A new hero for Turks, Iranians and Muslims

Tehran, Iran, February 02 — These days, some people and leaders are gathering at the annual World Economic Forum's meeting in Davos, Switzerland, some are busy with the crises in the world economy and in the Middle East, and some are simply busy with their own work, problems and life; but, since Thursday, there has been a special sense of camaraderie between Iran and its neighbor Turkey.

After Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s dispute with and challenge of Israeli President Shimon Peres and a moderator at a panel debate, followed by his walkout from the Davos meeting on Thursday, the prime minister went back home, to supporters welcoming him with open arms. After that night, Erdogan's image changed from that of an ordinary president to that of a legend and national hero, and now most Turks respect him as highly as Turkey's celebrated founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

This is not the whole story; the story is about Iran and Iranian Turks. When news of the event was broadcast in Iran and across the entire world, people celebrated together the fact that they had such a hero in the Islamic world. However, the story is even bigger than this and, on Saturday, Jan. 31, which was the first day of the week in the Iranian calendar, most of the Iranian governors in various speeches expressed their admiration of Erdogan's decision to leave the meeting. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, “It was what all Muslims want to say.”

Also, Iranian students gathered in demonstrations showing their admiration of Erdogan’s reaction to Shimon Peres’ speech. They wrote on their placards: “Erdogan: Thank you, Thank you,” “Hero, we admire you,” and "Erdogan, we honor you.”

Iran has more than 27 million Azeris and Turks among its population of 75 million. This huge number of people was also sending SMS, MMS and email messages to together show their happiness about Erdogan's reaction.

Now, some people and leaders are gathering at the annual World Economic Forum's meeting in Davos, Switzerland, some are busy with the crises in the world economy and in the Middle East, and some are simply busy with their own work, problems and life, but the Islamic world is talking about a hero who defended the rights of the people of Gaza, and all Muslims, in front of the world and in such a setting as the Davos meeting. His name is Recep Tayyip Erdogan.