Photo: Reuters
A commemorative plaque states that the Gümüşay is the first revolver manufactured in Turkey. Some firearms experts note its resemblance to the American Colt Python, according to Reuters.
Here’s how the heads of state and government decided to handle the gifts.
Germany
Chancellor Friedrich Merz handed the revolver over to the German Embassy in Ankara, which is arranging for its shipment to Berlin. Once the formalities are completed, the weapon will be added to the state collection of official gifts.
Under German law, members of the government are required to declare such gifts, and the cabinet decides on their further use. For members of the Bundestag, gifts valued at more than 200 euros must be transferred to the state.
Spain
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez handed over the revolver to the Ministry of the Interior. Before being stored, the weapon will be deactivated by the Civil Guard’s Weapons Control Service.
Portugal
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro handed the gift over to the police. Law enforcement agencies will conduct a forensic examination to determine how to handle the weapon in accordance with national law.
Poland
Polish Secretary of State Marcin Przydacz stated that the revolver will be placed in a special secure storage facility.
“In any case, no one will be firing it,” he said.
Italy
According to the Italian government, the revolver, like other official gifts to the prime minister, has been registered and placed in storage at the Palazzo Chigi.
Greece
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis decided to donate the gift to the Athens Military Museum, where it will become part of the museum’s exhibition.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer left the revolver in Turkey. In accordance with British regulations on the importation of firearms, it must first be deactivated.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked ironically that the Canadian gift—maple syrup—looks rather modest next to the Turkish revolver.
According to him, such an item belongs in a military history museum, as it is of interest as a commemorative exhibit related to the NATO summit.
Belgium
Prime Minister Bart De Wever unpacked the gift after returning to Belgium and discovered that he had brought a service weapon into the country along with ammunition. According to Reuters, the revolver was handed over to airport police upon arrival.
The Belgian prime minister’s security service also took steps to handle similar revolvers presented to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
