Erdogan Marks Eid al-Adha With Call for Unity and Gaza Solidarity

Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked Eid al-Adha with prayers and messages of unity, expressing solidarity with Muslims in Gaza and calling for compassion and togetherness. He also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and Benjamin Netanyahu, while millions in Türkiye observed the holiday amid regional tensions.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday observed the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, joining millions across Türkiye in marking one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
In a written message to the public, Erdogan described Eid al-Adha as a “spiritual blessing” and expressed hope that the occasion would bring goodness, peace, and prosperity not only to Türkiye but also to the wider Islamic world and humanity in general. He emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and shared values during the holiday period.
The Turkish leader also extended special messages of solidarity to Muslims experiencing hardship in different parts of the world, particularly in Gaza. He said he shared in their sorrow and pain, noting that many were celebrating the holiday under difficult humanitarian conditions.
“To all our brothers and sisters who are welcoming this holiday with sadness, pain and deep sorrow in different corners of our spiritual geography, particularly those in Gaza, I extend my strongest messages of solidarity on behalf of myself and my nation,” he said, adding Eid greetings to them individually.
Across Türkiye, millions of Muslims gathered on Wednesday morning to perform Eid prayers on the first day of the celebration. Mosques in major cities and communities were filled with worshippers, marking a day traditionally associated with prayer, family gatherings, charity, and reflection.
Following the Eid prayer at the Camlica Mosque in Istanbul, Erdogan spoke to reporters and highlighted the deeper social meaning of religious holidays. He said such occasions are meant to strengthen bonds between people and encourage mutual support within society.
“Above all, holidays are days of love, respect, unity, togetherness, and solidarity,” he said.
In his remarks, Erdogan also linked the mood of the celebration to the ongoing situation in Gaza, saying the conflict there had cast a shadow over Eid festivities for Muslims in Türkiye and around the world.
He issued a strong rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him in critical terms and expressing hope that global Muslim unity would lead to pressure against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“I also believe that the tyrant known as Netanyahu will learn the necessary lesson at the hands of the world's Muslims,” he said.
Türkiye has remained one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, with Erdogan repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire, increased humanitarian access, and stronger international intervention to address the crisis.
His comments came as Muslims around the world observe Eid al-Adha under the shadow of ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East.
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, before a ram was provided as a divine substitute at the last moment. In remembrance of this event, Muslims traditionally sacrifice animals and distribute portions of the meat to relatives, neighbours, and those in need as an act of charity and sharing.