The Complex Relationships of Turkey in the Middle East: A Look at Its History with Israel and Iran

Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize the independence of Israel in 1949. This recognition was significant at a time when Ankara’s relationship with Tehran dated back to ties between the first shah of the Pahlavi dynasty, Reza, and Atatürk. Recently, Turkish officials have met frequently with their Iranian counterparts, raising concerns about the nature of their relationship. These concerns were addressed by Foreign Minister Khan Fidan’s statement in an interview with Al-Arabiya network, who believes that pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are prepared to confront Kurdish underground (PKK) in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq.

The relationship between Turkey and Israel has been strained due to anti-Israeli measures taken by Turkey. The cessation of trade with Israel is one such measure. Additionally, a meeting between Fidan and the chairman of pro-Iranian militias “Hashad al-Shaabi,” Falah al-Fiad, raised concerns given subsequent Iranian attack on Israel. Despite this, Fidan had hoped for potential cooperation with Israel after his appointment as Foreign Minister following last year’s elections.

However, recent statements and meetings suggest a different stance towards Israel. Ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran worry Fidan, who believes they could escalate into a larger conflict. Yet he also acknowledges efforts made by Qatar and Egypt to mediate between Israel and Hamas. In addressing the Gaza Strip and Palestinian issue, Fidan suggests a two-state solution based on 1967 borders as a potential long-term solution that aligns with views of many Palestinians.

Turkey’s position as a non-active party in negotiations highlights the complexity of Middle Eastern relations and challenges faced in achieving lasting peace. The current geopolitical dynamics reflect how relationships can shift quickly over time and require constant vigilance from diplomats working towards peace agreements.

Overall, Turkey’s recognition of Israeli independence back in 1949 marked a significant moment in Middle Eastern history. While its relationship with other countries may fluctuate over time, it remains an important player in regional politics striving towards peace agreements that benefit all parties involved.