Erdogan Responds to Criticisms of Mehter March and Janissaries

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a strong message in response to criticisms of the Mehter March and the Janissaries. Following the NATO Summit, Erdogan stated that Turkey now operates with an understanding that embraces its own civilization and cultural heritage. 'The NATO Summit was a meeting where our deep-rooted state tradition was manifested in all its glory,' he said. President Erdogan addressed those troubled by the Mehter March and the Janissaries, saying 'There is no more Turkey that rejects its heritage, but a Turkey that embraces its civilization and cultural accumulation.' 'The NATO Summit clearly showed to those who claimed 'we will demolish the Presidential Complex if we come to power' what this work means for Turkey,' he added.