"Our Jerusalem": How Turkey is Deepening Its Grip on the Capital City

An article about Turkey's growing influence in Jerusalem through its consulate, the Yunus Emre Cultural Center, training of Palestinian security forces, and ties with Hamas. The piece presents Erdogan's rhetoric on Jerusalem as part of a comprehensive strategy, and includes the position of the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy calling for strengthening Israeli presence in the eastern part of the city.

The article describes Turkey's growing influence in Jerusalem as part of a broad political and cultural campaign led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Alongside harsh statements against Israel, Turkey operates in the city through its consulate, the Yunus Emre Cultural Center, and the training of Palestinian security forces. According to the article, approximately 2,000 Palestinian police officers have been trained in Turkey since 2022, and an additional 143 officers completed studies at a police academy in Turkey. The former Turkish consul in Jerusalem was documented alongside senior Hamas figures and officers from Palestinian security mechanisms. The article quotes Ran Yishai of the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy, who calls for strengthening Israeli civilian presence in East Jerusalem. The overall picture indicates a broad Turkish presence in Jerusalem while strengthening ties with Palestinian elements.