Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has been charged with allegations of "corrupt relationships" involving Turkish business executives and at least one official. This development comes as a shock to many, given Adams' well-known and often eccentric connections to Turkey.
Adams has been vocal about his affinity for Turkey, frequently mentioning his numerous visits to the country. At a Turkish flag-raising ceremony in New York in October 2023, he stated, "I'm probably the only mayor in the history of this city that has not only visited Turkey once, but I think I'm on my sixth or seventh visit to Turkey."
The mayor's enthusiasm for Turkey extends beyond mere visits. He has praised various Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Antalya, and Gaziantep. Istanbul, straddling both Europe and Asia, is Turkey's largest city and a major cultural and economic hub. Antalya, situated on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites. Gaziantep, near the Syrian border, has gained attention in recent years due to its large Syrian refugee population and the devastating effects of the February 2023 earthquake.
Adams' connections to Turkey are not limited to tourism. As Brooklyn borough president from 2015 to 2023, he attended 80 events celebrating or relating to Turkey. In 2015, he traveled to Istanbul twice, signing a sister city declaration linking Brooklyn to Istanbul's Üsküdar district. Üsküdar is a large and densely populated area of Istanbul, known for its historical significance and beautiful Bosphorus views.
The mayor's involvement with Turkish institutions includes being named an "honorary faculty member" at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul. This connection raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as the trip reportedly cost around $15,000 and was funded by various sources, including Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines features prominently in the federal indictment against Adams. The airline, which is Turkey's national flag carrier, allegedly provided the mayor with "heavily discounted luxury air travel." This accusation is part of a broader set of allegations, including illegal campaign contributions and inappropriate gifts.
The indictment also alleges that Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department to allow a Turkish consular building to open without a proper fire inspection. This incident reportedly occurred ahead of a visit by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey since 2014. The allegation raises concerns about public safety and the potential compromise of building regulations.
Interestingly, this alleged disregard for safety protocols mirrors issues in Turkey itself. The country has faced criticism for lax enforcement of building codes, which contributed to the widespread destruction during the February 2023 earthquake. This natural disaster was one of the deadliest in modern Turkish history, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to safety standards.
Adams' connections to Turkey extend into popular culture as well. In 2017, he made a cameo appearance in the Turkish romantic comedy "New York Masali," playing a version of himself. In the film, he interacts with Turkish characters seeking administrative favors, showcasing his willingness to engage with Turkish culture and media.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Eric Adams sheds light on the complex relationships between local politicians and foreign entities. It also underscores the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in public office, especially when dealing with international connections.
"New York City is the Istanbul of America"
This case serves as a reminder of the global nature of modern politics and the potential pitfalls that can arise from close ties to foreign interests. As Turkey continues to play a significant role on the world stage, with its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, its relationships with international figures like Adams will likely face increased scrutiny.