Dr. Suhail Muzafer & Omer Qadri . Pakistan / Türkiye’s Truest Brother
Türkiye’s Truest Brother — The Everlasting Bond with Pakistan
In the long and storied history of the Turkish Republic, there exists a special chapter that cannot be written without the name of Pakistan inscribed with gold. It is a story of brotherhood beyond borders, of love deeper than blood, and of solidarity that has weathered every storm. Among the many shining examples of this enduring friendship, the life and legacy of Abdurrahman Peshawari stands tall a hero, a journalist, a soldier, and most of all, a devoted friend of Türkiye.
Born in 1886 in Peshawar, then part of British India, Abdurrahman Peshawari left behind a life of comfort and privilege to support the Ottoman Empire during one of its darkest chapters. He was among the very first from the Indian subcontinent to respond to the Ottoman call for help during the Balkan Wars. He traveled first as part of a medical team to treat wounded Ottoman soldiers, but when the call came again, this time during Türkiye’s War of Independence, he didn’t hesitate. He returned not as a doctor or journalist, but as a soldier standing shoulder to shoulder with his Turkish brothers, defending Anatolian soil from foreign invaders.
Peshawari became one of the first war correspondents from the Indian subcontinent to cover the Turkish War of Independence. Eventually, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk appointed him as the Turkish Ambassador to Afghanistan a post that symbolized the mutual trust and admiration between Türkiye and the Muslim world.
But Peshawari was not alone in his love. He carried the spirit of millions of Pakistanis, who long before their nation was born considered Türkiye not just an ally, but family. During World War I, it was the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Indian subcontinent who gave up their mehr (dowry), their gold bracelets, and the heirlooms handed down for generations. Without a blink of an eye, they sent their treasures to Istanbul not out of charity, but out of love. That moment defined the spirit of Pakistan’s people selfless, honorable, and forever loyal to Türkiye.
A hundred years later, this sacred bond remains unbreakable.
Just recently, during the devastating earthquakes that shook southeastern Türkiye and claimed tens of thousands of lives, it was again our Pakistani brothers and sisters who were among the first to respond. Across Pakistan, from Karachi to Islamabad, people opened their hearts and their wallets. On Staten Island, New York I personally witnessed the outpouring of love from Masjid Un-Noor, led by our dear brother Dr. Suhail Muzafer and his nephew Omer Qadri . This community alone raised $25,000, which was used for earthquake victims and also desperatlly need blankets and supplies plus raising an additional $8500 which provide Iftar and Sahur meals for nearly half of the blessed month of Ramazan in Gaziantep, one of the cities hardest hit by the earthquakes intotalling almost $50,000 in aid. This wasn’t aid it was family coming to the aid of family right from Masjid Un-Noor, led by our dear brother Dr. Suhail Muzafer and his nephew Omer Qadri. .
Today, many Turks I have spoken to, in cities large and small, say with full conviction: An attack on Pakistan is an attack on Türkiye. This is not just a phrase — it is a creed. It speaks to the depth of respect and mutual protection that binds our two nations. Türkiye has no closer partner, no more loyal friend, and no dearer brother than the people and government of Pakistan.
This bond extends to the Turkish-American and Pakistani-American communities right here in New York. At every Turkish flag raising on Wall Street, we are joined without fail by our beloved brother Inspector Adeel Rana, the first Pakistani-American promoted to the rank of Inspector in the NYPD. A community leader beloved by New Yorkers of every background, Inspector Rana’s steadfast presence with the Turkish community during every national event is a reflection of his deep devotion and of the love between our people. Standing with him are other pillars of unity Javed Gujjar, Afzal Ansari, and many more Pakistani brothers who stand for compassion, shared values, and the unbreakable brotherhood between our nations.
Whenever I walk into Masjid Un-Noor, our beloved Pakistani mosque, I am met with a love and respect that is truly beyond words. The moment I step through the door, our Pakistani brothers doctors, business owners, and community members — pause whatever they are doing. Conversations stop, people rise, and without hesitation, they come forward one by one to embrace me. It feels as though I am being welcomed not just as a guest, but as if I were the President of Türkiye himself.
Their warmth, their sincerity, their brotherhood it moves me deeply every time. This is not something that can be easily described in writing. The love I feel from them is something that touches the heart in the most profound way. It is genuine, pure, and unforgettable. Dr. Suhail Muzafer, Omar, Javed Gujjar, Afzal Ansari. Thank you so much
From the trenches of Anatolia to the earthquake zones of modern Türkiye, from Istanbul to Islamabad, and from Wall Street to the mosques of Staten Island, our history has been one of togetherness.
As we honor Abdurrahman Peshawari, we are also honoring every Pakistani heart that beats with love for Türkiye. We honor every mother who gave her gold, every soldier who prayed for our independence, and every child who learns of this sacred bond.
Türkiye and Pakistan are not just allies we are one soul in two bodies. And may that soul never be divided, never forget, and never stop loving.
With eternal affection and deep gratitude to our Pakistani brothers and sisters,
Respectfully,
Ibrahim Kurtulus
Community Advocate & Friend of the Pakistani-Turkish Brotherhood
Demirhisar Koy – Rize – Cayeli
Staten Island, New York
