President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday publicly delivered Christmas greetings to Christians in Turkey and around the world.
In a statement released by the presidential office, Erdoğan said: "I wish our Christian citizens a Merry Christmas. Turkey's culture of tolerance has allowed a wide range of beliefs and traditions to live together peacefully in our country. The lands of Anatolia have always served as a safe haven for all who flee conflict, persecution, war, and oppression."
Erdoğan went on to say that Turkey has always viewed diversity as a "valuable asset." "We, as adherents of an ancient tradition founded on respect for thoughts, beliefs, and fundamental human rights, view the presence of different religions and cultures in our geography as a valuable asset. Understanding this forms the foundation of our country's peace, security, unity, and solidarity. It is the greatest strength we possess, ensuring peaceful coexistence in the future. I wish that Christmas, celebrated by our Christian citizens from different faiths, traditions, and churches in accordance with their beliefs, will strengthen the atmosphere of solidarity in Turkey. I wish our Christian citizens and the entire Christian world a Merry Christmas!"
For Christians, Christmas marks the birthday of Jesus Christ. On the night of December 24th–25th each year, most Catholics celebrate one of Christianity's most significant cultural holidays.
Christmas is the most important day of the church year, second only to Easter itself. It is a unique Christian teaching, a divine desire to become one with us. Every Eucharist is like Christmas, where bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and in a sense He is born anew on the altar.
