Businesspeople, Muslim scholars meet to support Turkey

By Ali Atar

ISTANBUL

Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) and the Ummah Scholars in Istanbul on Thursday called on Muslims around the world to support Turkey against economic attacks.

“Now, with our banking system, our free market economy based on solid foundations and all of our stakeholders, even if we stumble, we will not fall," MUSIAD Vice President Israfil Kuralay said in a joint press conference at the association's headquarters in Istanbul.

Underlining the Turkish economy’s strength and integration with the global market, Kuralay said the U.S. sanctions were politically motivated.

"There is a picture which is in direct contradiction with our macroeconomic indicators," said Kuralay, which he said was because of moves aimed at curbing downTurkey’s economic capabilities.

‘Turkey’s economic structure no longer fragile’

Referring to the international support extended to Turkey following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on tariffs, Kuralay said, "Turkey’s economic structure is no longer fragile as it used to be, nor will it collapse with a single gesture."

'Turkey to emerge stronger than before'

Condemning the "unjust and unwarranted" moves against Turkey, Kuralay invited all countries “believing in democracy and law” to oppose U.S. policies.

Kuralay emphasized that Turkey would maintain its friendly relations with all countries, particularly with the Islamic world and the country would emerge from its current situation stronger than before.

‘Support Turkey by purchasing Turkish products’

Speaking on behalf of the Ummah Scholars, Nawaz Takruri, head of the Palestine Scholars Association in the Diaspora, called on the world’s Muslims to support "brother" Turkey against the U.S.

“Encourage others to take their vacations in Turkey. Support Turkey by purchasing Turkish products. Convert your dollars to Turkish Liras," said Takruri.

"We call on all Muslim countries to stand with Turkey."

On Aug. 1 relations between Ankara and Washington nosedived when the U.S. imposed sanctions on two Turkish Cabinet ministers after Turkey refused to release an American pastor who faces terrorism-related charges in Turkey.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump upped the ante by doubling U.S. tariffs on Turkish aluminum and steel imports.

In response, Turkey raised tariffs on several U.S.-made goods, including alcohol and tobacco products and vehicles.