US Ambassador Barrack praises Ottoman millet system in Izmir

US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack traveled to Izmir for official contacts. Meeting with city officials and opinion leaders as part of his visit, Barrack stated that his grandfather had immigrated to the United States with an Ottoman passport in the early 20th century, noting, "Returning to my roots holds a special meaning for me. It is an honor to be in a city steeped in history and culture like Izmir," drawing attention to his own family and the long-standing relationship between Turkey and the US. In addition to economic and cultural cooperation, current diplomatic issues were also on the agenda during his meetings.

Ambassador Barrack praised Izmir's multicultural structure.

Emphasizing that different communities were able to live together, particularly through the millet system implemented during the Ottoman Empire, he said, "The Ottoman millet system is an important example in history of how different identities can coexist in peace. I believe this model could be the foundation for peace and stability in the Middle East today."

Highlighting Turkey's role as a diplomatic mediator in both the Syrian crisis and developments in Gaza, Barrack stated, "Turkey's regional leadership and mediation capability are of critical importance for the pursuit of peace in the Middle East."

Giving important messages regarding the F-35 program, Barrack signaled a softening of the defense tensions between the two countries, saying, "Talks regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 program are progressing positively. I hope we will reach a solution on this issue by the end of the year." He also reiterated that existing defense cooperation continues and that the strategic partnership is valuable for both countries.

The Ambassador's remarks regarding the Ottoman millet system and the region were criticized by jurist Ömer Faruk Eminağaoğlu.

Eminağaoğlu reacted to the US praise for the Ottoman millet system with the following words: "How else could the US openly state its desire for a Greater Middle East Project for Turkey! It is clear that the US is the true manager of the resolution process"...

Barrack's statements, which implicitly targeted the concept of national consciousness, were circulated by media outlets close to the government and sources close to the terrorist organization PKK.