President Erdoğan: Issue not about myself, but Turkey, Islam

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Sunday that the "issue" is not about himself and his party but "Turkey and Islam".

Speaking in the eastern province of Mus at a ceremony marking the 947th anniversary of Battle of Malazgirt, Erdoğan stressed that Turkey's security is not limited to its borders, adding it starts wherever there is a brother under threat.

"Thus, we have to be powerful in politics, diplomacy, economy, trade and technology. Otherwise, put this homeland and geography aside, they won't give us a single day to live in this world," Erdoğan said.

"If we show even a small sign of weakness, or perceive a situation in that way, you will see they will come onto us like hooded crows."

Pointing at "some unwary people among us", Erdoğan said they assume the issue is about the president himself and the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.

"No, the issue is about Turkey. The issue is about Islam, which they symbolize with our nation," he said.

Battle of Malazgirt

Praising Turkish victory in Anatolia nearly a millennium ago, Erdoğan said the Battle of Malazgirt (Manzikert) paved the way to Europe for the Turks.

The Battle of Malazgirt of Aug. 26, 1071 saw Seljuk Turks led by Sultan Alparslan defeat a Byzantine army and open up Anatolia for Turkish domination.

Describing Anatolia as a linchpin of the future of humanity, Erdoğan said: "If Anatolia falls, neither the Middle East nor Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, or the Caucasus will remain."

The president also called on Turkish youth to take ownership of the country's centuries-old legacy.

"Not only were we victorious in [the Battle] of Malazgirt, we also showed the entire world what a nation we are. The young people! Protect this legacy born in the past, moving forward into the future," Erdoğan said.

The president also said the spirit of Malazgirt is the key to the past, as well as the future, referring to Turkey's 2023 objectives, in particular.

"Turkey carries the responsibility of a big civilization, a huge history and great humanity... I expect you, [the young people] to act likewise in whatever field you opt for," Erdoğan said.