The two major powers in the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, are embroiled in a bitter feud, with some experts justifying speculation that the two countries want to dominate the Middle East.
But the kind of statements that are now coming out of both countries could take their strategic relationship in a new direction. Following a statement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the head of Saudi Arabia's Chamber of Commerce has called for a boycott of Turkey at all levels.
A few days ago, the chairman of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, Ajlan al-Ajlan, said in a statement on Twitter that "every Saudi citizen, whether he is a businessman or an investor, has a responsibility to boycott Turkey in every possible way."
"Whether it's at the level of imports, at the level of investment or at the level of tourism. The move comes in response to the Turkish government's continued opposition to our leaders, our country, our citizens.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan's statement on Gulf countries
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently told the Turkish General Assembly that some Gulf states were targeting Turkey and pursuing policies that could destabilize the region.
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He later quipped, "It should not be forgotten that the countries in question today did not exist until yesterday and may not exist tomorrow." By the will of Allah, we will continue to wave our flag in this region.
President Erdoغانan's statement was taken to mean that he has directly criticized Saudi Arabia because it came into being in 1932.
Will the boycott have any effect?
The head of Saudi Arabia's Chamber of Commerce has called for a boycott. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
But if Saudi citizens and businessmen comply with the appeal, Turkey could be affected. The main reason for this is the continuous depreciation of the Turkish lira.
According to the Reuters news agency, Turkey's currency has been declining for the eighth year in a row and its value has fallen by 80% in the last decade.