Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Science Dissemination Foundation, visited the Mevlevi Lodge restored by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in Tripoli, Lebanon, and drew attention to the importance of strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Turkey and Lebanon.
Making a statement to the AA correspondent during his visit to the Mevlevi Lodge, Erdoğan stated that the starting point of his Lebanon visit was Tripoli and that the visit finally took place after the invitations from the city were postponed for various reasons.
Stating that they met with the Lebanese President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament, as well as religious representatives, leaders of non-governmental organizations and other officials in Beirut, Erdoğan stated that they conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's greetings.
Noting that they also met with business people and people working in Turkish institutions in the capital Beirut, Erdoğan stated that they talked about Turkey-Lebanon relations and the importance President Erdoğan attaches to these relations, and touched upon the importance of cooperation between the two countries for the future of the region.
"We can see Tripoli as a Balkan city like Sarajevo"
Pointing out the historical closeness between Tripoli and Türkiye, Erdogan said that the interest shown by the people of the city reveals the vitality of these ties.
Erdoğan stated that the Mevlevi Lodge they visited is a historical place connected to the Mevlevi tradition in Türkiye and cities such as Konya and said:
"They are truly the places and places of our relatives and friends. To see that closeness on the spot, perhaps to remind our citizens in Türkiye of these places... We can see Tripoli as our city, like a Balkan city like Sarajevo. Places where people longingly talk to us."
Stating that they hope that transportation facilities to the region will improve following the latest developments in Syria, Erdoğan said that they hope to enter a period where Tripoli can be reached by road and train, and that planes will start landing at the airport planned to be opened in the city soon.
Erdoğan stated that visits from Türkiye to Tripoli for tourism and business purposes may increase, and emphasized that the city is an interesting place with its historical texture and cultural diversity.
Noting that Turkish business people who want to expand to the Arab world and the Middle East via Tripoli or Beirut can also come to the region, Erdoğan wished that his visits would lead to the development of these relations.
"We should not prolong these longings for too long and increase relations and togetherness."
Stating that the region has entered a new era, Erdoğan said that Türkiye's institutions in the region continue their work to strengthen relations.
Expressing his satisfaction that the Mevlevi Lodge, which was restored with the support of TİKA, started to serve again, Erdoğan stated that Yunus Emre Institute continues its activities in Tripoli and Beirut.
Erdoğan said, "I would like to thank both our teams representing Türkiye and our citizens here. We would like to thank his family, especially Müslüm Bey, who hosted us here very well and carried the legacy of this Mevlana." he said.
Hoping that the visit will contribute to peace in the region, Erdoğan said, "We should not prolong these longings for too long and increase these relations and unity." he said.
"Türkiye wants Lebanon's prosperity, stability and peace"
Asked about his message to the Lebanese people, Bilal Erdoğan said, "Türkiye wants Lebanon's prosperity, stability and peace." he replied.
Stating that Türkiye does not find Israel's occupation activities in the south of Lebanon acceptable, Erdoğan said, "Türkiye will continue to support all international diplomatic efforts to end these." he said.
Stating that Türkiye stands against injustice and injustice in different parts of the world, as it is the voice of Palestinians in Gaza, and strives to ensure peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdoğan emphasized that Lebanon should be a country governed by its own people, closed to foreign interventions and self-determining.
Erdoğan noted that Türkiye will continue to provide all kinds of support for Lebanon's economic strengthening.
A whirling dervish show was held in Mevlevihane
Bilal Erdoğan and his accompanying delegation visited the Tripoli Mevlevi Lodge, which was restored by TIKA.
As part of the visit, a whirling dervish show was organized and gifts were exchanged.
Türkiye's Beirut Ambassador Murat Lütem, TIKA Beirut Coordinator Salih Burak Yurdakul and TIKA Beirut Deputy Coordinator Serap Nayir, as well as Yunus Emre Institute President Prof. Dr. Selim Argun and DEİK Türkiye-Lebanon Business Council President Muhammed Veysel Vural also attended the visit.
Making a statement after the Friday prayer at the Great Mansuri Mosque in the city, Erdoğan gave a message of unity and solidarity upon the intense interest of the people of the region.
Erdoğan said, "May God bless all of you for hosting us with such great affection and showing your love for our President in this way." he said.
