During the Turkey vs. Austria match, Turkish footballer Merih Demiral made the Grey Wolf salute after scoring a goal, sparking controversy. German and Austrian officials and citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with this gesture. What is the meaning of the Grey Wolf salute? Does it have any ties to Islam or far-right ideologies? In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, history, and significance of the Grey Wolf salute for the Turkish people. Enjoy reading.

The Turkey vs. Austria Match Controversy

Turkish footballer Merih Demiral celebrates after scoring a goal against Austria, making the Grey Wolf salute. He stands with his arms raised, forming the gesture with his fingers. The background shows a stadium filled with cheering fans, predominantly dressed in red and white, the colors of the Turkish flag.

In the Turkey vs. Austria match, Merih Demiral’s goal brought immense joy to Turkish fans. After his celebratory Grey Wolf salute, however, the atmosphere turned tense. German and Austrian fans, as well as officials, were unhappy with the gesture. They perceived it as a symbol of extremism and intolerance. The Turkish victory, which should have been a moment of celebration, turned into a point of international tension.

Merih Demiral’s salute, rooted in the ancient symbol of the Grey Wolf, intended to show national pride. However, the response from German and Austrian fans reflected their discomfort. They felt the salute carried connotations of aggression and political extremism. This incident highlights how cultural symbols can be misunderstood across different contexts.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the true meaning of the Grey Wolf salute. Is it really linked to extremist views, or is there more to its story?

What is the Grey Wolf Salute?

A similar image to the previous, showing the Grey Wolf salute, but with a zoomed-in view of a specific individual making the gesture. This image is set in a more detailed and colorful scene, emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of the salute through intricate designs and expressions.

The Grey Wolf salute is a hand gesture that symbolizes the mythical Grey Wolf, an important figure in Turkish mythology. To make the salute, you extend your middle and ring fingers while tucking in your thumb. Your index and little fingers remain extended, resembling a wolf’s head with ears. This gesture represents the unity and strength of the Turkish people.

In Turkey, the Grey Wolf salute is commonly seen during national holidays, celebrations, weddings, and when sending off young men for mandatory military service. It is also performed during national anthems. This salute connects modern Turks with their ancient heritage, showing pride and respect for their history and traditions.

The Historical Significance of the Grey Wolf Salute

After the Turkey vs. Austria match, the Grey Wolf salute caught the world’s attention. Many people were curious about this gesture, yet most did not welcome it. The salute, misunderstood by many, seemed controversial. But what does the Grey Wolf salute actually mean? Let’s delve into its real significance.

The Grey Wolf salute, far from being a modern invention, has deep historical roots. According to Chinese records, it dates back to the 9th century BCE. These records suggest that the Turks identified strongly with the Grey Wolf symbol. Many Turkish states even featured the wolf on their flags. This salute symbolizes strength, resilience, and national pride for the Turkish people.

An illustration of the Göktürk flag, featuring a stylized green wolf's head on a light blue background. The wolf’s head is depicted with sharp, geometric lines and two upright ears. Below the wolf, there are runic symbols that add an ancient touch to the image, reflecting its historical roots.

Over the centuries, the Grey Wolf symbol has evolved but maintained its core meaning. Today, it represents unity and the spirit of the Turkish nation. The salute, therefore, is not a sign of extremism but a nod to ancient traditions. Understanding its history helps clear misconceptions and appreciate its cultural significance.

In Chinese Records, We Also Find These Legends About the Turks

For centuries, the Turks and Chinese in Central Asia engaged in many battles and intermarriages. Consequently, both nations frequently mention each other in their records. In the Chou and Sui chronicles, we find these legends about the Turks:

An artistic depiction of a scene from Turkish mythology, showing a grey wolf leading a group of Turkish warriors. The warriors, dressed in traditional attire, ride horses and carry red flags. The wolf stands on a cliff, gazing forward, symbolizing leadership and guidance.

“The Turks are descendants of the Huns. Asena is another name for them. Once, they lost a battle against their neighbors, leading to the extinction of the Turkish lineage. Only a ten-year-old boy survived. The victorious warriors, seeing that the boy was young, did not kill him but cut off his feet and left him in a forest. Soon, wolves came to the unconscious boy and fed him with meat. Additionally, they mated with the boy, and one of the wolves became pregnant.

Hearing that the boy was still alive, the enemy king sent men to kill him. The executioners saw a wolf watching them and wanted to kill it as well. The wolf then fled to the mountain north of the Kosu Khanate (present-day Turfan region). There, the wolf hid and gave birth to ten cubs. When the boys grew up, they mingled with the surrounding people, married, and multiplied. Each boy became a separate tribe. One of these tribes was Asena. Their descendants increased, reaching several hundred.

After a few centuries, they came out of their region and became subjects of the Juan Juan (Avar) tribe. They then settled south of the Altai Mountains and worked as blacksmiths for the Avars.”

Chinese Records Mention Grey Wolf Legends Related to Other Turkic Tribes

Chinese records are some of the oldest historical sources, reaching back to ancient times. In another source, we find the following account in the Fergana section of the Chronicle:

“When the Han Emperor inquired about the state of the western lands such as the Uysun (Wusun) and the Huns after Zhang Qian returned from his visit in 119 BCE, Zhang Qian reported: ‘In the land of the Huns, it is said that the ruler of the Uysun was named Gunbey. Gunbey’s father ruled a small tribe west of the Huns. When the Huns attacked and killed Gunbey’s father, Gunbey was a newborn baby. Left alone in the desolate steppe during the battle, a crow with meat in its beak flew around him, and a grey wolf nursed him. The Hun Tanhu, amazed by this, realized that Gunbey was a sacred child and took him under his protection. As he grew up, he joined battles at the forefront of the army and displayed heroism several times. He was tasked with protecting the western cities. After strengthening his entourage, Gunbey launched expeditions to surrounding countries, gathering tens of thousands of soldiers and engaging in wars. After the death of the Hun Tanhu, Gunbey took his followers and went far away to establish an independent state, severing ties with the Huns.'”

A historical painting depicting a medieval scene with Turkish warriors in a battlefield. In the foreground, a figure makes the Grey Wolf salute. The painting is rich in detail, with tents and armed warriors engaged in combat. The image highlights the long-standing historical significance of the Grey Wolf gesture.

This account highlights how the Grey Wolf legend is intertwined not only with the Turks but also with other Turkic tribes. The symbol of the Grey Wolf has been a significant cultural emblem for various tribes throughout history.

Does the Grey Wolf Salute Have Islamic, Political, or Racist Connotations?

Although the Grey Wolf salute is often associated with right-wing politics, this is historically unfounded. Such claims are completely incorrect. In modern times, the Grey Wolf salute is linked with political parties like the Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi (MHP) – Nationalist Movement Party and Zafer Partisi (ZP) – Victory Party. However, the main opposition party, the Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) – Republican People’s Party, which is the strongest party on the left, has six arrows in its emblem. These arrows symbolize the six principles of the party and the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. One of these principles is nationalism.

This shows that nationalism is not exclusive to right-wing ideologies. It is a cornerstone for all political views. As historical evidence demonstrates, the Grey Wolf salute is clearly a symbol of Turkish identity. For the French, the rooster is significant; for the Spanish, the bull; for Americans, the eagle. Similarly, for Turks, the Grey Wolf holds a special place.

Therefore, associating the Grey Wolf salute exclusively with right-wing politics or racism is baseless. It is a gesture deeply rooted in Turkish culture and history. It symbolizes national pride and unity, transcending political and ideological boundaries.

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