In the shifting geopolitical sands of the Middle East, Turkey has steadily repositioned itself as a regional power center—one that draws on its Ottoman imperial legacy to project authority and legitimacy across the Muslim world. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Ankara has moved beyond the cautious diplomacy of the early post-Cold War period to embrace a more assertive, ideologically infused foreign policy often referred to as “neo-Ottomanism.”
From Kemalist Restraint to Ottoman Revivalism
Turkey’s foundational Kemalist ideology, rooted in secularism and Western alignment, traditionally kept the country aloof from the sectarian and ideological rivalries of the Arab world. But Erdoğan’s rise to power marked a pivotal shift. Combining political Islam with populist nationalism, Erdoğan reframed Turkey’s historical identity—not as a nation-state confined to Anatolia, but as the successor to a grand imperial civilization whose cultural, religious, and strategic influence stretched from the Balkans to the Arabian Peninsula.
This rhetorical and ideological shift has been accompanied by a wide-ranging set of policy moves: military interventions in Syria, Libya, and Iraq; the establishment of Turkish military bases in Qatar and Somalia; and expansive soft power efforts through media, education, religious outreach, and humanitarian aid. Through these instruments, Ankara has projected itself as a guardian of Sunni Muslims and a voice for the “oppressed” in the Muslim world, particularly in contrast to what it frames as the self-interested pragmatism of Saudi Arabia and the nationalist ethno-religious posture of Israel.
Positioning Against Saudi Arabia and Israel
Turkey’s challenge to Saudi Arabia and Israel is multifaceted. While Riyadh and Jerusalem have increasingly aligned with the United States and with each other in efforts to counter Iran and normalize regional relations (exemplified by the Abraham Accords and the IMEC corridor), Turkey has opted for a more independent course.
Turkey vs. Saudi Arabia
Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia deteriorated sharply after the Arab Spring, when Erdoğan supported Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated movements that Riyadh saw as existential threats. The 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul further deepened tensions. Erdoğan skillfully leveraged the incident to paint the Saudis as authoritarian and morally bankrupt, contrasting Turkey’s assertive yet populist foreign policy with Saudi Arabia’s opaque and oligarchic governance.
While recent efforts have sought to normalize relations, the underlying rivalry persists. Ankara presents itself as a more democratic and historically authentic leader of the Sunni Muslim world, in contrast to what it perceives as Riyadh’s transactional approach based on oil wealth and U.S. patronage.
Turkey vs. Israel
Although Turkey and Israel maintain economic ties and have occasionally cooperated on intelligence and energy matters, Erdoğan’s government has frequently clashed with Tel Aviv, especially over the Palestinian issue. Erdoğan has branded himself a champion of Jerusalem, using strong rhetoric against Israeli actions in Gaza and hosting Hamas political leaders in Turkey. His narrative resonates with many in the region who see Israeli normalization with Arab regimes as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.
In this ideological framework, Israel is cast as a colonial, Western-aligned outpost in the region, while Turkey claims to represent a more authentic and justice-oriented Islamic order.
The Instruments of Neo-Ottoman Influence
- Military Power: Turkey’s defense industry, led by drones like the Bayraktar TB2, has expanded rapidly. Turkish arms and advisors are present in multiple regional theaters, from the Caucasus to North Africa.
- Religious Diplomacy: Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has significantly expanded its global outreach, supporting mosques and Islamic education programs abroad. The Hagia Sophia’s reconversion into a mosque was a symbolic act aligning with this revivalist agenda.
- Media and Culture: Turkish television dramas, many glorifying Ottoman history, enjoy widespread popularity in the Arab world, subtly promoting a Turkish-centric vision of Islamic history and modern leadership.
- Economic Engagement: Through aid, investment, and infrastructure projects, Turkey cultivates influence in places often neglected by Gulf investors or Western donors.
Constraints and Contradictions
Despite its ambitions, Turkey’s neo-Ottoman strategy faces substantial limitations. Its economy is under pressure, and its foreign adventures—though impactful—have also triggered backlash. In the Arab world, suspicion of Turkish hegemony lingers. Many states still remember Ottoman rule as exploitative rather than liberating. Turkey’s sometimes erratic diplomacy and confrontational tone have also alienated potential partners.
Moreover, Turkey’s attempts to balance relations with Russia, Iran, NATO, and China create complex contradictions in its strategic positioning.
Conclusion: A Contest for Islamic Leadership
In presenting itself as an alternative to Saudi Arabia’s custodianship of Islam and Israel’s growing normalization axis, Turkey is not merely seeking geopolitical clout—it is contesting the symbolic leadership of the Muslim world. Its neo-Ottoman posture aims to revive Turkey’s role as a civilizational core, a hub of political Islam, and a cultural beacon rooted in centuries of imperial history.
Whether this strategy succeeds will depend not only on Erdoğan’s ability to maintain domestic legitimacy and regional partnerships but also on how effectively Turkey can translate its historical legacy into sustainable influence in a rapidly evolving Middle East.
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