Recep Tayyip Erdogan is no Saladin Ayyubi. Last week, Turkey's President inaugurated the Saladin Mosque in Diyarbakir, emphasizing his admiration for the historic figure. Saladin, a Kurd, famously defeated the Crusading armies, diminishing the West's influence in the Middle East. Although Erdogan's actions are not consistent with Saladin's legacy, they undermine US authority in the region more than any other single leader. Erdogan's influence extends beyond Turkey's borders, as his actions serve as an example for other US allies in the region, which are increasingly borrowing from his playbook.
Erdogan’s Saladin Comparison
Previously, Erdogan had identified himself with Saladin and his soldiers, and ruling AK Party officials have openly compared him to the legendary Muslim leader. However, his outsized role in diminishing US power comes from his example to other US allies, not his connection to Saladin.Saladin was a respected leader, even among his enemies. Dante Alighieri, in his Divine Comedy, placed Saladin, as the only Muslim figure in his imagined heaven. The legendary Muslim leader and military strategist united Muslim forces during the Crusades. In 1187, he achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Hattin, leading to the recapture of Jerusalem from the Crusaders. Saladin was knoContrasting Erdogan and Saladin wn not only for his military prowess but also for his chivalry and just treatment of his enemies.
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Erdogan's admiration for Saladin is apparent, but their approaches differ significantly. Saladin was a unifying figure, known for his chivalry and diplomacy. In contrast, Erdogan is often seen as a divisive and pragmatic leader, prioritizing his own political preservation over any ideology.
Erdogan’s actions in the Middle East have not consistently aligned with any one ideology, making his true beliefs unclear.
For instance, in 2003, he tried very hard but failed to persuade the Turkish parliament to approve the US invasion of Iraq.
In the later stages of his leadership, Erdogan has collaborated with Russia in Syria, even when it conflicts with his professed Islamist ideology. In 2016, he helped Moscow clear Aleppo of Islamist rebels, dealing a decisive blow to the Islamist anti-Assad opposition’s war efforts.He has also worked closely with Iran on multiple occasions, despite their differences in Sunni and Shia beliefs. If he were a Sunni Islamist, his cooperation with Iran on various occasions would be incompatible, such as in 2017 when they worked together to end Kurdish rule in Kirkuk for the benefit of Shia forces and the Shia Iraqi government.