Introduction to Turkey's Complex Relationship with Saudi Arabia

Turkey’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is a complex mix of historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. This essay aims to provide an insight into how Turkish citizens view the relationship between their country and Saudi Arabia, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the mutual interaction.

Personal and Political Perspectives

As a Turkish citizen, the perception towards Saudi Arabia is often colored by personal opinions and political influences. Many citizens feel a strong disdain towards a country they see as akin to a medieval state, with negative connotations stemming from cultural and social representations.

President Erdogan, a key figure in shaping Turkey's stance, has been pragmatic in his approach to Saudi Arabia, primarily due to economic interests. However, this has also led to significant friction with the Saudi leadership, which has not been lost on the Turkish public, especially among the boomer generation who are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction.

Turkey's Perspective on Saudi Arabia: Not Allies, Not Enemies

From a Turkish perspective, Saudi Arabia is neither an ally nor an enemy. Turks share the Arab identity but are part of the wider Turkic group, and there is no familial or close cultural affiliations beyond the shared religion. Many citizens believe that religion should be a matter of personal belief and not a tool for international relations.

The holy city of Mecca and the Kaba are significant for Muslims and represent something that Turks take as a personal responsibility to visit if they can. However, many Turks acknowledge that their country does not need to have close personal or familial ties with Saudi Arabia. The focus should instead be on pragmatic relations and trade, which have been adversely affected by the current political dynamics.

Geopolitical and Historical Context

The relationship between Turkey and Saudi Arabia is further complicated by historical and geopolitical factors. Saudi Arabia's existence is largely due to a British-backed rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, and from a religious perspective, many in Turkey view the current Saudi leadership as backstabbing and a Western puppet, aligning with Wahhabi ideology that contradicts traditional Sufi practices.

To secular Turks, Saudi Arabia represents backwardness and a cautionary tale about the dangers of religiously-driven alliances. This perception is exacerbated by the Saudi Arabia's perceived hypocrisy and its role in supporting extremist ideologies, as seen with the rise of ISIS.

Contemporary Relations and Challenges

Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are vying for influence in the Muslim world, each believing they hold a rightful claim to leadership within it. The Ottomans had historically maintained this position, but Saudi Arabia, by virtue of hosting the most sacred Islamic sites, commands significant respect.

However, Saudi Arabia’s lack of engagement or visible support in global Muslim issues has earned them a reputation for hypocrisy. This has made it easier for extremist groups like ISIS to attract followers and has positioned Saudi Arabia as a target among certain factions. On the other hand, Turkey takes every opportunity to highlight Saudi Arabia’s failures and exposes their backtracking on various political and social fronts.

Conclusion

The relationship between Turkey and Saudi Arabia is multifaceted, influenced by historical, cultural, and geopolitical elements. While tensions exist, there is also a recognition of shared interests in trade and pragmatic collaboration. As the political landscapes evolve, it is crucial for both nations to continue engaging in constructive dialogue to foster better relations and mutual understanding.

Keywords

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Erdogan, Muslim relations, geopolitical significance