There Is a Brotherhood Beyond Passports, Borders, and Geographies

​President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his spouse Emine Erdoğan attended the program held in New York by our Presidency, organized with the contributions of the Turkish-American National Steering Committee (TASC), Union of International Democrats (UID), Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD), and the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO). President Erdoğan delivered an address to the participants at the event.

​Beginning his speech by greeting the attendees, President Erdoğan stated that he experienced the joy of coming together with citizens in New York once again.

​Expressing that he finds the gathering valuable both in terms of witnessing the efforts of the participants in the US and consulting on common issues, President Erdoğan noted the following: "First of all, I would like to state with all my sincerity that in this hall, which brings together the Turkish and American Muslim communities living in America, there is a brotherhood beyond passports, borders, and geographies. Here is a common conscience, a sublime spirit that nurtures empathy for each other's troubles and solidarity. Here are the carriers of a deep-rooted heritage extending from the Turkish Mutual Aid Society to the Hars Society, from the first generations arriving on these lands with the SS Gülcemal to our strong national presence rooted across America. There is affection in this hall. There is a great brotherhood exceeding borders and cultures. In this hall, there is a magnificent climate of solidarity giving confidence to us all.”

​President Erdoğan added: “As the President of Türkiye, I feel great pleasure to be a part, a member, of the spirit of brotherhood embodied in this hall. Naturally, such a strong sense of belonging brings along responsibilities. Because brothers and sisters support each other. Brothers and sisters respect each other's rights. Brothers and sisters do not discriminate among themselves based on origin, income, language, culture, or color. Brothers and sisters do not build walls between themselves due to differences of opinion.”

​President Erdoğan expressed: "I would particularly like to remind you of the following Hadith (Hadith al-Sharif) of the Prophet Muhammad, who was sent as a mercy to the worlds, defining our brotherhood: 'A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not betray him, lie to him, or leave him helpless. Everything of a Muslim—his property, honor, and blood—is sacred to another Muslim.' Righteousness (Taqwa) is right here, in the heart. It is evil enough for a person to insult his Muslim brother; yes, this is the very essence of the matter."

​Stating that they are obligated to do justice to brotherhood, to transform this togetherness into organization, and organization into a lasting power that generates value for society, President Erdoğan said: "When we look at the point reached by the Turkish, cognate, and Muslim communities in America today, we see a significant human resource, serious experience, and a progressively growing institutional capacity."

​Expressing that there are Turks achieving very valuable successes in business, science, academia, healthcare, law, and technology, President Erdoğan stated that there are figures like Professor Doctor Aziz Sancar who lead breakthroughs in the scientific world and contribute to the evolution of humanity.

​President Erdoğan noted the following: "We take pride in the achievements of all our citizens, regardless of their views, as long as they do not fall into the pit of betrayal. I express my gratitude to all our citizens who represent Türkiye’s voice, knowledge, and values in the best way wherever they live, and who work to strengthen the friendship between our country and America. With the achievements you demonstrate, the friendships you establish, and the contributions you make to the society you live in, you are Türkiye’s natural ambassadors. Undoubtedly, this circle of hearts is not limited to our citizens alone. We also place great importance on the presence of our friends who, despite not being Turkish citizens, harbor a sincere affection for Türkiye and our nation, and who do not withhold their voice against prejudices and injustices targeting the Turkish nation.”

​President Erdoğan said: “This broad network of solidarity, extending from our cognates to the American Muslim community and all our friends who have formed a bond of affection with Türkiye, is very precious to us. In your presence, I offer my most heartfelt gratitude to all our friends who multiply Türkiye's friendship, contribute to a more accurate understanding of our country, and demonstrate their solidarity whenever needed.”

​President Erdoğan emphasized that the secret of success everywhere in the world is qualified education.

​Pointing out that consolidating the Turkish community’s position in political, economic, social, and cultural life depends on children and youth receiving a good education, President Erdoğan noted the following: "Alongside this, it is important for our children to learn their own language and culture and preserve their bonds with their motherland. In fact, this is never an obstacle to integration. Today, it is quite natural for individuals to feel a sense of belonging to more than one country. What should fundamentally be objected to here is expecting an immigrant to deny their roots in order to integrate into the society they live in. Furthermore, for an immigrant group to integrate with the society it lives in, that society must also accept the immigrants and respect their rights. Although America constitutes an exceptional example in this regard, problems are unfortunately experienced in many regions of the world, primarily in Europe. Muslims are expected to assimilate, not to integrate. We, on the other hand, say 'yes' to integration and 'no' to all forms of assimilation."

​"While our people become a strong part of the country they live in, we view it as extremely valuable that they preserve their ties with their motherland," said President Erdoğan, continuing his words as follows: "Language, faith, culture, and our shared memory lie at the core of such a strong sense of belonging to be passed down from generation to generation. With this understanding, our Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities continues to support efforts that strengthen the bonds of our people with their motherland. Now, we are on the threshold of a much greater breakthrough. We want to see you in much stronger positions in politics, economy, academia, and cultural and artistic life.”

​President Erdoğan noted: “We desire for the individual achievements obtained by our people to transform into strong institutions, lasting structures, and a body of knowledge passed down from generation to generation. This is the way to fight more strongly against anti-Muslim hatred, xenophobia, and all kinds of discrimination. This is the way to say 'stop' to those who wish to drench the Islamic geography in blood and tears. This is the way to prevent the genocide taking place in Gaza from repeating elsewhere. Similarly, this is the way to refute the slanders cast upon Türkiye. And this is also the way to increase trade, investments, and economic cooperation between Türkiye and America. My brothers and sisters, for this reason, if others work one fold, we will work ten folds. We will tightly cling to our brotherhood, we will not bow our heads, we will not cast our eyes down, and we will never feel like second or third-class citizens."

​Touching upon the upcoming mid-term elections in the US, President Erdoğan said: "On this occasion, I invite all our citizens to exercise their democratic rights and make their voices heard in the upcoming mid-term elections. It is crucial that you reflect your will at the ballot box at the highest level. I sincerely hope that you carry on your activities here successfully in unity, togetherness, and most importantly, in brotherhood."

​Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Turkish-American National Steering Committee and other non-governmental organizations, President Erdoğan noted the following: "I want you to know that Türkiye and I personally are always by your side, ready to provide you with all kinds of support. May Almighty Allah be your helper and guide.

​I congratulate the Turkish-American National Steering Committee, our Presidency for Turks Abroad, and all our institutions that supported and contributed to the program, which paved the way for this gathering. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every brother and sister who joined our gathering from different states of America. I particularly ask you to convey my personal and my nation’s deepest greetings to the brothers and sisters in your respective cities."