During the discussion and evaluation of recent events in the Middle East at the last Leaders of Change Summit held this year on March 14 in Istanbul, the signals of what was to be Turkey’s role and of the results we see today were given. Turkey is determinately fulfilling its expected duty of steering world politics.

I express my opinions on the matter from time to time making statements to the printed and visual media. I would also like to share them once more here with you.

Just as a country’s geography determines its neighbours and its strategic interests, its history points out to its allies, enemies and ambitions.

Russia, America, England, France and Germany are closely interested in our environment. These countries were present 100 years ago and today they continue to do so, with the addition of China with its gigantic economy and political power. A 100 years ago Turkey was considered to be the “sick man of Europe”, whereas today it is seen as “Turkey, the shining star of Eurasia”.

REGAINING OUR PLACE IN HISTORY 100 YEARS LATER 
Today history is repeating itself in the Middle East. This process marks Turkey’s awakening from its 100-year-long silence and passivity, making itself heard and starting to dominate the events.

Think about it, 100 years ago France was colonizing Syria and Lebanon. Today Prime Minister Erdoğan is stating that “Syria is an issue of our internal affairs” and we have to pay attention to the historical ramifications of this statement.

The Republic of Turkey, after having strived to become part of Europe since 1960, is nowadays re-emerging on the stage of history as the tiger of Eurasia .

Our country has ceased to see its future in Europe. 100 years later we regain our place in history.

Turkey is growing and advancing firmly in its way, acting as a “mirror” for other Muslim countries. Turkey placed tremendous importance to the EU but the results of that policy are obvious.

At this stage other arguments are being activated. We have ahead ourselves the projections of a Mesopotamian Union, an Asian Union and an Islamic Union.

THE EYES OF THE ISLAMIC UNION ARE ON TURKEY
Turkey is the Secretary General of the Islamic Union. This is a sign. This is a sign of acceptance.

The Middle Eastern Union is very important. The preliminary preparations of an umbrella of an economic partnership together with 5 Turkic Republics which would provide Turkey regional dominance were made by our late President Turgut Özal. Now Prime Minister Erdoğan is continuing with the same plan advancing step by step and with determination.

MIDDLE EASTERN STONES HAVE FALLEN OUT OF PLACE
Turkey has the opportunity of influencing and directing the Arabian spring. The energy sources powerful countries are trying to and fighting to obtain are located in the geographical regions of the Turkic Republics and Islamic countries. Turkey’s historical leadership and protection of these vast regions means the opportunity to have access to a tremendous power source.

Turkey’s gained influence as a regional power would change the power balance in our region.

In this new Middle Eastern environment the roles of America and Turkey are becoming parallel.

Prime Minister Erdoğan’s statement “Syria is an issue of our internal affairs” is the signal of a Turkey which after 100 years raises its head and starts once more to write history.