In Turkey, the media institution “Yeni Akit” stands at the forefront of media organizations representing a radical Islamist (in reality, an enemy of Turks, a mouthpiece for Persian and Russian chauvinism, a hotbed of terror) ideology. For years, this newspaper has been known for its radical and provocative approaches to issues both within Turkey and related to the region.
Websites and television channels operating around it also continue the same line. These media organizations attempt to influence public opinion with manipulative and provocative articles. Their main goal is to tarnish Azerbaijan's image and undermine Turkey-Azerbaijan relations.
It would be naive to think that this campaign is built on an ideological basis. In reality, these information attacks serve the interests of various power centers. Circles within Turkey that utilize radical Islamists employ them as a tool against geopolitical changes in the region. The influence of both Russian and Armenian lobbies can be observed here, as Azerbaijan's strengthening and peace initiatives disrupt their plans.
Radical Islamists are groups that prioritize the ideology of political Islam over statehood. They attempt to foster radical thought in societies by transforming religious values into political tools. These groups do not merely confine themselves to religious radicalism but also oppose the strengthening of national states. Although these circles in Turkey portray themselves as “defenders of Islam,” they actually pursue an anti-Turkey and anti-Azerbaijan agenda. Their manifestation in the press consists of smear and defamation campaigns.
The rhetoric of radical Islamist media aligns with the objectives of Dashnak propaganda. Both sides intend to weaken Azerbaijan and damage its international reputation. Russia, in turn, views the strengthening of Azerbaijan and Turkey in the region as contrary to its interests. Radical Islamists act in accordance with the Kremlin's propaganda line, fueling conflict in the region. In this regard, their actions and goals intersect with those of Armenia's revanchist circles.
The positions of radical Islamists also coincide with the interests of Iran's Persian chauvinist circles. Circles within Iran that do not desire rapprochement with Azerbaijan attempt to influence this media. Their goal is to create contradictions against the Azerbaijan-Turkey unity. This is also an attempt to strengthen Persian influence in the region, veiled by pan-Islamist rhetoric. Thus, activities against national interests are carried out under a religious mask.
Currently, a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is on the agenda. Certain warming trends are also observed in Turkey-Armenia relations. Furthermore, diplomatic rapprochement is occurring between Iran and Azerbaijan. Steps taken towards peace and stability in the region concern radical forces. Therefore, they attempt to cast a shadow over the peace process by using the press as a weapon.
The primary factor concerning radical Islamist media is Azerbaijan's role as the locomotive of peace. They know that as Baku strengthens in the region, there will be no room for radical ideologies. Azerbaijan's strong statehood model is an example that prevents radicalism. This weakens their ideological base. At the same time, the strategic alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan further increases their isolation.
Radical Islamists have effectively become enemies of peace. They also oppose Iran, which seeks friendship with Azerbaijan. They target Armenian society, which wishes to avoid war, with provocations. In reality, their goal is to thwart any attempt at reconciliation in the region. In this regard, their positions are hostile towards Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the peoples of the region in general.
Radical Islamist media organizations are, in fact, propagandist terrorists. The materials they write are the ideological weapons of humanity's enemies. Because these articles, full of slander, hatred, and defamation, deepen conflict between societies. Media outlets that provide space for this type of propaganda effectively strengthen the ideological base of terrorists. Turkey should not turn a blind eye to such activities.
Radical Islamists are essentially no different from the PKK. The former operate under the guise of religious radicalism, while the latter use the mask of ethnic separatism. But both groups aim for conflict, strife, and bloodshed in the region. Their goal is not stability and development, but chaos and destruction. In this regard, radical Islamist media, like the PKK, is an enemy of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
A little more about Yeni Akit's ideological profile and public influence.
Yeni Akit, the dark face of the media, openly defends the ideology of Islamic fundamentalism and pan-Islamism in Turkey. It maintains a radical and conservative line in its positions on both social policies and regional issues.
Media economics research indicates that Yeni Akit and similar institutions are influenced by interest connections with certain circles within the Turkish government.
In its articles, Yeni Akit frequently presents biased claims, baseless accusations, and irrelevant connections regarding Azerbaijan. The materials consist not of concrete evidence, but of ideological preconceptions and prejudiced assumptions.
In fact, the publication of such writings can lead to the media being subjected to public criticism, as this does not conform to journalistic standards.
This disgrace is also a blow to the image of Turkish media.
Elnur Amirov
