In Istanbul, a symbolic gesture has stirred geopolitical tensions. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem presented Turkish President Erdoğan with the Covenant of Umar, a 7th-century charter that guaranteed Christians protection in Jerusalem. It was more than a gift. It was an appeal for Türkiye's historic role as guardian of the city's multi-faith heritage. Presenting the Covenant of Umar to President Erdoğan signals that safeguarding Jerusalem is not just a Muslim cause, but a Christian one.