Erdoğan Warns Opposition: Stop Using Alevi Identity for Politics

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan used a Cabinet meeting address to praise his own government and attack the opposition, while avoiding comment on major security measures in Ankara. Speaking after the meeting, Erdoğan did not mention the NATO summit preparations underway at Beştepe, the lockdown of nine districts in the capital, or the related arrests. Instead, he focused on criticizing political rivals and used the occasion of Muharram, a holy month for Shia Muslims, to greet the Alevi community. He warned the opposition not to exploit Alevi identity for political gain.