Former football star Mesut Özil took to Instagram over the weekend to express his support for Turkish defender Merih Demiral. The post, which featured Demiral making the Turkic wolf salute, was shared as Türkiye prepared for their Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against the Netherlands in Berlin. Özil captioned the photo with a simple yet powerful message: “Come on Türkiye!”
Demiral had recently been at the centre of controversy after being handed a two-game ban by UEFA for the same gesture. The ban was imposed following his celebration of Türkiye’s 2-1 last-16 victory over Austria, during which he used the gesture to mark his second goal.
The Turkic wolf salute, which has been a source of contention, has been mistakenly associated with a far-right salute. However, Turkish politicians and sports officials have been quick to denounce the ban, arguing that the gesture holds deep cultural significance.
This public display of support from Özil comes at a crucial time for Demiral and the Türkiye football team, underscoring the importance of defending one’s cultural heritage and traditions. With Özil’s backing, Demiral is sure to find strength as he faces the ban and continues to represent his country on the international stage.
It is heartening to witness prominent figures like Özil using their platform to advocate for cultural understanding and respect. As the debate surrounding the Turkic wolf salute rages on, it is imperative to continue the discussion on the importance of recognising and honouring diverse cultural practices.
In conclusion, Özil’s public show of solidarity with Demiral serves as a reminder of the significance of standing up for one’s cultural identity. It is a call to action for individuals and organisations to uphold and protect traditions that hold deep meaning for communities around the world. In doing so, we can foster an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect, further enriching the global tapestry of traditions and customs.