Erdogan expected to travel abroad amid Damascus visit rumors: Turkish media

Rumors surrounding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan‘s possible visit to Damascus were addressed, with the expectation that he will likely not be in Türkiye this Friday (Dec. 27).

“If all goes as planned and after the necessary security measures are taken, he is expected to pray at the Umayyad Mosque,” said Fatih Portakal, the anchor of Sozcu TV’s main news program.

Why it matters?

Erdogan’s potential visit to Damascus would mark a significant shift in Türkiye’s relations with Syria. The speculation follows recent visits by high-ranking Turkish officials, including Turkish intelligence president Ibrahim Kalin and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which have sparked discussions about the future of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Details

• Recent diplomatic visits: Following Kalin and Fidan’s visits to Syria—where Kalin prayed at the Umayyad Mosque and toured the city with new Syrian administration leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Fidan held a joint press conference with al-Sharaa—speculation about Erdogan’s visit intensified.
• Erdogan’s expected Friday visit: Portakal indicated that Erdogan’s visit to Damascus could take place this Friday, during which he would pray at the Umayyad Mosque and meet with Syria’s new leadership.

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Portakal emphasized that assuming no unexpected developments arise, Erdogan’s visit is likely to proceed with all necessary security measures in place. This would be a major diplomatic gesture for both Türkiye and Syria.

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Erdogan’s visit, if confirmed, could mark a significant change in the region’s political dynamics. Türkiye and Syria have had strained relations for many years, and this visit could be a pivotal step toward the normalization of ties.

Suleyman Shah Tomb

Portakal also mentioned the possibility of relocating the Suleyman Shah Tomb, adding that Türkiye might raise its flag at the new location. This would be another symbol of Türkiye’s ongoing involvement in the region.