The Turkish FA's plan to host a game outside the country, initially approached Germany and then Saudi Arabia, has sparked controversy due to the rejection of Atatürk symbolism by Saudi. This move led to protests in Turkey, with the ruling party and Ankara mayor expressing support for Atatürk. The rejection is seen as a clash of national pride and values against Saudi censorship and oppression, with Atatürk being revered as a symbol of Turkish nationalism and modernism. The chapter on Saudi Arabia in a book has been highlighted as worth the price of admission.
Saudi Arabia has embarked on a grand experiment—a Middle East version of “if you build it, they will come.” In this issue: https://t.co/C0GfOL8Slh
At the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Turkey, Turks unfurled their flags and portraits of Ataturk in protest. https://t.co/c1iURHbLpJ
Ankara mayor hangs Ataturk posters and Turkish flags to the street of Saudi Embassy in Turkey https://t.co/S88m0zfypH
Turkish ruling party spokesperson on Saudi - Ataturk row: “Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the founding leader and common value of our country. We would like to thank all our citizens who are sensitive about Ataturk.” https://t.co/YpKEl5MvX7
Incredible that the Turkish FA ever thought this would be a good idea. They initially approached Germany - which if you insist on hosting a game like this outside the country makes an element of sense - but when they said no, they went to...Saudi. https://t.co/YYEDGK4j4h
Huge. This is the 100-year anniversary of Atatürk founding the secular Turkish republic. A figure who is revered within the Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray fanbases. Saudi rejection of Atatürk symbolism was predictable, but the clubs felt compelled to prioritise identity over cash. https://t.co/BhiuXHrlDS
I salute the Turkish national pride for staying true to their country and its values in the face of censorship by an autocratic regime. Protesting their self expression amid the Saudi oppression is a gesture Atatürk would applaud a century later.
"Despite some dissenting voices, Erdogan and his party seem to have made peace with Ataturk’s legacy. He is remembered not in the manner many devout Kemalists would like, but as a symbol of Turkish nationalism and modernism" ✍️ Opinion by @ragipsoylu https://t.co/e6B8a6Yghe
my book of the year. months ago and evermore now. from morocco to the stans. the chapter on saudi arabia is worth the price of admission. https://t.co/ub3P0XDaiP https://t.co/4BP7Sx1IRx