Turkish FM says Islamophobia rising 'like never before'

The Turkish official raised concerns over a growing trend of overt Islamophobia, particularly in Europe.

2 min read

28 November, 2020

The top diplomat's comments came in light of heightened Islamophobia in Europe. [Getty]

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday said the year 2020 has seen an unprecedented rise in Islamophobia, according to the country's state-run agency.

Speaking on challenges presented by the pandemic this year, the official said the year had been especially difficult for Muslims who have faced 'rising' Islamophobia.

Speaking at a council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Niger, Cavusoglu raised concerns over what he said was a rising trend of anti-Islam and anti-migrant narratives – particularly in Europe.

"However, migrants and Muslims continue to contribute to their communities," he said.

"We must be awake to this dangerous rhetoric and actions and we should send a clear message regarding our red lines," Cavusoglu said, according to Anadolu Agency.

The top diplomat's comments came in light of heightened Islamophobia in Europe, following the grisly beheading last month of teacher Samuel Paty, who showed his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in a lesson on free speech.

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Even before that attack, French President Emmanuel Macron had promised a tough new campaign against "Islamism", which had aroused controversy and condemnation from Muslims around the world.

Macron has additionally been accused of persecuting Muslims in France, particularly carrying out a crackdown on Muslim NGOs.

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