Ankara: Turkiye will "always stand by you," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assured a delegation from a Turkish group rooted in Georgia's Meskheti region, along the Turkish border. During a meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdogan expressed his commitment to the Ahiska, or Meskhetian, Turks, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan addressed Ziyatdin Ismihanoglu Kassanov, head of the World Union of Ahiska Turks, and his delegation, reiterating Trkiye's dedication to the community. He highlighted ongoing efforts to facilitate the group's return to their homeland and the acquisition of citizenship, referring to the historical Soviet-era deportation they experienced.

Erdogan mentioned Turkiye's diplomatic initiatives, both bilaterally and through international organizations such as the Council of Europe and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), to support the Ahiska Turks. He extolled their global unity and resilience and encouraged them to preserve their cultural identity, language, and faith.

The Turkish president also stressed the importance of strengthening family bonds and maintaining the youth's connection to national and spiritual values. Commemorating the 81st anniversary of the 1944 deportation of nearly 100,000 Ahiska Turks, Erdogan described it as a "lasting wound" and announced plans for an interactive exhibition on the exile, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry.

Erdogan highlighted Trkiye's humanitarian efforts for displaced Ahiska Turks, particularly those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. He mentioned public housing projects, noting that 2,315 individuals have been temporarily resettled in Elazig, eastern Trkiye, with 703 housed in Bitlis, southeastern Trkiye. Additionally, he stated that approximately 170,000 Ahiska Turks have received exceptional citizenship, and over 150,000 have been granted long-term residence permits.

Kassanov expressed gratitude for Erdogan's unwavering support, acknowledging the Turkish leader's consistent backing of the Ahiska Turks. During the meeting, the delegation presented Erdogan with traditional gifts, including a Caucasian papakha sheepskin hat, a khan's robe, and a calligraphy panel featuring the Rabbi Yessir prayer.