In a powerful open letter addressed to Prof. David G. Greenfield, former New York City Council Member and Adjunct Professor of Law, community activist Ibrahim Kurtulus has passionately defended Turkiye’s legacy and its pivotal role as a key NATO ally.

The letter, prompted by what Kurtulus describes as “inaccuracies” in Greenfield’s recent commentary, challenges the professor to adopt a more nuanced perspective on Turkiye’s strategic significance.

Kurtulus opens the letter by urging Greenfield to recognize that Turkiye, not “Turkey,” is the proper designation for the nation—a reflection of its sovereign identity. Emphasizing that Turkiye has long been “absolutely essential to NATO’s southern flank,” Kurtulus recalls Former U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey’s praise of Turkiye’s critical role in regional security. Kurtulus further highlights that Turkiye, NATO’s second-largest military power, has made significant sacrifices, from the Korean War to recent counter-terrorism initiatives, underscoring its reliability as an ally.

“Your comments questioning Turkiye’s partnership to the US or NATO overlook the profound and enduring partnership between our nations,” Kurtulus contends, suggesting that Greenfield’s remarks lack the nuance required to appreciate Turkiye’s historical contributions. He warns that unbalanced criticism of Turkiye risks furthering a narrative that could “delegitimize the Turkish state and its people.”

Beyond its NATO commitments, Kurtulus points to Turkiye’s regional role, citing its efforts to counterbalance regional powers like Russia and Iran, as well as its significance in the Balkans, Middle East, and Africa. He adds that recent moves by Turkiye, such as the restriction of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s flight over its airspace, reflect legitimate security concerns, reminding Greenfield of Turkiye’s long-standing history of supporting Jewish communities, from the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust.

“The Turkish people are the last to get any lessons from anyone,” Kurtulus asserts, defending Turkiye’s track record of tolerance and its consistent stance against terrorism. He criticizes those who demonize Turkiye, stressing that a fair understanding of its rise as a global power is essential for progress in conflict resolution, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

Concluding his letter with a call to build “bridges, not walls,” Kurtulus invokes his 30-year friendship with Michael Miller, former Executive Director and Honorary Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), as a testament to the power of cross-cultural dialogue.

“I urge you to reconsider your approach to discussing Turkiye,” Kurtulus writes. “Demonizing or undermining the Republic of Turkiye serves neither U.S. interests nor the cause of international peace.”

In this impassioned letter, Kurtulus calls for a reevaluation of Turkiye’s position, not only as a NATO ally but as a nation of resilience and diplomacy. His words serve as a reminder of the complex layers in international relations and the importance of maintaining a respectful discourse between nations.