Erdogan’s great patriotic war
A recent video produced by the Justice and Development Party reveals an intense nationalistic vibe.
To understand the political psychology of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), don't miss its latest piece of propaganda — a three-minute, professionally made video with imagery worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. The video succinctly summarizes the current grand narrative being promoted by Turkey's ruling party: The Turkish nation is under attack, and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is calling on compatriots to unite and resist.
The film begins dramatically: A Turkish flag flies beautifully, high above Istanbul from atop a colossal pole. A scary-looking man in a black suit and black gloves walks menacingly toward the pole, takes out a metal bar and breaks the mechanism for raising and lowering the flag. The flag begins to fall in slow motion as citizens watch in shock and horror. At that moment, Erdogan's voice is heard reciting a passage from the Turkish national anthem:
Friend! Don't let scoundrels into my country!
Shield with your body, let this shameless invasion stop.
