"I prefer a suited-up, modern-looking Erdoğan over Erbakan." 

This statement by former US Ambassador Morton Abramowitz came to mind when I saw Israeli Foreign Minister Katz's remarks targeting President Erdoğan and supporting IBB Mayor İmamoğlu. 

You might have seen it: although Ekrem İmamoğlu responded to Katz's comments stating, "I return this statement to you that insults the flag and the president of the Republic of Turkey" he was labeled as "Israel's candidate" by AKP members. However, those who made such accusations might want to revisit their memories.

You might have heard of Nasuhi Güngör. A journalist closely associated with the ruling party, he served as the head of TRT Haber during the AKP era. Unfortunately, Güngör has a book he would rather forget titled "Yenilikçi Hareket."

Currently out of print, this book details the emergence of the AKP from the Milli Görüş movement and Erdoğan's rise to leadership through the accounts of witnesses.

As I turn the pages, I come across a section titled "Discover Tayyip Erdoğan." Güngör writes:

"Tayyip Erdoğan was undoubtedly a successful Istanbul provincial chairman and later a successful mayor. However, there was an interesting claim about when Erdoğan will be taken seriously. He was introduced to then-US Ambassador Morton Abramowitz while he was still the RP Beyoğlu district chairman. The introduction took place at a foundation meeting in Kasımpaşa, with an RP Istanbul provincial executive also present."

'FUTURE LEADER CANDIDATE'

Güngör recalls that the meetings between Abramowitz and Erdoğan were frequent and highlights a specific meeting at the IBB:

"One particularly striking meeting took place on October 15, 1996, at the mayoral office. Morton Abramowitz’s visit to Erdoğan’s office was quite lengthy. Erdoğan later expressed that Abramowitz had brought 'a positive and warm message' and added, 'I receive this message not on my behalf, but on behalf of my party.' There were various speculations about the content of this message. It was reported that Abramowitz told Erdoğan, 'You are very important for Turkiye’s future.' However, there were no statements confirming or denying these claims. What was significant about this meeting was that, following it, the comparison of Erdoğan to Erbakan’s heir quickly shifted to 'the future leader candidate.'"

So, what was the significance of Abramowitz? Rather than writing it myself, let’s refer to Nasuhi Güngör’s book:

"Yes, the former Ankara Ambassador, Carnegie Endowment president, and frequently accused of being a 'Mossad agent,' is an American Jew with a high racial consciousness. 

(...) Before coming to Ankara, he had held very important positions. He served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, coordinating among American intelligence agencies such as the CIA and FBI, as well as SIA and DIA."

I assume it's clear now.

I won't even delve into Erdoğan’s visit to the US as a guest of the Jewish Committee before he became Prime Minister, his meetings with officials from the Jewish National Security Institute, or his relations with ADL, one of the most influential Jewish organisations in the world.

My point is...

Let us write history accurately. İmamoğlu clearly expressed his discomfort with Israel's support for him. However, Erdoğan was more than eager to extend his hand for similar support during his time as İBB mayor.