Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on European leaders to put an end to what he called the French president's anti-Islam agenda and also called on the Turkish people to boycott French goods.

Erdogan warned that hostility to Islam and Muslims has become a policy supported at the level of presidents in some European countries.

He pointed out that Muslims in Europe are being subjected to a systematic campaign of violence similar to that which the Jews were subjected to before World War II, and said that he feared that there would be a plan "more dark and insidious because of what is happening to Muslims in Europe."

He added that the attack on the Holy Prophet Muhammad - may God bless him and grant him peace - began with the support and motivation of French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in need of mental care, as he put it.

He pointed out that racism and Islamophobia are two psychological diseases that undermine the mental capabilities of a person, regardless of his position.

And he directed an appeal to his people regarding the boycott of French products, saying, "Never buy French products," in a speech he delivered during the opening ceremony of the Prophet's Birthday Week, in the presidential complex in the capital, Ankara.

President Erdogan also called on all world leaders to stand by the oppressed Muslims in France, and said that "European officials must stop the hate campaign led by Macron."

Erdogan addressed German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying: Where is the freedom of religion that you claim? How can more than 100 police officers storm a mosque in your country?

He considered that the German police raid a mosque during dawn prayers was not an ordinary event.

Erdogan has warned the Europeans that they will not be able to make any profit from the anti-Islam and anti-Muslims.

European response


German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned Erdogan's statements, which she described as "defamatory" against Macron.

For its part, the European Union said it is working to defend its values, which include freedom of worship and freedom of expression.

He called for cooperation and dialogue in order to reach a common understanding, because the alternative is the path of hatred and increasing misunderstanding.

The European Union also renewed its support for France, noting that it does not rule out holding an exceptional meeting of European foreign ministers to discuss the situation between Turkey and France.

He stressed that the recent summit set expectations regarding the change in Turkey's behavior until the next summit in December, and that the measures that will be taken will be determined at that time.

The boycott campaigns are expanding.


In the same context, the scope of calls for a boycott of French goods has expanded in many Arab and Islamic countries, in response to statements by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the offensive cartoons of the Messenger Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace.

And calls for a boycott of French goods and hashtags defending the Prophet Muhammad - may God bless him and grant him peace - spread very widely on social media.

The offensive cartoons were displayed on Friday on government buildings in France, sparking widespread outrage in the Arab and Islamic world.

Yesterday, the French Foreign Ministry called for an immediate halt to the boycott campaigns of French products, and said that the boycott calls and attacks against France are being run by an extremist minority.

Macron had commented on the boycott campaigns targeting French products that nothing will make him ever back down and that he respects all differences in the spirit of peace.