ANKARA

 The "Shah Firat" military operation in Syria to retrieve the remains of Suleyman Shah demonstrates Turkey's commitment to protect its national interests, said the country’s defense minister on Monday.

Turkey’s National Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz spoke at Turkish parliament to provide information regarding the country’s military operation on late Saturday to retrieve the body of Suleyman Shah -- the grandfather of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire.

“If we look at who was against this operation, we can see how right it was,” said Minister Yilmaz, adding that the country did not give up sovereignty.

The military operation was criticized by the Damascus regime in Syria and also drew criticism from Turkish opposition parties.

“This operation demonstrates our commitment to protect our national interests,” Yilmaz said, adding that the operation also indicated that Turkey would not hesitate to take any measures to protect its land and citizens if under threat.

The minister also said that Turkey has said many times that no one should undermine the country’s protection of its land and citizens.

Yilmaz stated that Turkey owed their ancestors the fact that the nation was free and it was the country’s task to claim their ancestors' memories if they were suspected to be in danger.

The tomb of Suleyman Shah, Turkey's only exclave, was temporarily relocated to a new site within Syria because of the ongoing conflict in the country, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

The tomb was located in Karakozak village in Munbic, Syria, 37 kilometers away from the borders of Turkey, and it was guarded by Turkish Armed Forces personnel.

Yilmaz said the new site since Feb. 22 was located in Esmesi village, northern Syria, close to the Turkish borders.