Turkish President Sends Revolvers to NATO Leaders at Summit

Each six-shot revolver was produced by state arms maker MKE and engraved with the recipient's name. The pistols arrived in boxes bearing the Turkish flag and NATO emblem. Turkish media reported that Erdogan also gave each leader a signed copy of his English-language biography, a personal letter, and a fountain pen.

Firearm gifts between heads of state date to the industrial era. U.S. presidents and other officials have received firearms from manufacturers and veterans' groups over subsequent decades.

A Turkish commentator described the revolvers as symbols of leadership quality and noted that the weapons were manufactured entirely in Turkey. The presidency's Communications Directorate confirmed the gifts occurred but provided no additional explanation.