Turkey cannot be ‘confined’ to its borders and must expand influence: Erdogan

Turkey cannot be “confined” to its borders and the country’s potential must not be limited, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Speaking during an award ceremony for the country’s top scientists and prospective researchers, he said, “We will be in a much better place in the future. Turkey is not just a place confined in an area of 782,000 square kilometers,” he was quoted as saying by the Daily Sabah publication.

“History has a mission designated for us, and we have to act in line with this,” the Turkish president said.

The Turkish government has been accused of seeking to revive the Ottoman Empire’s legacy. Erdogan, however, reportedly dismissed the claims during his speech, describing Turkey’s efforts as strengthening historical ties with former Ottoman territories.

“Some people cannot grasp it. They cannot grasp what we are doing in Libya or Somalia. They are not unaware of our mission.”

“Those unable to see the transformation of Turkey cannot see the course of developments we went through. We won’t waste time with them and will focus on our goals. I believe you will undertake your responsibility in this sacred journey,” he said.

The president emphasized Turkey’s growing geopolitical influence and its responsibility to address regional challenges.

Referring to the ongoing crisis in Syria, he said, “The events in Syria remind us that Turkey is bigger than Turkey itself.”

“Turkey’s strength lies not only in its technological and scientific advancements but also in its enduring commitment to justice, stability, and progress,” Erdogan said.