How Turkey Is Telling The Story Of The War In Gaza

The ideological war of the Erdogan regime in Turkey is on full display in the center of Istanbul’s Taksim Square, with a walk-in propaganda exhibit meant to stoke pity for the cause of Palestinian children but rather odiously painting an anti-Israeli picture that tells a one-sided story of the conflict in Gaza.

Turkey Uses Propaganda To Stoke Anger Against Israel’s War In Gaza

Right in the center of Istanbul is a pop-up tent that purports to chronicle the War in Gaza from the perspective of children. Admission is free and a sign outdoors notes that it has been created by the Turkish Ministry of Communications.

Here’s a look inside:

Has there ever been a war that has been prosecuted without civilian casualties? What would you do if surrounded by enemies who deny your right to exist? How would you respond to a deadly attack on your homeland by those who celebrate savage murder and then rape or kill hostages?

These are the tough questions that we must grapple with…the sort of questions this exhibit does not attempt to answer.

Rather, it paints a striking picture of Israeli carnage, violence, and death. But it’s not only one-sided, it’s dishonest.

Because you know whose blood the blood of the murdered children of Gaza should be calling for? Those of their racist, sexist, bigoted, corrupt leaders who are directly responsible for the rise in violence and economic failure that led to their horrific and tragic deaths.

As is so often the case, struggles are rooted in religion. Turks align themselves in ideological solidarity with their Islamic brothers, condemning the right of Israel to protect its borders while showing far less mercy in dealing with its Kurdish “problem” (or the Armenians).

I’m for a ceasefire too….when the people of Gaza (and Qatar) bring the heads of Hamas’ leadership as a peace offering. 

CONCLUSION

The government of Turkey did an incredible job in creating a thoughtful look at the harm to children in Gaza through the lens of other children. These tragic deaths are something that should unite us. But when the blame is funneled to the wrong source, the entire propaganda effort must be seen for what it is.

When the exhibit opens with a statement that “the occupied Palestinian lands are a harsh battleground that needs resistance” then you must look further knowing that every image and description has an ideological aim that does not concede that Turkey would do the same thing if its homeland was attacked…

Istanbul is full of anti-Israel expressions during this time…