Turkish president wishes Merry Christmas

By Ahmet Salih Alacaci

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wished a Merry Christmas on Sunday to all those celebrating in Turkey and across the world.

In a Christmas message released on the Presidency’s website, Erdogan highlighted the “utmost care” given in Turkey and Turkish tradition to ensure no discrimination among people based on “race, language, religion or denomination”.

“We attach great importance to all our citizens freely their cultures, religions traditions,” the statement said.

Stressing that Turkey has been the peaceful home of different cultures and traditions for centuries, Erdogan said this reinforces the “unity and solidarity” among the county’s populace, who view such differences as a “valuable asset”.

He added that the Turkish people “put first” mutual respect, justice freedom of religion.

He expressed hope this year that Christmas would lead to a strengthening of “solidarity and mutual respect” in Turkey.

For Christians, Christmas marks the birthday of Jesus Christ.

One of Christianity’s most culturally significant celebrations, Christmas Eve is observed by most non-Orthodox Christians on Dec. 24 every year.