Turkish Tourists' Jerusalem Declaration Sparks Controversy
Two female tourists from Turkey caused a stir in Jerusalem on Sunday, September 6, when they declared "This is our home. Welcome!" to a local resident near the Jaffa Gate. The incident occurred amidst heightened Turkish activity aimed at expanding its influence in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the Palestinian territories.
A study by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP) indicates that Turkey's strategy toward Israel focuses on diplomatic and legal pressure, information campaigns, and increased involvement in Palestinian affairs, including international legal actions against Israel, rather than direct military confrontation. Turkey also seeks a role in shaping the post-war order in Gaza, a prospect Israel strongly opposes, particularly regarding the inclusion of Turkish forces in any international contingent.
The encounter at Jaffa Gate was seen as a symbolic manifestation of the broader geopolitical struggle between Jerusalem and Ankara for regional influence and sovereignty. Ran Ishai, head of research at JCAP, stated that such incidents, where Turkish tourists exhibit a "false sense of ownership" inspired by President Erdoğan's rhetoric, are not uncommon. He suggested suspending visa issuance to Turkish tourists until relations normalize and Turkey withdraws arrest warrants against Israeli officials and ceases support for lawsuits against Israel in The Hague.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made remarks at an event commemorating the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert, which some interpreted as a veiled suggestion of Jerusalem returning to Turkish influence.
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