From Sèvres to Today: Erdoğan’s Words (Speech): Imperial Prefiguration or Reminiscence?

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Erdoğan’s Speech

As you may know, I closely follow the developments in Turkic countries, particularly Turkey, whose history and modern geopolitics remain profoundly intriguing subjects of analysis. Yesterday, while listening to a speech delivered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the AK Party's Provincial Congress, I was multitasking, attending to other matters simultaneously. Yet, at the 15th minute of his address, a statement unexpectedly struck me—its tone, underlying implications, and resonance with recent events in Syria.

This remark also evoked a vivid memory of a significant conversation I had roughly fifteen years ago with a prominent Turkish industrialist visiting Algeria. During our discussions on Algerian-Turkish relations and the strategic positions of our respective countries, he made an unforgettable assertion:

"Mark my words, Sofiane. In ten years, the Ottoman Empire will rise from its ashes and reclaim all the territories it once held."

Revisiting Erdoğan’s speech, this prophetic claim seemed to echo the geopolitical aspirations he articulated, unveiling a clear ambition for expansion influenced by Ottoman imperial history. This article, therefore, seeks to provide a detailed analysis of just two minutes of that extensive speech—two minutes that captivated me. Brief as they were, these moments were dense with meaning, allusion, and historical context, tightly interwoven with current regional events and the long-standing Turkish-Syrian historical narrative. A commented translation of these passages is provided below.

Analysis of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Words

1. Historical Context

In the excerpt referenced, Erdoğan revisits the post-World War I period of border redefinition. His claim that current borders are arbitrary echoes Turkey's long-standing grievances over the outcomes of the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement and the subsequent colonial partitioning.

This moment is pivotal, shedding light on a revisionist outlook regarding the loss of the Ottoman Empire’s Arab provinces after its 1918 defeat and the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920, followed by Lausanne in 1923. Erdoğan implies that cities such as Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Damascus, or Raqqa could have remained under Turkish sovereignty—akin to Gaziantep, Hatay, or Urfa—had history taken a different course.

This historical reference aligns with a broader narrative aimed at reviving Ottoman heritage. The annexation of the Sanjak of Alexandretta (now Hatay) to Turkey in 1939 is frequently cited by Ankara as a precedent legitimizing potential similar claims.

2. Political Implications

By asserting that “Our ties with these territories and their people have never been severed,” Erdoğan seeks to reinforce the notion of a historical and cultural continuity between populations on either side of the Turkish-Syrian border. Politically, this rhetoric serves to legitimize Turkey’s military interventions in Syria since 2016—operations such as Euphrates Shield (2016) "Fırat Kalkanı Operasyonu", Olive Branch (2018) "Zeytin Dalı Harekâtı", and Peace Spring (2019) "Barış Pınarı Harekâtı". These actions are framed as missions to protect not only Turkey’s strategic interests but also populations perceived as culturally close.

Moreover, his references to Syrian migration flows carry significant domestic political undertones. Erdoğan leverages this narrative to exploit divisions within the Turkish opposition, positioning himself as the sole leader with a coherent vision for managing this complex crisis. This nationalist discourse aims to rally his electoral base while neutralizing critics.

3. Geopolitical Dimensions

Explicit references to Syria and the strategic cities mentioned carry profound significance in the current context. Erdoğan underscores the opposition's inability to grasp the importance of "critical developments" at Turkey's borders, using this rhetoric to justify territorial ambitions or, at the very least, an expanded Turkish influence in Syria.

Cities like Aleppo, Idlib, and Raqqa are situated in resource-rich regions of immense geostrategic importance, particularly in the context of Turkey’s ongoing power struggle with regional players such as Iran and Russia.

By suggesting that these Syrian cities could have been Turkish provinces, Erdoğan reaffirms Turkey’s centrality in the Levant and its aspiration to lead the region.

4. Geostrategic Vision

By linking contemporary events to a broader historical narrative, Erdoğan implicitly claims that Turkey is not merely addressing isolated crises but is pursuing a long-term strategy to consolidate its influence. The Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland) doctrine, emphasizing Turkey’s maritime projection, finds its terrestrial counterpart in a vision of a Kızıl Vatan (Red Homeland) focused on Syria and a Gök Vatan (Sky Homeland) centered on Turkish airspace.

Erdoğan also invokes the concept of natural borders, suggesting that Turkey bears a moral responsibility toward border populations of Turkmen or Sunni origin, further strengthening its claims over annexed or de facto controlled territories.

Translation of Key Passages from Erdoğan’s Speech

14:32: "Do you now see why we are there? Why are we in Syria? What has happened?"

14:45: "Where is the leader of Syria now? And where are our brothers who came from Syria today? They say, ‘We are returning to our lands.’"

15:51: During the First World War, when the borders of our region were redrawn, what would have happened if circumstances had been different? Most likely, cities such as Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Damascus, and Raqqa would have become, like Antep, Hatay, or Urfa, provinces of Turkey.

16:27: Do you really think we would sever all ties with the people living in these territories? Of course not. Over the past century, our citizens in border cities and those living on the other side of the frontier have preserved their human connections, exchanges, and familial bonds.

16:54: There were even regular bus, minibus, and taxi routes between our cities and those beyond the border.

An earlier reference at 9:41, hinting at what was to come and preparing the audience and party members for the ensuing five minutes:

09:41: We were patient, and we said, Men sabera zafera [He who is patient triumphs], and those who persevere achieve victory. (Applause)

In the end,

This speech, particularly the selected passages, reveals Erdoğan’s blend of historical allusion, nationalist rhetoric, and geopolitical ambition. Whether interpreted as a prefiguration of imperial resurgence or a calculated political strategy, his words resonate powerfully within Turkey’s evolving narrative of self-perception and regional influence.

(*) The Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland) doctrine rests on a geopolitical vision asserting Turkish sovereignty over its maritime zones in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. Conceived as a response to maritime and energy-related tensions with Greece and Cyprus, this doctrine symbolizes Turkey's maritime ambition to safeguard its natural resources and solidify its regional influence.

The Gök Vatan (Sky Homeland) doctrine pertains to Turkey's airspace. It underscores the strategic importance of aerial domains for national defense and the expansion of Turkish military capabilities, particularly through advancements in aeronautical technologies, such as the Bayraktar drones.

Building on these two preceding doctrines, the Kızıl Vatan (Red Homeland) extends this strategic vision to land territories under the banner of the Turkish flag, focusing on border and strategic issues to the south, particularly in Syria. This framework aligns with an agenda of expanding influence by invoking Ottoman history and defending Turkish interests against perceived threats at its borders. Together, these three doctrines constitute a cohesive approach, linking maritime projection, territorial security, and aerial dominance into a unified regional ambition.

Thank you for reading, and see you soon for another human exploration! ... And by the way, check out my other Newsletters, you will surely find one that interests you!

— ... And above all, don't forget, Be kind to yourself, to others, love everyone without distinction, be kind to one another and help everyone by using generosity and acts of kindness, and... May your nights be as Sweet and peaceful with the feeling of a duty fulfilled and may your days be Bright! This is my motto 😉 —

In solidarity,

Sofiane Sid-Ahmed GHERBI

President-Founder,

MALAK D'ALGER Association جمعية ملاك لولاية الجزائر | Ex. City of Angels of Algiers - SOLIANGES

sofiane-gherbi@citedesanges.org

www.citedesanges.org

Translator and Interpreter

Hello! 🤗 I am Sofiane, a Translator and Interpreter specialising in translations from French and English into Arabic, with expertise in Spanish, Turkish, Russian, and Ottoman Turkish. Passionate about Humans, I am interested in everything that touches their History, cultures, beliefs, and languages, particularly Semitic, Iberian, Slavic, and Turkic languages; not forgetting liturgical languages, which are another of my strengths. My commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity, communication in its aspects of Inter-culturality, Multi-culturality, and Trans-culturality is a reflection of this passion and vocation, crystallising in the principle of "Trans-lation" in my vocation as a Translator and Interpreter of human achievement.

In parallel, I am an active and committed Humanitarian, dedicating my time and energy to my Association, the "Cité des Anges d'Alger", dedicated to assisting and protecting children and mothers, of which I am the President and Founder: www.citedesanges.org

In a world that values sharp expertise, I am also an Expert in Foreign Trade Operations & International Relations by day; a Volunteer Translator/Interpreter by evening; and a committed Humanitarian during the rest of my time and on weekends. My activities form a mosaic of interests: gardening, DIY, martial arts, chess, crafts (pottery, ceramics, mosaics, Floral wood decoration, repoussé and chasing copperwork), Andalusian-Arab music, and a constant appetite for learning through Coursera, challenging myself every day with new skills and knowledge. These passions enrich my understanding of cultural nuances and humanity — so essential; they are my Ikigai! 😉

My versatility is not merely a collection of skills, but a symphony where every talent resonates with the others. As a Polyglot, Multipotentialite, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I perceive the world as an interconnected canvas, where each new experience deepens my global understanding. This heightened sensitivity allows me to grasp the most subtle nuances in intercultural exchanges, transforming my diverse interests into a unique strength. I am not merely the sum of my skills but their living synergy — every language I speak, every art I practise, every culture I explore interweaves to create a singular perspective that gives meaning to my mission as a bridge between worlds.

Author's Note: Never forget that you have the power to make a difference, regardless of your age or situation. Get involved in Solidarity and Humanitarian Actions, and do good around you, for these generous and altruistic actions will build a better world for all of us. Be the Diamond that lights the way for others, and your light will shine eternally ... long after you!