On the seventh anniversary of the 2019 mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, and on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Turkish authorities called for stronger global action against rising anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination worldwide.
In a statement released Sunday, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry paid tribute to the 51 people killed in the March 15, 2019, terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, describing the incident as a “heinous act of terrorism” and urging global unity against Islamophobia.
“On the seventh anniversary of the despicable terrorist attack that took place on March 15, 2019, in Christchurch, we commemorate with respect the 51 people who lost their lives, including one of our citizens, and pray for God’s mercy upon them,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.
Türkiye’s Justice Minister Akın Gürlek also stated on the occasion, saying that Islamophobia should not be seen merely as fear but as a manifestation of deep hatred and prejudice.
“Islamophobia was not merely a ‘phobia’ but beyond that, it was a grave issue laying bare the prejudice, discrimination, and blatant hostility,” Gürlek wrote on social media.
He added that hostility toward visible symbols of Muslim identity, such as minarets, the hijab, or other expressions of faith, points to a broader problem of intolerance.
“Targeting people because of their religion, identity or culture, or insulting places of worship and religious symbols, violates human dignity,” he said.
Gürlek added that combating anti-Muslim hatred is a shared responsibility and emphasized the importance of promoting social harmony and mutual respect.
You can read the full story here:
