Writing in Milliyet, columnist Semih Idiz argued that Türkiye's global strategic importance is genuinely growing, a point reinforced by recent remarks from European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn. Idiz suggested that while the wider world is recognizing this rising importance, Türkiye's own citizens have been slower to grasp it.
The columnist identified several domestic pressures as the real threats to national cohesion: rapid and uneven urbanization, a poorly supported shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy, regional inequality fueling class and ethnic tensions, and widespread lack of civic information exploited by political actors.
Idiz held up Spain as a instructive parallel, arguing that despite deep internal divisions under the Franco era, the country achieved rising collective prosperity once its leaders grasped the need to balance domestic realities with global ones.
He contended that ethnic or religious nationalism has historically deepened division rather than prevented it, while a civic patriotism rooted in equal rights, democratic governance, mutual tolerance, and rule of law has a proven record of success across different societies.
Without building that kind of democratic and legal foundation, Idiz warned, Türkiye will squander its strategic potential, and praise for its geopolitical importance will remain hollow.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in August 2006, in its own words.