On Sunday 17 May, The Cordoba Foundation, in partnership with the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), welcomed Bilal Erdoğan to London.
The special meeting was attended by nearly 100 Muslim leaders, reflecting the diversity of Britain’s Muslim communities. It was chaired by Dr Abdullah Faliq, Managing Director of The Cordoba Foundation and the former Policy Advisor for AK Parti UK.
Bilal Erdoğan spoke about the challenges facing Muslim communities around the world, particularly in Europe. He reflected on the achievements of the Turkish government, while acknowledging the challenges it faces.
He urged those present not to allow difficult global events to drain hope from young people, stressing that “the youth are our future”. He said young people would play a central role in shaping the world ahead.
Bilal Erdoğan also highlighted the importance of Turkish communities building stronger links with other Muslim communities as part of the wider Ummah. He noted that Turkish communities had not always been as active or open in this regard but said the rise of the far-right made connection and unity even more urgent.
He encouraged Muslim youth in the West to connect with their counterparts in Türkiye through summer camps and visits, noting that there were no visa restrictions or obstacles preventing such exchanges. Through these connections, he said, young people could share their thoughts, experiences and ideas.
The discussion covered a range of issues, including the threat of the far-right, youth and leadership, education, the needs and challenges of Muslim converts, and the genocide in Gaza.
Faliq concluded the meeting calling for greater collaboration, proactive engagement and unity.
Bilal Erdoğan was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş; Abdulhadi Turus, President of YTB; Zafer Sırakaya, Turkish MP and Chairman of Foreign Affairs for the AK Parti; German footballer Mesut Özil; Vedat Özdemir, Deputy Chairman of the AK Parti; and Mahmut Özdil, President of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation.
