18.04.2025 18:00
President Erdoğan, in a statement at the International Yeditepe Biennial, criticized the opposition. Erdoğan said, "They lynched and targeted artists, athletes, and young people because they did not support them. We did not bow to the outbursts of a handful of bullies, and we will not do so in the future. Those who make a lot of noise, who shout and threaten left and right, will see that the reality is not at all as they claim."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made evaluations regarding current issues at the 3rd International Yeditepe Biennial. President Erdoğan stated that the CHP has targeted artists and athletes who do not support the boycott and emphasized that they will not allow threats.
President Erdoğan said: "I sincerely thank those who contributed to the 3rd Yeditepe Biennial. Works of master artists who are passionate about art from many countries will come together in 3 different locations. The universal accumulation of Culture and Art will be exhibited in Istanbul with local characteristics. In these spring days, it will be further enlivened with works from different countries. I wish the 3rd Yeditepe Biennial to be beneficial for our country and the cultural and artistic community.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: THERE IS NO ARROGANCE IN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF ART
The Yeditepe Biennial is a very valuable step that brings together Turkish arts that carry the spirit of this geography. We are a nation that expresses itself through ceramics, narrates through calligraphy, and paints through marbling. In our understanding of art, there is no show or arrogance. There is a reflection of the light of truth. Our cultural and artistic treasures will once again emerge in different corners of Istanbul. Everyone who passes through this door will also step into a world of meaning. The theme of our biennial creates the idea that if there is shadow, there is also light. This phrase points to an important truth while evoking the concepts of darkness and light in our minds.
"WE HAVE BROUGHT TURKEY TO A POSITION THAT IS ADMIRED"
The ground on which our civilizational values rest is being fortified by these activities. We have provided strong support for these efforts since the first day we took office. We have made an effort to embrace our roots with many projects and programs. By following the traces of our ancestors' legacies, we have revitalized our historical heritage. We have brought Turkey to a position that is admired. We will continue our efforts from now on. We will stay away from mere imitation, as the wardrobe models do.
"WE ARE BUILDING OUR FUTURE BY PROTECTING OUR ORIGINAL IDENTITY"
Imitation only glorifies the original. Turkey, especially during the period of single-party fascism, has suffered at the hands of Westernized Jacobins who destroyed our cultural treasure. The fascist mentality, which is at odds with tradition and the values of the nation, left behind a great wreckage. Those without tradition have no future. Those who turn their backs on their own past have a dark present and future. That is why we say every time that we are a future rooted in the past. We reject all approaches that harbor animosity towards the nation and the values of our esteemed people. We are building our future by protecting our original identity.
"THE MAIN OPPOSITION TARGETED ARTISTS"
In recent weeks, we witnessed a fascist pressure that sought to create neighborhood pressure with the provocation of the main opposition. The acts of tyranny have reached dimensions that exceed the limits of tolerance. They lynched artists, athletes, and youth because they did not support them. Many individuals closed their social media accounts. They targeted local and national brands and artists, trying to harm the country's economy. They showed disrespect to our historical mosques. No one can take away the freedoms for which we have paid heavy prices from this nation. No one can impose anything on the cultural and artistic figures of this nation. We did not bow to the excesses of a handful of tyrants, and we will not do so in the future. Those who make a lot of noise, shout and threaten will see that the reality is not as they think. Our artists, athletes, and youth should be at ease. The single-party fascism of the main opposition has become history. No one will have the power to bring back those dark days dominated by coups and oppression.