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Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked Eid al-Adha with messages of unity, solidarity, and compassion, especially toward Muslims in Gaza. He also criticized Israel’s actions and Benjamin Netanyahu, while millions in Türkiye observed the holiday through prayers and celebrations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on Wednesday with prayers, messages of unity, and renewed political commentary on the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
In a statement released for the occasion, Erdogan described Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, as a “spiritual blessing” and a time for reflection, compassion, and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. He said he hoped the holiday would bring goodness, peace, and strength not only to Türkiye but also to the wider Islamic world and humanity at large.
He also extended special greetings to Muslims experiencing hardship in different parts of the world, particularly in Gaza, where ongoing conflict and humanitarian suffering have continued to draw global attention. Erdogan said those celebrating under difficult conditions remained in his thoughts and expressed solidarity with them on behalf of himself and the Turkish people.
“To all our brothers and sisters who are welcoming this holiday with sadness, pain and deep sorrow… particularly those in Gaza, I extend my strongest messages of solidarity,” he said.
Across Türkiye, millions of Muslims gathered on Wednesday morning to observe Eid prayers on the first day of the festival. Mosques in major cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, were filled with worshippers participating in special prayers, marking one of the most important religious holidays in the Islamic calendar.
Following prayers at the Camlica Mosque in Istanbul, Erdogan spoke to journalists and emphasized the broader social meaning of religious holidays. He said such occasions are meant to strengthen human bonds, promote kindness, and encourage mutual support within communities.
“Above all, holidays are days of love, respect, unity, togetherness, and solidarity,” he said.
However, Erdogan also acknowledged that the ongoing situation in Gaza had cast a shadow over Eid celebrations for many Muslims in Türkiye and around the world. He used the opportunity to criticize Israel’s military actions in the territory, escalating his rhetoric against Israeli leadership.
He specifically condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him in strong terms and expressing hope that international Muslim solidarity would increase pressure on Israel over its conduct in the conflict.
“I also believe that the tyrant known as Netanyahu will learn the necessary lesson at the hands of the world's Muslims,” Erdogan said.
Türkiye has been among the most vocal international critics of Israel’s operations in Gaza, repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire, expanded humanitarian access, and greater global intervention to address the worsening humanitarian situation.
Eid al-Adha itself commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, before a ram was divinely provided as a substitute. In remembrance of this event, Muslims traditionally slaughter animals and share the meat with family, neighbours, and the less privileged as an act of charity and compassion.
The festival is widely regarded as a time of reflection, sacrifice, generosity, and unity, even as this year’s celebrations take place against the backdrop of continued tensions and humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the wider Middle East.