Defending the Tomb of Suleyman Shah: Turkey’s Options and Challenges

EDAM Discussion Paper Series, 2014/8, 1 October 2014, 18 p.

Can Kasapoglu & F. Doruk Ergun *

As Turkey has hardened its rhetoric towards Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) following the release of the hostages, a new crisis seems to be in the offing with the increased activity around the Tomb of Suleyman Shah, Turkey’s exclave near Aleppo. The Tomb’s vicinity remains under ISIL’s control making it a potential target for an ISIL attack. Penned by EDAM researchers Can Kasapoğlu and F. Doruk Ergun, this discussion paper outlines Turkey’s military, political and legal challenges in defending its exclave.

* Can Kasapoğlu, Research Fellow, EDAM Faculty Member, Girne American University. F. Doruk Ergun, Research Assistant, EDAM.

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