09.07.2026 06:40
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who arrived in Ankara for the NATO Summit, was greeted at the Presidential Complex with the mehter march "Ceddin Deden." While the Greek press described the ceremony as "provocative" due to the march's lyrics, they also used the phrase "(Trump) bowed to the sultan and opened the door for F-35s" regarding US President Donald Trump's statements about President Erdogan.
The reception held at the Presidential Complex as part of the NATO Summit, where leaders were greeted with Mehter marches, and US President Donald Trump's statements about Turkey regarding the F-35, resonated widely in the Greek press. Some newspapers described the Mehteran greeting as "provocative," while Trump's remarks about Erdoğan also drew attention.
LEADERS GREETED WITH MEHTER MARCHES AT THE COMPLEX
Before the reception held as part of the NATO Summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan welcomed heads of state and government along with their spouses at the entrance of the Presidential Complex. During the welcoming ceremony, leaders and their spouses walked to the reception area accompanied by Mehter marches.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife were also greeted with the march "Ceddin Deden," which includes the lyrics "Always heroic Turkish nation."
GREEK PRESS: A PROVOCATIVE ATMOSPHERE WAS CREATED
The welcoming ceremony also received extensive coverage in the Greek press. The newspaper Pentapostagma described the greeting with Mehter marches as "provocative."
In its report, the newspaper stated, "Ankara created an extremely provocative atmosphere filled with revisionist messages, nationalist symbolism, and imperial arrogance."
The report also mentioned the Mehter band, noting, "Before and during wars, they instilled fear and panic in the hearts of their opponents, including Greeks."
TRUMP'S F-35 AND CAATSA STATEMENTS ALSO MADE HEADLINES
In the Greek media, not only the welcoming ceremony but also US President Donald Trump's statements regarding the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and CAATSA sanctions were among the prominent topics.
In.gr, one of the country's most-read news sites, used the headline, "Erdoğan won the 'battle' in his meeting with Trump, now he is trying to win the 'war.'"
The report highlighted Turkey's increasing strategic importance, stating that it can no longer be ignored. It noted that Trump's reception by President Erdoğan in Ankara was found impressive, while Trump's praise-filled words for Erdoğan drew attention. It also claimed that Turkey won the first diplomatic battle, but the process for determining a clear timeline for the delivery of F-35 fighter jets continues.
KATHIMERINI EMPHASIZES PRAISE AND F-35
The newspaper Kathimerini, in its article titled "Praises and Promises for the F-35," included evaluations by Trump regarding the F-35 program and CAATSA sanctions.
The newspaper wrote that Trump praised President Erdoğan and described Turkey as a more loyal friend compared to other countries.
ESTIA: TRUMP HEAPED PRAISE ON ERDOĞAN
The meeting and joint statements between US President Donald Trump, who came to Ankara as part of the NATO Summit, and President Erdoğan also received extensive coverage in Greek newspapers.
The newspaper Estia used the headline, "(Trump) bowed to the sultan and opened the door for F-35s."
The report also stated, "In any case, President Trump was not content with just bowing before Erdoğan. He heaped praise on him."