Turkey’s preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara involved the deployment of 57,000 security personnel, the conversion of a military airport into a civilian facility, and the relocation of 52,000 stray dogs to shelters, according to a report by Al Jazeera Net. The event drew 32 presidents and roughly 100 ministers to the Turkish capital.
How did Ankara transform for the NATO summit?
The Turkish government implemented an “unprecedented” logistical overhaul of the capital. To streamline movement for world leaders, officials converted a military airport into a civilian one, building a dedicated highway and bridge that reduced travel time to the Presidential Complex to approximately 15 minutes. Al Jazeera Net reported that the city felt nearly empty, as official holidays were declared and residents were encouraged to leave, leading some taxi drivers to compare the lack of traffic to the pandemic era.
Visual aesthetics were a priority. The city was cleaned thoroughly, and “ugly” old buildings were hidden behind curtains featuring NATO logos. This effort was noted by U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised the beauty of the highway during a press conference, according to the report.
What security measures were in place for world leaders?
Security focused on both physical and digital threats. While 57,000 officers secured the streets, the Cybersecurity Presidency deployed 640 employees to create “invisible digital walls” against cyberattacks. A “Red Zone” was established around the Presidential Complex, restricting access without daily permits on July 7 and 8.
Accommodation and transport varied by leader. President Trump and his delegation of about a thousand people occupied the JW Marriott Ankara, the city’s most luxurious hotel. His suite featured bomb-proof walls and bullet-proof windows. While most leaders used armored official cars, Trump used “The Beast,” whereas French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in a French embassy vehicle described as a small bus.
Comparison of Leader Logistics
| Leader | Transport | Accommodation Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | “The Beast” | Exclusive use of JW Marriott |
| Emmanuel Macron | Embassy Minibus | Five-star hotel |
Why did non-NATO countries send journalists?
The summit attracted 3,000 journalists from dozens of countries. One Japanese reporter told Al Jazeera Net that the event is “not only important for Japan, but for the whole world,” despite Japan not being a NATO member. To accommodate this press corps, the world’s third-largest library within the Presidential Complex was converted into a media center.
The Turkish state broadcaster, TRT, supported the international press by providing free broadcasting frequencies and deploying 96 cameras and hundreds of staff members.
What were the key diplomatic moments?
The summit blended modern diplomacy with historical symbolism. Leaders were greeted by a ceremonial band wearing traditional Ottoman soldier uniforms. According to the report, while Trump signaled his admiration for the music and attire, the Greek Prime Minister appeared visibly surprised.
A significant diplomatic win for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan occurred when President Trump announced he would lift sanctions imposed under the CAATSA law and deliver F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Al Jazeera Net described Erdoğan’s reaction as one of great satisfaction.
How did the summit impact Ankara’s image?
Despite the inconvenience of road closures and strict security, residents expressed satisfaction that the global spotlight was on their city. This visibility triggered a surge in social media content promoting Ankara’s restaurants and landmarks. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar amplified this effect by acting as a “tourist influencer,” posting photos from Istanbul and his road trip to Ankara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many security personnel were used for the NATO summit?
According to Al Jazeera Net, 57,000 security elements were assigned to secure the event.
What happened to the stray dogs in Ankara?
Approximately 52,000 stray dogs were collected and placed in shelters to ensure the city appeared clean.
Which hotel did President Trump stay in?
President Trump and his delegation stayed at the JW Marriott Ankara, which was reserved exclusively for them.
What was the “Red Zone” in Ankara?
The Red Zone was a restricted area around the Presidential Complex where entry was forbidden without a daily permit on July 7 and 8.
What are your thoughts on the scale of these preparations? Do you think such extreme measures are necessary for international security? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more geopolitical analysis.
