Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may visit Damascus within the next 15 days, with plans to pray at the historic Umayyad Mosque according to Türkiye Daily. Speculation is also growing that Erdogan may meet with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmad al-Sharaa (a.k.a. al-Jolani) during this trip, as HTS now controls Damascus following a significant military advance.
Why Erdogan’s visit matters
Erdogan’s potential visit to Damascus would mark a significant turning point in Türkiye-Syria relations, especially given the collapse of the Assad regime and HTS’s ascension to power. A meeting between Erdogan and Shara could redefine regional diplomacy, influence peace-building efforts, and determine Türkiye’s role in Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction.
Details
- HTS gains control: On November 27, HTS announced its capture of Damascus, effectively ending the Assad regime’s control. Syrian state media confirmed Assad’s departure to Moscow.
- Türkiye’s diplomatic engagement: Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin recently prayed at the Umayyad Mosque, signaling an increased Turkish presence in the Syrian capital. Additionally, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the reopening of Türkiye’s embassy in Damascus, scheduled for December 14.
- Erdogan’s expected visit: Sources suggest Erdogan may visit the Umayyad Mosque and hold talks with HTS leader Ahmad al-Shara. He is also expected to meet with representatives of Syria’s Turkmen community.
- Enhanced security measures: Extraordinary precautions are planned for Erdogan’s visit, including a robust security shield along the Hama, Homs, and Idlib corridor. Turkish radar systems will also monitor airspace activity during the trip to ensure safety.
Zoom in
A potential Erdogan-Shara meeting could signify Türkiye’s willingness to engage with HTS in Syria. Such a move may pave the way for collaboration on regional security, managing the refugee crisis, and counter-terrorism efforts. It could also influence the international community’s stance toward HTS.
Zoom out
Erdogan’s anticipated visit highlights Türkiye’s strategic role in shaping Syria’s future in the wake of the Assad regime’s downfall. By re-establishing diplomatic ties and asserting its influence in Damascus, Türkiye is positioning itself as a key regional power, aiming to stabilize its southern borders while addressing broader geopolitical and humanitarian challenges.
