Their leader even urgde them to fuck like rats to expand their reach.
Turkey does not belong to Europe, and the Turkish culture and customs are entirely different from the European equivalents. In my opinion, the Turks are more similar to Africans, than they are to the Europeans. They should seriously consider joining the African Union. The Sub Saharan African nations will also welcome Turkey, unlike the case with the European nations.
Culture and religion are important. I agree.
I would be having no issues, if the above said parameters were compatible with the European ones. Unfortunately, in the case of Turkey they are not compatible with the European values. Turkey is a country where there is absolutely no freedom of speech. The treatment of minorities reminds me of the Catholic genocide of the Americas during the 16th century.
I wouldn't mind the EU accepting Muslim countries such as Kazakhstan. The culture and values are similar to those in the EU. But Turkey? A definite NO from my part.