Erdogan's son-in-law calls Turkey's 'Blue Homeland' its garden, vows no retreat

Selçuk Bayraktar, president of Baykar and son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has issued a new statement reinforcing Ankara's "Blue Homeland" rhetoric. He described the maritime zones Turkey claims as its jurisdiction as the country's "garden."

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If our homeland on land is our home, then the 'Blue Homeland' is our garden, where we find our peace.

Bayraktar stated that while Turkey's land area is approximately 783,000 square kilometers, its "Blue Homeland" maritime zones span 462,000 square kilometers. He drew an analogy, saying, "If our homeland on land is our home, then the 'Blue Homeland' is our garden, where we find our peace." He emphasized that just as no room of their house can be relinquished, they will never give up any part of their "Blue Homeland" garden.

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Just as we cannot give up any room of our home, we will never give up even one drop of the 'Blue Homeland,' which is our garden.

He further asserted that the struggle for the "Blue Homeland" is not merely a technological endeavor but a fight for justice and independence, aimed at rebuilding a world whose institutions have collapsed. These statements come amid reports that Turkey is closely monitoring Greece's activities, which Ankara claims infringe upon Turkey's rights and interests. Specifically, a Turkish newspaper reported that Greece is considering enhancing its air defense in Aegean islands near the Turkish coast with Israeli systems.

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The struggle we are waging in the Blue Homeland is not just a technological endeavor. It is a struggle for justice and independence. It is an effort to rebuild a world that has collapsed in all its institutions.

Turkish Minister of Defense Yaşar Güler confirmed that all Greek activities violating Turkey's rights and interests, and contravening international law, are being monitored. He added that Turkey is taking necessary measures without providing further details. Güler's response also addressed the military cooperation between Greece and Israel, noting that Turkey is closely observing these activities within the current "multipolar security environment" characterized by increased global and regional uncertainty.

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All activities of Greece that violate Turkey's rights and interests and contravene international law are being monitored.