Our Directorate has published a book titled "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Peace Diplomacy: The Case of Syria," analysing Türkiye's Syria policy from a historical perspective.
The conflict and the tumultuous process in Syria are presented from a historical perspective in the book, the foreword of which has been written by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Prepared in three languages—Turkish, Arabic, and English—the book encompasses Türkiye's humanitarian foreign policy in both the regional and international arena during this process, as well as its roadmap, strategy, and implementations on the ground in the peace-building process in Syria after the end of the conflict.
In the first chapter named "Syria: A Historical Perspective," historical processes such as Syria during the Ottoman period, Syria under the French mandate, the period of struggle for independence and power, and the Baath regime are presented. In the second chapter, "The Beginning of the Syrian Crisis," the Syrian conflict is explained in the light of the developments from the beginning of the conflict in Syria to the present day, while the Arab Spring is also examined with its internal and external factors in order to reflect the process in a more comprehensible way. Following the third chapter, titled "Türkiye's Political, Military, and Humanitarian Approach to the Syria Conflict," which features the political contacts and statements of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the book assesses global and regional implications, risk factors, and the responsibility of the international public within the scope of Türkiye's attitude in this process and its political, military, and humanitarian approach to the Syria conflict, under the title "The Collapse of the Baath Regime." The fifth chapter, titled "The Role of Syria and Türkiye in the Reconstruction Process," analyses the steps taken under President Erdoğan's leadership to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and unitary structure. Moreover, Türkiye's humanitarian aid to the people of Syria and its success in foreign policy and public diplomacy are detailed. The final chapter of the book compiles news from international media regarding Türkiye's position.
Highlighting Türkiye's deep expertise in peace diplomacy approaches under the leadership of President Erdoğan, this book presents Türkiye's position in global politics to international public opinion. The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding Türkiye's foreign policy strategy in Syria as a regional and global actor regarding the establishment of peace and tranquillity.
"The Republic of Türkiye, drawing strength and inspiration from its legacy of civilisations, has mobilised all its resources to build a more humane and equitable future"
In his foreword, President Erdoğan indicated that the upholding and restoration of international peace and security are considered one of the fundamental objectives of the current international order and noted that the conflicts and disorder at the local, regional, international, and global levels lead to major humanitarian crises and power vacuums. President Erdoğan underlined that the humanitarian and solution-oriented approach of Turkish foreign policy, which is woven with our national and domestic approach, protecting the interests of the country, and focusing on establishing sustainable environments for development and peace, has positioned Türkiye on the right side of history.
"The progress achieved in Syria today has demonstrated the relevance of Türkiye's people-oriented policy"
Stating that the basis of Türkiye's Syria policy is to fight against terrorist organisations emerging in the region and eliminate any and all threats against its national security and interests, President Erdoğan stressed that in order to stabilise Syria, the premise that “Syria belongs to Syrians” must be recognised across all spheres. President Erdoğan noted:
"Our primary objective is to facilitate the secure, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of our Syrian brothers and sisters, to advance measures that promote stability, and to achieve a lasting solution based on the territorial integrity of Syria."
"Our top priority is the elimination of any and all terrorist organisations that may emerge in Syria"
President Erdoğan stated that they believe it is critical for a sovereign state to ensure that legitimate state authority is effective across all parts of Syria, that the unitary state structure is established, and that territorial integrity is preserved.
"Alongside addressing national security concerns, Türkiye's fight against terrorism aims to establish peace and stability in the region"
Underscoring that, within the framework of the right of self-defence as outlined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Türkiye has implemented all necessary measures to combat terrorist organisations, including the PKK/YPG and DAESH, President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows:
"Throughout the 13-year Syrian conflict, we did not leave any of our Syrian brothers and sisters at the mercy of terrorist organisations. Nor did we allow any attempt that could compromise our national security. I must clearly state that Türkiye's presence in the region is the most significant guarantee to maintaining peace and stability, thanks to our people-oriented, active foreign policy."
Stating that after thirteen years, a new chapter of hope, peace, and security has begun for Syria, President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows:
"Beyond this threshold lies fraternity and brighter days. As Türkiye, we hope that Syria will shortly attain the peace, stability, and security for which it has been yearning for years. As it has done thus far, Türkiye will continue to bear its share of responsibility in order to establish peace and security and win the hearts and minds of the people. In the new era unfolding in Syria, we will move forward unwavering in our commitment to this approach."
Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun shared a post on his social media account about the book "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Peace Diplomacy: The Case of Syria".
In his post, Head of Communications Altun stated the following:
"Modern history has witnessed one of the greatest humanitarian crises in Syria for 13 years. In the face of this oppression, Türkiye has stood by truth and justice, positioning itself on the right side of history, as it has always done, with its human- and solution-oriented foreign policy.
Under the leadership of our President, we have never wavered in our pursuit of a solution to the Syrian crisis based on peace, justice, and freedom, guided by the principle that "Syria belongs to the Syrians." Throughout the 13-year Syrian conflict, we have demonstrated an exemplary spirit of brotherhood and solidarity by embracing our Syrian brothers and sisters, a legacy that will be recorded in history with golden letters. We have never abandoned any of our Syrian brothers and sisters to the mercy of terrorist organizations, nor have we allowed any attempt that threatens our national security.
With the overthrow of the Ba'ath regime, a new chapter has opened in Syria. In this new period, Türkiye will continue to support Syria’s territorial integrity, political unity, and the free will of its people.
As the Directorate of Communications, we present to the public the book "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Peace Diplomacy: The Case of Syria," prepared in three languages—Turkish, Arabic, and English—examining Türkiye’s critical role in establishing peace and stability under the leadership of our President, as a regional and global actor in this process."
Please click here to access the book "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Peace Diplomacy: The Case of Syria".