Turkeys Occupation of Syria is Not Right

Ali Engin Oba a university professor from Turkey presented his analysis during the Syria panel at the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025 offering a candid perspective. While describing Turkeys military presence in Syria as incorrect he emphasized that his country is sincerely seeking an end to the current crisis.

Ali Engin Oba, a university professor from Turkey, presented his analysis during the Syria panel at the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025, offering a candid perspective. While describing Turkey's military presence in Syria as "incorrect," he emphasized that his country is sincerely seeking an end to the current crisis. Noting that national security is an undeniable priority for any country, Oba explained Turkey's position within this framework, adding, "However, our firm belief is based on the necessity of peacefully resolving issues." According to him, this path must ultimately lead to the formation of a single, unified Syria so that its people can achieve prosperity and well-being.

Ali Engin Oba added: "It is an honor for me to be here in the presence of dear friends. You should keep in mind that Turkey is a unique country with a long and special history. I do not want to invoke history, but we must know that for 300 years, the region was under the rule of the Turkish Ottomans, and the Ottoman monarchy reigned. When the Syrians asserted their existence, Turkey welcomed them with open arms and recognized their identity towards independence. Turkey's presence in this region is a chance and an opportunity for the Syrians to end the crisis they have been entangled in for many years. I do not think a solution will be found easily, and I believe the Syrian issue will continue to be problematic for the region."

Engin Oba added: "The Arabs were unable to find and present a solution for the Syrian problem, just as they could not for the Palestinian problem. The Iranians have always defended the Palestinian cause." He noted, "We are interested in the creation of a single state in Syria that is not challenging or dangerous to our national interests in Turkey."

The Turkish university professor stated: "There is a possibility of Syria's fragmentation into religious and ethnic sections. Peaceful solutions with peaceful means must be used to resolve Syria's challenges in a way that can help the governmental system for Turkey, the Arabs, and neighboring countries and the region to solve these challenges. Turkey's occupation of Syria is not a reality; Turkey seeks an end to the current situation and the crisis in Syria. For the political apparatus of any country, its security is important, and we believe in resolving problems through peaceful solutions, and with the formation of a unified Syria, the Syrian people will also achieve prosperity."

He said: "I do not think Israel will continue with this policy. Israel's goal is the realization of religious and ideological objectives, and this is the main issue. Israel has been forced to return [to a certain position] due to a unified force and American pressure on it. Israel's relations with Turkey were good, and our policy in Turkey is understandable. Netanyahu has not yet been able to achieve his goals through Zionist policies and still needs power."

Engin Oba said: "For us in Turkey, securing our borders and controlling them is very important, as is knowing that the Syrian government is our friend and does not threaten Turkey's national interests."