Turkish leaders emphasize diversity in Easter message

Turkish leaders on Saturday emphasized tolerance and diversity in their Easter messages to mark the Christian feast.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his best wishes to "all Christian citizens and the whole Christian community on the occasion of Easter."

"We place the utmost importance on the freedom in which all our citizens can follow their own religion, culture, and traditions freely, regardless of their religious, cultural, or ethnic origin," Erdoğan said in a statement.

"Our civilization sees diversity as our treasure," he added.

"Religious holidays are exceptional days in which the bonds of fellowship and solidarity are strengthened and the unity and sense of solidarity are reinforced," he said.

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım also released a special message, saying the Turkish people are preserving its understanding of seeing diversity as a richness and protecting freedom of religion.

Easter, marked on April 1 for Western Christians and April 8 for Eastern Orthodox Christians, marks the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection three days later.