Algemeiner: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s decision to change the name of the Directorate of Religious Affairs to the “Directorate of Jerusalem and Umrah Affairs” isn’t about semantics but substance. Erdoğan views himself as a successor to the line of Ottoman sultans. He wants to restore the empire of old and sees himself as responsible for Jerusalem from the Islamic perspective.
In his own eyes, Erdoğan is the successor to Salah al-DinTur and Suleiman the Magnificent. Hence, Erdoğan has adhered to the dream of a Muslim caliphate with Jerusalem as its capital. Consequently, he has reintroduced Ottoman language studies in Turkish schools, and receives visiting leaders and dignitaries with an honor guard wearing old Ottoman caliphate uniforms.
From Erdoğan’s point of view, Jerusalem is “under occupation,” is of utmost importance after Mecca and Medina, and should be part of the “Umrah” (the “regular” Muslim pilgrimage throughout the year, unlike the Hajj). Read More …
Opinion: Of course he does …
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem.” Zechariah 14:2
There are three wars that are prophesied to take place leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.
- Psalm 83
- Ezekiel 38-39
- Daniel 11:40-45
All three wars revolve around Israel, God’s plan to save His chosen people and the eternal city of Jerusalem. Depending on the Bible’s timeline, Recep Erdogan, or a Turkish leader who follows him will have a big role to play in 2 of the 3 wars.
Psalm 83 is an Arab war made up of Israel’s hostile neighbors. One of the main antagonists is Hamas (Philistia, Ps. 83:7), Palestinians of Gaza. Turkey provides support.
Recep Erdogan and Khaled Meshal leader of Hamas
Ezekiel 38-39 Known as the Gog Magog war. The three principal armies are Russia (Rosh), Iran (Persia) and Turkey (represented by its ancient names Gomer, Beth Togarmah, Meshech, Tubal) Ezekiel 38:2-4
From left, Hasan Rouhani (Iran), Recep Erdogan (Turkey), Vladimir Putin (Russia)
Daniel 11:40-45 is the final global war of Armageddon led by the Beast Army of Antichrist made up of 4 power blocs on the plains of Megiddo:
- King of the North: Syria, and nations to the north of Israel (Dan.11:40)
- King of the South: Egypt, nations to the south of Israel (Dan. 11:40)
- Western Alliance, Beast Army of Antichrist – revived Roman Empire (Psalm 2:1-4; Rev. 16:14, 19:19)
- Kings of the East – China, nations to the east of Israel (Rev. 16:12)
See Bible Prophecy 101 Chapters, 6, 9, 10 under the Bible Studies drop down menu for more …
