12.08.2026 21:50
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who came to Türkiye upon the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, carried a striking symbol during the joint press conference he held with Erdoğan. The Palestinian flag and key pin on Abbas's jacket once again brought to the forefront the 'right of return' hope that Palestinians have carried for years.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who came to Ankara upon the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, attended a joint press conference after his meeting with Erdoğan. In addition to Abbas's speech, the Palestinian flag and key pin he wore on his jacket lapel also drew attention.
HISTORICAL MEMORY
The key worn by Abbas on his lapel is known as a symbol of the right of return, which holds an important place in the memory of Palestinians.
This key figure represents the historical memory of Palestinians who were exiled from their homes and lands during the process known as the 'Nakba' (Great Catastrophe) in 1948. Families who were forced to leave their homes at that time took their house keys with them in the hope of one day returning.
These keys, passed down from generation to generation over the years, have become the strongest symbol of Palestinians' attachment to their homes, lands, and past, as well as their right of return.
THE HOPE OF 'WE WILL RETURN ONE DAY'
The keys carried by Palestinians are seen not only as tools to open the door of a house but also as a symbol of the hope of reuniting with the lost home.
As old house keys passed from families to subsequent generations have become one of the strongest symbols of the Palestinian cause, the key figure is also frequently used in Palestinian art, protests, and various commemorative events.
ABBAS ALSO HAD THE PALESTINIAN FLAG ON HIS LAPEL
In addition to the key pin, Mahmud Abbas also wore the Palestinian flag on his jacket. Abbas's participation in the joint press conference with these symbols was assessed as a symbolic expression of Palestinians' demands regarding their lands and an independent Palestinian state.
During his visit to Turkey, Abbas's meeting with Erdoğan addressed the latest developments in Palestine, the situation in Gaza, and regional issues, and after the meeting, the two leaders made statements to the public.
Mahmud Abbas wearing these symbols on his lapel during the meeting in Ankara was a striking detail showing that the Palestinian cause is not limited to today's political developments, but that the desire of Palestinians to return to their homeland, carried from the past to the present, continues.