PM Erdogan: Nationalism is a part of my genes

Hurriyet; Wednesday, November 30, 2005 21:16
In his meeting with a Justice and Development (AKP) Party parliamentary group yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan touched on the topics of "the AKP's nationalism," and the "other Turkey." During the meeting, the AKP's MP from Hatay, Fuat Gecen, said that a general impression in Anatolia of a "false nationalism" on the part of AKP was emerging, in part due to the special treatment the troubled Southeastern regions have been receiving in past weeks. Gecen noted that the Anatolian reaction to this "false nationalism" was coming from "the other Turkey," and then added that they are "reacting" to what they see.

In response, PM Erdogan said "It does not matter in which context it is used, I cannot accept the phrase 'the other Turkey.' No one can speak to me about nationalism or false nationalism. Nationalism is a part of my own genes."