Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Theocratic Ambitions: What Implications for Cyprus – Center for Research on Globalization
There is a nasty thorn growing inside the perfumed garden of Europe and releasing its poisonous spores across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made it his mission to establish a new Islamic state and do away with secularism.
After the questionable referendum result on April 16, Turkey is about to be transformed forever. Erdogan cannot wait to change the Constitution and name himself as the all-powerful Grand Sultan of Turkey. In opposition to his obsession a massive 50% of the Turkish citizens resist his theocratic ambitions and another attempt to topple him cannot be discounted.
Last years failed coup sparked a hidden trait of his to flare up; a trait not seen before! He was so horrified of nearly losing power he behaved like a child terrified someone was about to steal his candy. Now, the world has become his enemy and he lashes out at anyone who disagrees with him.
Badly shaken by the experience, he launched a campaign of brutality imprisoning over 170,000 innocent men, women and young people. Undeterred by international condemnation he continues to imprison people and there is no end to it. Paranoid about his illusionary enemies, he has recently fired 13.000 civil servants, police and army officers and academics. With the help of a network of snoopers across the land his paranoia has reached new levels. Meanwhile he cracks down on mass media, free expression, the Internet, Wikipedia and all means of rapid communication but also against those that spread moral deterioration.
Notwithstanding, he produced a list of hundreds of Turks living in 40 countries demanding that those traitors be arrested and extradited back to motherland and face Turkish justice. His request outraged governments learning that this man was actually using Turkish Embassies in their countries as a network of spying centers against their citizens.
But his paranoia has now gone one step beyond. He plans to bring back the death penalty to legitimize the execution of phantom enemies or anyone who poses a threat to his rule. Listening to him speak in rallies one immediately recognizes that Hitler used similar tactics during his notorious rousing hate speeches.
He branded EU governments as Nazis for not allowing his political campaigns there and in retaliation he imposed sanctions against Muslim enemies. Red with fury, he threatened that from now on:
no European citizen in any part of the world can walk safely on the streets,and decreed that:all Muslim families living in Europe to have a minimum of five children per familyand to cause an ethnic flooding of Muslims in Europe.
What kind of mentality is that coming from a world leader of 80 million people that resorts to such dastardly blackmailing tactics? He seems prepared to use all available means at his disposal including the use of Islamic State to establish his Neo-Ottoman empire. Despite Ankaras objections, Turkey has been accused of harboring IS activities in banking, recruiting of IS fighters, arms procurement, human smuggling and selling pilfered oil by IS and Turkish agents on the black market. If these tyrannical activities persist, chaos will rise out of the ashes of despair and destabilize Turkey and the region for years to come.
One country thats exposed to Erdogans Islamization ambitions is the small island of Cyprus. Strategically located, the Republic of Cyprus with a population of less that 750.000 Greeks and 250,000 mixed ethnic minorities is gravely vulnerable to Erdogans whim. He is very unpredictable and he can mobilize his 40.000 occupying Turkish troops stationed on the island at the snap of his fingers. To provoke even further one of his ministers has lately announced that,
they captured Cyprus shedding blood and they are prepared to give more blood to keep it.
Erdogan is so unpredictable, that no sooner had the resumption of the Bi-communal talks started but the very next day Ankara sent its seismic vessel Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa to survey for gas in the Exclusive Sea Protection Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. Sea and Air military provocations were also conducted simultaneously using live ammunition as if to say I am the boss here and you cannot stop me!
Thats what the Republic is faced with: Turkeys constant military provocations, and Cyprus is obliged to negotiate under the threat of a gun. Yet, the Cyprus Government refuses to understand that Ankara will not abandon its military trophy. It insists on negotiating with Ankaras lame puppet Mr. Akinci for a mythical solution knowing very well that Ankara decides and not this man. After so many years of failed talks, the charade continues to no end. Its as if the Government is incapable or afraid to forge a new defence policy to protect the island from Erdogans threats and Islamization plans.
President Trump and world leaders have condemned N. Koreas missile provocations and showed their readiness to retaliate against this brutal dictator. Yet, when it comes to another dictator and a Menace of the Med Sultan Erdogan of Turkey the best they can do is tolerate his military aggression.
The present good boy attitude has to change. If not, there are much darker clouds on the way. Adopting a defiant new foreign policy by terminating the pseudo-negotiations until a better climate develops may be a good place to start. Shutting the crossings would also send a signal to Ankara and to the Turkish Cypriot leadership that the Republic of Cyprus can no longer tolerate the current farce.To ostracize and pressure Turkey politically and economically through the EU would certainly help produce results 80% of Turkeys exports go to EU markets!
EU-Cyprus can make it very difficult for Turkey economically and politically if it chooses to do so. It has the ability and the means to use its EU membership to its advantage but it demands a strong decisive leadership that Cyprus so far has been short of.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot side continues to play dubious games. It pretends to negotiate for a solution on the basis of a BBF and yet, it makes it abundantly clear that TCs wish fora self-governing separate state under Turkeys protectorate. They also insist on the right to a veto on all national decision-making processes and further demand that all Turkish illegal settlers be given EU visas as a fast track entry to EU from the back door -typical Ottoman games!
Those demands are not co-incidental but well orchestrated and aim to serve Turkeys objectives in the Eastern Mediterranean. A separate TC state would provide the legal platform for Ankara to establish a defence dyke for its underbelly. If successful, Ankara would then gain control of the entire region but also assert its influence over the entire island and control its massive gas reserves! It has already claimed that Plot Six located south of the island belongs to Turkey and she will defend it militarily at the threat of starting a war against any attempts to drill for gas.
Can the Cyprus government stop Turkeys bullying tactics, provocations and traps? Under the present policy the answer is No! That is why Cyprus desperately needs a strong leadership and strong allies. Turkey is not about to give up so easily and there are much greater dangers lurking in the future!
Weather Cyprus likes it or not, it was reported that Turkey aims to flood the island with over one million Muslim settlers in the occupied area. Under EU directives the Republic would be powerless to alter the fate of the island. Erdogans objective is to change the demographic character of Cyprus and he is doing it systematically. There are over 400.000 illegal settlers living in the occupied area and its no wonder a string of Mosques are sprouting everywhere including the largest Islamic School there.
At this rate, the fast growing Islamization process will certainly bring about the end of Cyprus as a Hellenic nation. A new EU-Cyprus will be established but certainly not a Hellenic. Cyprus will be transformed forever. What will happen next its anyones guess!
Read the original here:
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Theocratic Ambitions: What Implications for Cyprus - Center for Research on Globalization
- Erdogan hopes Trump meet leads to F-35 ban lifted, resolution of Halkbank case - The Times of Israel - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan hopes for resolution on sanctions, F-35s, Halkbank after Trump talks - Reuters - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Trump asked Turkey to convince Hamas to back Gaza plan - Reuters - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Hamas has 'clearly demonstrated its commitment to peace'; Israel 'went beyond what Hitler did in terms of genocide' - The Times of Israel - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan says 'very important' that Gaza remains land of Palestinian people, and they ultimately govern it - Anadolu Ajans - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Trump asked Turkey to persuade Hamas on Gaza peace - The Times of Israel - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Turkey is explaining to Hamas best approach for Palestinian future - Yahoo News Canada - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan urges Syria's Kurds to integrate with new government - The New Arab - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Trump asked Turkey to convince Hamas for peace in Gaza - Gazeta Express - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Trump asked Trkiye to persuade Hamas on Gaza peace - Trkiye Today - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Halkbank problem over for us, President Erdogan unveils Trumps remarks on sanctions case - Trkiye Today - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Trumps Gaza plan: corner Hamas and Netanyahu, tempt Erdogan and use Kushner behind the scenes - Ynetnews - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Trkiyes renewable energy share tops 60% in 2025: Erdogan - TRT World - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Two photos of Erdogan tell a lot about Turkish domestic politicshere's why - Trkiye Today - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Erdogan to visit Azerbaijan on Oct. 7 for 12th Turkic States summit - Trkiye Today - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Erdogan tells Trump he welcomes peace efforts, but Israel must stop attacks for their success - Reuters - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Hamas has proven it is ready for peace in region: President Erdogan - TRT World - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Hamas ready for peace after positive response to Trump deal, Erdogan says - The Times of Israel - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Hamass Response a Constructive Step Toward Lasting Peace in Gaza - jordannews.jo - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Window of opportunity opened for lasting peace in Gaza: President Erdogan - Trkiye Today - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan tells Trump he welcomes peace efforts, but Israel must stop attacks for their success - The Times of Israel - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan's intervention with Hamas helps advance Gaza ceasefire talks, Trump says - Trkiye Today - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Turkish President Erdogan marks 838th anniversary of Jerusalem's recapture - TRT World - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Prominent Turkish journalist appears before court over alleged threats to Erdogan - AP News - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Trump Hosts Erdogan as the US Considers Lifting a Ban on F-35 Sales to NATO Ally - The Armenian Mirror-Spectator - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan to Trump: Israel must halt Gaza attacks for peace to succeed - The New Region - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan and Trump discuss Middle East peace, defense cooperation in phone call - Trkiye Today - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Turkey will not allow Syria's fragmentation - Reuters - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan welcomes Trump plan for Gaza - The Times of Israel - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Turkey's women, LGBTQ artists top targets of Erdogan's drive for cultural hegemony - AL-Monitor - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Was Erdogan unaware Turkeys bid to build a world-class fighter jet is stuck without a US engine? - IntelliNews - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan: Recognition of Palestine belated but crucial, demands action against Israel - TRT World - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan Is Planning a Massive Turkey Crypto Crackdown - 99Bitcoins - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- The last time Netanyahu apologized to a world leader: Erdogan, at Obamas request - Ynetnews - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Erdogan tells Spanish PM that Turkiye backs Gaza aid delivery efforts - Arab News - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Erdogan, the world, and us - eKathimerini.com - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Revival of a bromance? Trump hosts Erdogan at the White House - eKathimerini.com - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Erdogan says reached understanding with Trump on ceasefire, peace in Gaza - Reuters - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan hails 'meaningful progress' in his talks with Trump - Reuters - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Fidan says meeting between Erdogan, Trump was positive and constructive - TRT World - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Turkish President Erdogan says he and Trump reached 'shared understanding' on Gaza ceasefire - Anadolu Ajans - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Knows better than anybody: Trumps veiled jibe at Erdogan over rigged elections in his presence - wat - Times of India - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- In Meeting with Trump, Erdogan Promises to Do Our Part in Reopening of Halki Seminary - Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Trump is hosting Turkey's Erdogan at the White House as the US considers lifting ban on F-35 sales - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Turkey wants its share in East Med - eKathimerini.com - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan hails meaningful progress in his talks with Trump By Reuters - Investing.com - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan, Trump hold transactional talks with Russia in the background - The Arab Weekly - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Turkey is developing roadmaps to achieve peace in Ukraine and will not stop on this path - Ukrinform - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Whats next for US-Turkey ties as Trump chats F-35s, Syria with Erdogan? - AL-Monitor - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Turkey's Erdogan hails 'meaningful progress' in his talks with Trump - The Hindu - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan-Trump meeting 'better than great,' says US envoy to Trkiye - Anadolu Ajans - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan says meaningful progress made in Trump talks - The Mighty 790 KFGO - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Is Trump fond of Erdogan? Revisiting the past with an alternative story - Trkiye Today - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- 'The monster must be stopped,' says Erdogan as he calls for Netanyahu's prosecution - Trkiye Today - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Trump urges Erdogan to stop buying Russian oil as they meet at White House - BBC - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump cozies up with Turkey's Erdogan over 'rigged elections' - Le Monde.fr - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump hosts Erdogan in Washington with fighter jets sale top on agenda - BBC - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump hosts Turkey's Erdogan as the US considers lifting a ban on F-35 sales to the NATO ally - AP News - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- What are the main disputes between Turkey and the United States as Trump meets Erdogan? - Reuters - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan to Visit the White House Again - International Christian Concern - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump talks Putin, Gaza and the ICE facility shooting at meeting with Erdogan - NBC News - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Meeting Erdogan, Trump hints he may lift ban on sale of F-35s to Turkey - The Times of Israel - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Turkeys President Erdogan visits the White House - Honolulu Star-Advertiser - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump says he's close to Gaza deal as he meets with Turkey's Erdogan - CBS News - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- What to expect as Trump hosts Turkey's President Erdogan - DW - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump hosts Turkeys Erdogan at the White House as the US considers lifting a ban on F-35 sales - NewsNation - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Alongside Erdogan, Trump suggests hell permit Turkey to buy F-35 fighter jets - Jewish Insider - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Greeces critical role and the Trump-Erdogan meeting - eKathimerini.com - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- At White House, Erdogan to seek deal with Trump on F-35s - eKathimerini.com - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Turkish-US ties going through 'different process' during Trump's tenure: President Erdogan - Anadolu Ajans - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- TrumpErdogan Meeting at the White House We Will Do What is Required, Erdogan said about the Halki Seminary - The National Herald - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- President Trump Meets With Turkish President Erdogan in the Oval Office - C-SPAN - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump says he will discuss F-16, F-35 sales with Erdogan, US sanctions may be lifted 'very soon' - Anadolu Ajans - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump cozies up with Turkey's Erdogan over 'rigged elections' - thedigitalcourier.com - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Trump & Erdogan: Can Cordial Relations Fix Structural Issues Between Turkey and The U.S.? - Modern Diplomacy - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]
- Erdogan vs. the CHP: Whats Next in Turkeys Political Battle? - The Washington Institute - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Erdogan at UNGA: There is no war in Gaza, this is genocide - TRT World - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Erdogan presses Trump to allow production of US jet parts in Turkiye - thecradle.co - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Erdogan-Mitsotakis Meeting Postponed as Trump Convenes Arab-Muslim Leaders - GreekReporter.com - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]
- Erdogan starts UN address with regrets over Palestine president's absence - Trkiye Today - September 23rd, 2025 [September 23rd, 2025]