Erdogan Criticizes UAE Foreign Minister for Reposting a Tweet Against the Ottomans

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, criticized the UAE Foreign Minister on Wednesday, December 20, for reposting a tweet about the Ottoman Empire. According to Reuters, the tweet accused an Ottoman commander of looting the historical assets of Medina during World War I. It appears that Erdogan reacted to a tweet by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which claimed that forces under the command of Fahreddin Pasha looted money and historical artifacts from Medina in 1916. The tweet, reportedly published by an Iraqi doctor in Germany, stated: 'The Ottoman forces kidnapped the citizens of Medina and took them to Istanbul; these are Erdogan's ancestors, and their historical behavior towards Arab Muslims is evident.' During World War I, Medina was part of the Ottoman Empire, but after the Ottoman defeat, local forces, aided by British troops, managed to take control of the region. Erdogan defended Fahreddin Pasha's actions during the war, stating that he not only did not steal historical artifacts but also protected the lives and property of people against 'invaders.' According to Anadolu Agency, the Turkish President said, 'Some insult the distinguished figure in our history (Fahreddin Pasha), who bravely defended the city of Medina. We know very well who they are collaborating with today. We will speak about them at the appropriate time.' Erdogan added, 'Unfortunately, some who are nearby (Medina) shamelessly accuse us. You should first know your limits. This shows that you do not know our nation and Erdogan, nor do you know his ancestors.' Relations between the UAE and Turkey have soured in recent years, with the Qatar crisis exacerbating tensions between the two countries. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had previously called on Iran and Turkey to end their 'colonial' actions in Syria. The UAE Foreign Minister stated, 'Forces that seek to undermine the independence of Syria must leave this country, and I say clearly that I mean Iran and Turkey.' The Syrian civil war has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced.