Erdogan is again poking Greece in the eye

Speaking at a provincial congress of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Eskişehir, Erdogan said that "Eskişehir does not only border its neighboring provinces. If one border of Eskişehir is Thessaloniki, the other border is Crimea. If one border is Samarkand, the other border is northern Cyprus." His comments, reported by the state-run Anadolu news agency, align with his often-voiced vision of a "great and powerful Turkey," rooted in neo-Ottoman ideals.

Erdogan also addressed domestic political goals, saying his government is "shaping its roadmap" based on lessons learned from the March 31 elections, which were a key test for his party.

The event, held at Eskişehir’s Polytechnic indoor sports center, was attended by AKP members from across the region.

This speech is the latest in a series of statements underscoring Turkey’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which has frequently raised territorial disputes with neighboring countries, including Greece. Since 2018, Erdogan’s government has advanced irredentist claims in areas such as the Aegean Sea, straining relations with its neighbors.

Erdogan’s remarks have sparked concern, particularly in Greece, as they reflect a continued push to expand Turkey’s influence beyond its recognized borders.