement is that the unity of the Turkic world must be based on the protection of the national will of independent states, mutual respect for their sovereignty, and equal cooperation.
“We are witnessing a turning point in history and destiny”
Bahçeli stated that one of the most meaningful periods in Turkic history is being experienced, and that a turning point in history and destiny is being witnessed together.
Calling the joint celebration of the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey and the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Turkic republics a great source of pride, the MHP leader emphasized that throughout history, the Turkic nation has broken any chains intended to shackle its independence and freedom, and overcome any barriers placed before it.
According to him, Ankara's reception of the leaders of the Turkic states during such a period creates a strong and meaningful link between national history and the future of the Turkic world.
Bahçeli assessed the summit to be held in Ankara as an event of exceptional importance in terms of strengthening fraternal ties with the power drawn from historical roots, advancing common goals based on mutual respect for the sovereignty of independent states, and demonstrating a resolute will that will guide the future of the Turkic world.
Common heritage extending from Manas to Gasprinsky
The MHP leader noted that the Turkic world's achievement of its current level did not happen on its own. This historical foundation was formed through centuries of trials, great struggles, and difficulties, thanks to an unwavering will.
According to Bahçeli, behind the Turkic peoples' unity around the same ideal today lies a great civilization experience that has passed down language, culture, spiritual heritage, and future vision from generation to generation.
He expressed the scope of this heritage as follows:
“This richness is a magnificent heritage of thought, wisdom, and ideals extending from Manas to Alpamysh, from Dede Korkut to Yusuf Khass Hajib, from Mahmud al-Kashgari to Alisher Navoi, from Khoja Ahmed Yasawi to Yunus Emre, from Abay to Magtymguly, from Nasimi to Suleyman Çelebi, from Ismail Gasprinsky to Ziya Gökalp.”
Bahçeli called the values represented by these personalities and epic heroes the cornerstones of the bridges of heart and thought built in the Turkic world. He emphasized that the deep traces of the same civilization are present in Manas's courage, Alpamysh's bravery, Dede Korkut's wisdom, Ahmed Yasawi's enlightenment, Abay's wisdom, and Magtymguly's ideal of freedom.
According to him, these traces are a sign of the historical continuity and identity of the Turkic world.
The MHP leader characterized Ismail Gasprinsky's ideal of “Unity in language, thought, and action,” who pioneered a great awakening with the Jadidism movement in the Turkestan geography, as a powerful guiding principle for carrying this heritage into the future.
“Borders were drawn, but heart ties were not broken”
Bahçeli recalled that over centuries, the geographies inhabited by Turkic peoples were separated from each other, with borders and distances intervening. However, he stated that heart ties were not broken, historical memory was not erased, and the feeling of brotherhood was not lost.
He noted that the main factors uniting the Turkic world are common history, language, culture, ideals, and future vision. He called this connection a deep-rooted civilizational bond that time cannot erode, distances cannot weaken, and changing circumstances cannot eliminate.
According to Bahçeli, the gathering of Turkic states today under the umbrella of the same organization is an important stage in a great historical march spanning centuries. The Organization of Turkic States is a platform that strengthens historical proximity with institutional relations, unites political will with concrete goals, and guides towards a common future.
“Unity is not about establishing dominance over another state”
Bahçeli also listed the tasks ahead: combining the legacy of history with the opportunities of the future, strengthening fraternal relations, developing economic and cultural ties, increasing the international influence of the Turkic world, and leaving a stronger Turkic world for future generations.
The MHP leader stated that he sees the way to achieve these goals in mutual trust, respect for independence and sovereign rights, and consideration of the national will of each state.
He specifically emphasized this point:
“The unity of the Turkic world does not mean that any state establishes dominance over another. The unity we desire is based on the sovereign equality of independent states, strengthened by mutual respect and the right of brotherhood, and protects the national existence and will of each of our members.”
Bahçeli stated that no calculation directed against this understanding is stronger than the historical ties of the Turkic nation, which span centuries. He called for sound judgment, determination, and the right of brotherhood to be taken as a basis in the face of attempts aimed at weakening the unity of the Turkic world, creating distrust between brotherly states, and casting a shadow on the common future.
Special emphasis on Azerbaijan-Turkey brotherhood
The address gave a separate place to relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Bahçeli emphasized that the damage to relations with brotherly states cannot be considered a matter concerning only the relations between the two countries. According to him, these ties are an integral part of common history, mutual trust, and future ideals.
“The brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkey is too deep-rooted to be confined to daily events, and too profound to carry historical significance beyond political and diplomatic issues. Our brotherhood has been strengthened by the will of two peoples, solidified by common struggles, and lived on for generations,” said the MHP leader.
Bahçeli noted that the same sensitivity should be shown towards all brotherly states of the Turkic world:
“No misunderstanding should be exaggerated, no conflict should turn into permanent separation, and no seeds of discord should be allowed to be sown between us.”
In his opinion, the right of brotherhood is protected by mutual respect and faith in a common future. Therefore, every member of the Turkic world must prioritize historical proximity over daily disputes, not turn differences into reasons for separation, and stay away from steps that would weaken the common future.
Bahçeli emphasized that the strength of the Turkic world lies in mutual trust, respect for independence, cultural depth, and the will demonstrated around common goals.
“Vision 2040”: political coordination, economy, energy, and transport
The MHP leader presented the “Vision 2040” of the Organization of Turkic States as the future-oriented framework of this historical responsibility.
He called the development of political coordination, strengthening of economic ties, more efficient use of transport and energy lines, and achieving continuous successes in various fields from education to culture towards the goals of this document a common responsibility.
According to Bahçeli, combining Turkey's capabilities, experience, and accumulated potential with the rise of the Turkic world means thinking about the goal of “Turkish and Turkish Century” together with the common future of a wide geography of hearts.
“Our goal is a strong Turkic world that draws strength from its historical roots, benefits from the opportunities of the era, owns its independence, and has a say in the international arena,” he said.
“Our common future is everyone's responsibility”
Bahçeli emphasized that the process of unity and integration of the Turkic world has already passed the stage of rapprochement that found resonance only in hearts and emotions. In his opinion, this process has found concrete expression in institutional structures, has been strengthened by common will, and has gained a stable ground moving forward with firm steps towards the future.
The MHP leader called it everyone's moral duty to protect brotherhood, respect the sovereignty of independent states, and continue the historical march by passing it on to future generations.
He wished that the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Turkic States to be held in Ankara would yield beneficial results for Turkey, brotherly states, and the entire Turkic world. He expressed hope that the summit would further strengthen fraternal ties, open new horizons for common goals, and make a lasting contribution to the future of the Turkic world.
Bahçeli concluded his address by conveying his greetings and love to people living in all corners of the Turkic world with these words:
“May Almighty Allah make the unity of the Turkic world permanent, and our brotherhood strong. May He make our states strong, our nation in peace, our brotherhood unbreakable, and the future of the Turkic world bright. How happy is the one who says 'I am a Turk'!”
