A report published by an Israeli think-tank referred to Turkish citizens visiting the Old City of Jerusalem as a “potential threat,” and remarked on the prevalence of the Turkish flag across East Jerusalem as a sign of Turkey’s “growing presence.”
The report, titled “Erdoğan’s Turkey Intensifies Involvement in Gaza and Jerusalem,” was published by the Israel-based Institute for Contemporary Affairs.
The report posits several possible answers for the question “Why is Jerusalem so important for Turkey?” Pointing to the appearance of Turkish flags among Palestinian protesters taking part in the Great March for Return demonstrations as the result of Turkey’s support for Hamas.
The report goes on to describe what it says are the numerous ways Turkey has been active in East Jerusalem, such as its support for Hamas.
It also remarks on the prevalence of the Turkish flag in every corner of the Old City.
“The most visible sign of its activity is the Turkish flag flying publicly around east Jerusalem. Many of the alleyways of the Old City and in the streets outside the Old City Wall have at times been festooned with Turkish flags flying on every corner, including at the entrances to the Temple Mount, while pro-Turkish demonstrations take place on the Mount itself.”
According to the report, the ultimate goal of Turkey promoting religious tourism in Jerusalem is “to conquer the Temple Mount from Israel by overrunning it with masses of pilgrims who will declare that they have restored it to Muslim rule.”
Jerusalem is sacred to both Muslims and Jews, as it includes sites known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary), al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the rock, as well as an ancient Jewish temple.
