It’s ironic how the Turks, who for years were provocatively labeled as barbaric, cruel, murderous, and vandals, are actually one of the most hospitable, helpful nations, warm-blooded, loving not just humans but even animals as their own.
In 1492, when the Spanish Inquisition sought to kill Jews, the Turks welcomed them.
While Europe, for 2,000 years, allowed no religion but Christianity, the Ottoman Empire had three separate legal systems for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, where everyone lived according to their own community’s rules. Mosques and churches were built, and each religious leader had autonomy.
In 1848, during the Hungarian Revolution, the Turks sheltered fleeing Hungarians and Poles, even establishing a district called Polonezköy (meaning “Polish village”).
In 1864, when Russia committed genocide against the Circassians, Turkey took them in and provided a home.
During Nazi Germany’s persecution of Jews, homosexuals, and others, Turkey opened its doors to them.
In 1917, during the Bolshevik Revolution, Turkey gave refuge to the White Russians who fled.
When North Korea invaded South Korea, it was the Turks who went to help and save them.
These are just examples of foreigners; Turkey did as much for Turks in other countries too.
Tourists who come to Istanbul are amazed by the people who were called barbaric and uncivilized for years.
I’m proud of my nation. There’s probably no other people in history who, despite being so powerful, remained so humane and civilized.
If anyone else had conquered the Balkans and Eastern Europe instead of the Turks, those regions would likely have been entirely Muslim and subjected to genocide. The Turks not only refrained from forcing conversions but even built synagogues and churches. Look at Africa, under French control for just 50 years—everyone there is now Christian, and their native language is French.
For 750 years, the Turks were the protectors and hosts of three major religions. Europe took this role from the Turks, and in the Middle East, where half the population was Christian, not a single Christian remains—they were all fed to the Sharia-supporting terrorist groups backed by the U.S. for oil.
For Turks, it’s not about what you believe or where you’re from—what matters more is who you are.