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Turkish Opposition Criticizes Erdogan for Abandoning 'Blue Homeland' Doctrine

Published January 22, 2026, 14:13
Turkish Opposition Criticizes Erdogan for Abandoning 'Blue Homeland' Doctrine

In Turkey, the opposition is reviving the debate over the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine, criticizing the Erdogan government for its retreat from the eastern Mediterranean. Opposition members are questioning why Turkey is not more active in Cyprus and calling for a resumption of drilling. Cem Gurdeniz, the architect of the doctrine, argues that Turkey has gradually withdrawn from the region after the incident with the Turkish research vessel 'Rosalina-A' in 2020, which is interpreted as a political message to limit Turkish claims.