‘Strong Democracy Achieved Through Strong Economy’

Erdogan made a call for ‘change’ at the Jeddah Economic Forum yesterday and said: "Islam does not renew itself. A Muslim renews himself. We cannot find a healthy democracy in a country with a bankrupted economy. Three things should be given importance: people, knowledge and fiscal management. Islam is not to blame for underdevelopment–Muslims are.

On the flight back to Ankara, Erdogan spoke to journalists. When asked about his opposition to an Islamic common market, he emphasized that money and economy have no religion. He continued: "If you dare to do that, segregation starts. And that means denial of globalization." He was asked about what he meant when he made a call for ‘change’ in the Forum. The Prime Minister stated Islamic countries should change their role as being a market and change it to the countries seeking markets.

Erdogan reiterated that Turkey and Middle East should have faith in each other and noted that economic and political changes affect one other. Muslims are to blame for the Islamic world’s underdevelopment. He said Muslims fell behind in the race and the Islamic world is paying the price for that.

When he was asked why Muslims fell behin, the PM explained that not Islam but Muslims should renew themselves. Noting that the parameters of Islam are clear, change is a continuous process, Erdogan said: "Muslims need to find the way to change. They have to study this real well. We have to develop a formula by observing development in the world. You have to take this formula and develop three areas."