A major shift is unfolding in the Middle East. With Assad defeated and Turkey rising, ancient Biblical prophecies are coming to life before our eyes.
The Rise of Turkey and the Coming Middle East Shift: Biblical Prophecy Unfolding
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is undergoing a seismic shift. Turkey is emerging as the dominant power at the expense of Iran. It is no coincidence that Biblical prophecy foretells that Turkey will play a central role in the last days. Its leader, Gog, will lead a coalition against Israel. In a move toward this inevitable event, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria appears to be a pivotal step. It is accelerating this transformation, altering the balance of power, and setting the stage for a major conflict. This conflict will set Turkey, Iran, and other Islamic countries against Israel.
Turkey’s Rise as a Military Power and Its Prophetic Significance
For decades, Iran has been a key player in Middle Eastern affairs. It has exerted influence through proxy forces like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. However, economic struggles, internal dissent, and increasing military setbacks have weakened Iran’s grip on the region. Meanwhile, Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has positioned itself as the leader of the Sunni Muslim world. It has expanded its military footprint and political influence across the Middle East and North Africa.
Biblical prophecy in Ezekiel 38, Daniel 7, and Daniel 8 suggests that Turkey—not Iran—will be the dominant force in the last days. The “fourth beast” of Daniel 7 is often associated with Rome; however, Rome does not fit the description of this beast. Rome never trampled the other beasts such as the Persians as stipulated in Daniel 7. A revived Ottoman Empire is the only one that fits the fourth beast’s description. This aligns with Turkey’s modern ambitions. Erdogan has frequently invoked Ottoman imagery. He has sought to reclaim Turkey’s role as the leader of the Muslim world, moving away from the secularism of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Ottoman Ambitions
Erdogan himself has made statements that align with Turkey’s growing ambition. In 2020, he declared: “Jerusalem is our city.” He referenced the Ottoman control of Jerusalem for centuries, signaling his long-term vision for Turkish influence in the region. Erdogan has also stated that the territories once under Ottoman control are still considered Turkish land. He remarked: “The things that happen in the places that are parts of our homeland but remain outside our borders hurt us just like a stab in our own heart.” This view of former Ottoman lands as still belonging to Turkey aligns with his expansionist policies.
Under his leadership, Turkey has transformed its military capabilities. It now produces its own drones, tanks, and naval warships. Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drones have proven highly effective in conflicts ranging from Libya to Nagorno-Karabakh. This demonstrates its ability to project power across multiple theaters. With one of the largest standing armies in NATO, Turkey is increasingly asserting itself as a regional hegemon.
The Fall of Assad and Its Consequences
Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell to the rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This development appears to be a key event in moving toward the fulfillment of Daniel and Ezekiel’s prophecies. Assad had long been a linchpin in the Iranian-Russian alliance. He allowed Tehran to project power into the Levant and gave Moscow a strategic foothold. However, Syria’s prolonged war, economic devastation, and internal opposition have now pushed it into a state of collapse.
With Assad’s regime gone, Iran’s ability to control its proxies in Syria has also weakened. This presents an opportunity for Turkey. It has long sought to expand its influence in northern Syria under the pretext of fighting Kurdish militants. A post-Assad Syria will likely see increased Turkish intervention. This will position Ankara as the dominant force in the region, pushing Iran further to the sidelines.
The fall of Assad also creates challenges for Russia. Moscow has backed Assad militarily, but it may struggle to maintain its foothold if Syria further fragments. This could force Russia into a closer alliance with Turkey. Despite their historical rivalries, both nations seek to manage the power vacuum left in Assad’s wake.
Why Gog and Magog Are Linked to Turkey
Zondervan Atlas of the Bible
Understanding why Turkey is associated with Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38 requires tracing the historical origins of the nations mentioned in the prophecy. The descendants of Japheth, the son of Noah, settled in the lands of Anatolia and beyond. Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Togarmah—all names found in Ezekiel 38—are historically linked to regions that now make up modern-day Turkey.
Ancient records and historical geography confirm that these peoples settled in Anatolia. This land later became the heartland of the Byzantine Empire and, eventually, the Ottoman Empire. Many Biblical atlases reflect that Ezekiel’s reference to these nations points directly to modern Turkey as the seat of Gog’s power.
This connection aligns with Turkey’s modern resurgence as a dominant force in the region. Erdogan’s vision of reclaiming Ottoman influence further supports this. As Turkey asserts itself politically and militarily, it fits the prophetic profile of the nation that will lead a coalition against Israel in the last days.
The Emergence of Gog and the Prophesied Invasion
From Turkey will arise Gog, the Antichrist, who must subdue three other leaders or nations to consolidate his power. Daniel 7:8 states that a “little horn” arises among ten kings and uproots three. It seems rational that these three could include Syria, Lebanon, and possibly Iraq or another weakened state in the region. As Turkey extends its influence into Syria, this prophecy could be fulfilled. Ankara may effectively take control over Damascus.
In Daniel 8, the vision of the “ram and the goat” is often interpreted as depicting a future war. This war will be between a Persian (Iranian) power and a Greek (Turkish) power. The prophecy describes the goat decisively defeating the ram (Persia/Iran). Scholars associate the ram with Greece in modern translations, but the Greek word used is Yavan, or Javan, which refers to one of Japheth’s sons who settled in modern day Turkey. This aligns with current geopolitical trends. Turkey’s influence continues to rise while Iran’s position weakens.
Ezekiel 38-39 further describes the invasion of Israel by a coalition led by Gog of Magog. Gog is the leader of Turkey at the time. This coalition includes Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan), Put (Libya), and other nations. It indicates a broad alliance of Islamic powers. The invasion will be a massive military campaign. However, according to Scripture, it will ultimately fail as God intervenes to protect Israel.
Israel’s Position and the Road Ahead
Israel finds itself at the center of this unfolding drama. The weakening of Iran and Syria may initially seem beneficial to Israeli security. However, the rise of a powerful, expansionist Turkey presents a new and formidable threat. Unlike Iran, which relies on proxies, Turkey has a well-equipped, modern military. It also has an established political structure capable of leading a regional coalition.
Erdogan has repeatedly positioned himself as a defender of the Palestinian cause. He has condemned Israeli policies in Jerusalem. His rhetoric suggests that Turkey may take an increasingly confrontational stance against Israel in the coming years. The geopolitical shifts following Assad’s downfall and Iran’s decline could embolden Erdogan or his successor. This aligns with the prophetic warnings of Daniel and Ezekiel.
Israel is taking the Turkish threat seriously. On 1/6/25, a committee, established by the Israeli government, known as the Nagel Committee, warned that Turkey’s ambitions to restore its Ottoman-era influence could lead to heightened tensions with Israel, possibly escalating into conflict. Alarmingly, the Committee conveyed that Israel must prepare for a direct confrontation with Turkey.
Netanyahu responded to the report and said, “We are witnessing fundamental changes in the Middle East. Iran has long been our greatest threat, but new forces are entering the arena, and we must be prepared for the unexpected. This report provides us with a roadmap to secure Israel’s future.”
As events unfold, believers should watch Turkey closely. The prophetic significance of its actions is clear. The shifting alliances, the fall of Assad, and the power struggles among Middle Eastern nations are not just geopolitical events. They are the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy leading to the final confrontation foretold in Scripture.
Conclusion
The Middle East is on the brink of a dramatic transformation. Turkey is rising, Iran is faltering, and Syria is in play. The stage is being set for the fulfillment of end-times prophecy. Gog, the Antichrist, will emerge from Turkey, leading a coalition against Israel. However, he will be supernaturally defeated. The world sees these as political shifts. Those who understand Biblical prophecy recognize them as signs of the times.
Stay vigilant, watch Turkey, and most importantly, remain steadfast in faith as God’s plan unfolds before our eyes.