Symbolic Gift to Erdoğan Sparks Global Tensions Over Jerusalem

In Istanbul, a symbolic gesture has stirred geopolitical tensions. Last week, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos the third of Jerusalem presented Turkish President Erdoğan with the Covenant of Umar, a 7th-century charter that guaranteed Christians protection in Jerusalem. It was more than a gift. It was an appeal for Türkiye’s historic role as guardian of the city’s multi-faith heritage.

The Covenant echoes centuries of coexistence among Christians, Muslims, and Jews. And in presenting it to Erdogan, Theophilos signaled that safeguarding Jerusalem is not just a Muslim cause, but a Christian one. In response, Washington quickly summoned Patriarch Bartholomew, the Istanbul-based spiritual leader of Christian Orthodoxy. In Tel Aviv, Netanyahu declared Jerusalem ours forever, in a direct swipe at Erdogan. Both Washington and Israel have revived negative claims about minority rights in Turkiye, accusations which Ankara rejects. Turkiye points to its record – dozens of restored churches and monasteries across the country. A stark contrast to Israel, where Gaza’s 1,600-year-old Church was bombed, killing civilians sheltering inside. Christian sites in the occupied West Bank have also been facing growing attacks from illegal settlers.

Guest:
Vehbi Baysan
Associate Professor at Ibn Haldun University