Turkey gifts live‑fire revolvers to NATO leaders at Ankara summit

During the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented personalized Gümüsay 357 Magnum revolvers, complete with live ammunition, to several heads of state and government. Romania’s presidential adviser Nicușor Dan received a six‑shot revolver that was subsequently logged by the Romanian Presidential Administration and placed under the protection service’s custody. Italy’s prime minister was also given a marked revolver, prompting the archbishop of Naples to issue an open letter commenting on the gesture. The inclusion of functional ammunition triggered immediate customs and security procedures in each recipient country. Belgium’s prime minister transferred his revolver to police at Brussels airport, while Poland’s president awaited customs clearance before deciding on permanent storage. The gifts highlighted Turkey’s growing small‑arms export industry and raised questions about the legal handling of live‑fire weapons transferred as diplomatic presents.