Erdogan Tells Student Protesters To 'Go and Live in Forest'

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks in extremes to make his points. It is the same kind of approach he takes on many domestic and foreign policy issues. It works for him and his audience, but he distances those who differ from his viewpoints to such lengths that it becomes nearly impossible to reconcile those opposing views in an attempt to create a rather manageable relationship and a peaceful environment. There is a poisonous vicious cycle here, which has potentially not seen its worst yet considering the June Gezi Park protests.

The simple reason is that Erdogan’s approach to these protests is very simplistic, turning everything into black and white, which, if handled differently could actually help all sides to bring the best out of themselves and their projects. Here is a good example.

Addressing his Justice and Development Party (AKP) provincial mayors meeting on Sept. 18, Erdogan talked about a banner he had seen recently. He said, “The banner read ‘We don’t want roads, we want forests.' Could there be such a banner? Can you believe that university students hung this banner?” He continued, “For those who demand a forest, there is plenty of it. But they don’t know that road is civilization. Is it possible to talk about civilization in the absence of roads, [running] water? You couldn't even reach your university if there are no roads; you can get to university as a result of these roads. … If you want a forest, let's send you to a forest. You go and live in a forest, but you should at least not disturb the city people.”

Instead of proposing to send the university students to a forest — if one can really believe that the prime minister of this country came up with such a suggestion — there is also the third way, that of city planning. Turkey’s youth — whether politically in alignment with the ruling party or the opposition — are an existing entity with its strengths and weaknesses. There may be much to be proud of as well as room for more advancement. However, Middle East Technical University students are smart enough to know that roads are a necessary infrastructure — not a luxury item. But Erdogan likes to speak in extremes, somehow insulting and sidelining these youth on the streets who object this controversial road project. Because Erdogan believes his way is the only way.