Erdoğan Announces Plans for Historic Visit to Damascus, First Since 2024 Revolution

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that a trip to Damascus is being prepared, though a specific date remains undecided. He noted the significance of the journey as the first by a Turkish head of state since revolutionary leader Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled the Baathist regime in 2024. Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s broad cooperation with the post-Baathist government, from defence to education, and referenced earlier high-level visits by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the head of the National Intelligence Organization.

In his party speech he recalled the capture of Mihraç Ural, linked to the 2013 Banyas massacre and the Reyhanlı bombings, praising Syrian and Turkish intelligence as “secret heroes.” The president framed the visit as part of Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s reconstruction and justice for past atrocities.