Erdoğan: Malazgirt is a victory for all Muslims, along with the Turks

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the "953rd Anniversary Celebration Program of the Battle of Malazgirt" held in Muş.

Here are the highlights from Erdoğan's remarks:

"We are with you on the anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, which determined our history and our direction. Today, as 85 million people, we are celebrating the anniversary of this glorious victory with pride and with the same excitement that has remained unchanged for exactly 953 years.

Malazgirt is a victory of standing united against oppression. Even after 953 years, the spirit of Malazgirt flows like a torrent of faith. As long as the blue sky above does not collapse, this spirit will continue to embrace our hearts until the end of time. Beyond being a victory, Malazgirt is also the beginning of a construction movement that gave birth to a homeland and a civilization.

"MALAZGİRT IS A VICTORY FOR ALL MUSLIMS"

We have woven these lands with love. We adorned every place we conquered with mosques and madrasas. The most critical step in the process leading to the Conquest of Istanbul was taken at Malazgirt. Malazgirt is a victory for all Muslims, along with the Turks. In Alparslan's army, Kurds, Arabs, and Muslims from other tribes fought shoulder to shoulder against the enemy, and their blessed blood mingled on these lands.

"OUR CAUSE IS TO BE A HOPE FOR THE OPPRESSED AND A BALM FOR BLEEDING WOUNDS"

Our cause is to be a hope for the oppressed and a balm for bleeding wounds. Our cause is to always stand on the side of truth in the struggle between right and wrong that will last until the end of time. Our cause is to make the land a homeland and the homeland precious. Times change, centuries change, but the spirit does not. Even if generations change, the blood is the same blood, and the character is the same character.

"WE MUST SEE MALAZGİRT AS A BEACON THAT ILLUMINATES OUR PATH ON THE ROAD TO THE TURKEY OF 2071"

Our march is toward the Century of Turkey; we will walk this path under the guidance and in the light of the Battle of Malazgirt. We must see Malazgirt not only as a golden link in our glorious history but as a beacon that illuminates our path on the road to the Turkey of 2071.

"AS A NATION, WE CAN ONLY OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES IF WE ARE ONE"

We will further strengthen this climate and this historical consciousness that takes root in young hearts and minds. The Battle of Malazgirt is the fruit of unity and solidarity, as well as faith and belief. As a nation, we can only overcome difficulties if we are one. We can only repel attacks on our homeland if we are together. We can only shatter the darkness of disbelief if we are of one heart. Without saying Turk, Kurd, Arab, Sunni, or Alevi, we will meet under the shadow of this crescent as 85 million. We have not allowed, and will not allow, those who try to divide us through our differences and those centers of sedition who try to sow seeds of discord among us to succeed."