Erdoğan hits out at critics over Ramadan activities

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday accused certain secular circles of targeting religious expression during Ramadan, saying reforms expanding freedom of belief continued to unsettle parts of the opposition.

Speaking at an iftar gathering in Ankara, Erdoğan said individuals who had long opposed public expressions of faith were disturbed by citizens freely practicing their religion in the public sphere.

“Some are uncomfortable with our people exercising their constitutional right to freedom of religion and conscience,” he said, accusing critics of hiding “behind rigid interpretations of secularism.”

He said his government would not yield to what he described as attempts to undermine religious values or polarize society, adding that Türkiye had grown stronger and more confident over the past two decades.

Gaza defiance praised amid continued Israeli strikes

Erdoğan also addressed developments in Gaza, saying Israel was continuing military operations despite a ceasefire reached in October.

He said hundreds of Palestinians had been killed and thousands wounded in recent attacks in Gaza and the West Bank, while humanitarian access remained restricted, particularly at the Rafah border crossing.

Referring to Palestinians observing Ramadan under difficult conditions, Erdoğan said their resilience “stands as a moral example,” adding that he hoped the holy month would bring relief to those suffering in conflict zones.

The president further highlighted labour reforms introduced during his time in office, saying his administration had taken major steps to strengthen workers’ rights while maintaining economic stability.

“Our objective has been to establish a fair working environment where rights are protected and social peace is preserved,” he said.