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Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
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{{Short description|President of Turkey since 2014}} {{Redirect|Erdoğan|the name|Erdoğan (name)}} {{Pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Use British English|date=March 2024}} {{Very long|date=May 2025|words=15,947}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific-prefix = | image = Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in January 2024 (cropped).jpg | caption = Erdoğan in 2024 | order = 12th | office = President of Turkey | term_start = 28 August 2014 | term_end = | primeminister = {{ubl|[[Ahmet Davutoğlu]]|[[Binali Yıldırım]]}} | vicepresident = {{ubl|[[Fuat Oktay]]<br />(2018–2023)|[[Cevdet Yılmaz]]<br />(2023–present)}} | predecessor = [[Abdullah Gül]] | successor = | order1 = 25th | office1 = Prime Minister of Turkey | term_start1 = 14 March 2003 | term_end1 = 28 August 2014 | president1 = {{ubl|[[Ahmet Necdet Sezer]]|[[Abdullah Gül]]}} | deputy1 = {{list collapsed|title=''See list'' | [[Nazım Ekren]] | [[Ali Babacan]] | [[Bülent Arınç]] | [[Beşir Atalay]] | [[Bekir Bozdağ]] | [[Emrullah İşler]]}} | predecessor1 = [[Abdullah Gül]] | successor1 = [[Ahmet Davutoğlu]] | office2 = [[Leader of the Justice and Development Party]] | term_start2 = 21 May 2017 | term_end2 = | predecessor2 = Binali Yıldırım | successor2 = | term_start3 = 14 August 2001 | term_end3 = 27 August 2014 | predecessor3 = Position established | successor3 = Ahmet Davutoğlu | office4 = [[Grand National Assembly of Turkey#Composition|Member of the Grand National Assembly]] | term_start4 = 9 March 2003 | term_end4 = 28 August 2014 | constituency4 = {{plain list| * [[Siirt (electoral district)|Siirt]] ([[2003 Siirt Province by-election|2003 by-election]]) * [[Istanbul (electoral districts)|Istanbul]] [[İstanbul (1st electoral district)|(I)]] ([[2007 Turkish general election|2007]], [[2011 Turkish general election|2011]])}} | order5 = 23rd | office5 = Mayor of Istanbul | term_start5 = 27 March 1994 | term_end5 = 6 November 1998 | predecessor5 = [[Nurettin Sözen]] | successor5 = [[Ali Müfit Gürtuna]] | office6 = Chairman of the [[Organization of Turkic States]] | term_start6 = 12 November 2021 | term_end6 = 11 November 2022 | predecessor6 = [[Ilham Aliyev]] | successor6 = [[Shavkat Mirziyoyev]] | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1954|02|26|df=yes}} | birth_place = [[Istanbul]], Turkey | death_date = | death_place = | party = [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development]] (2001–2014; 2017–present) | otherparty = {{plain list| * [[National Salvation Party]] (before 1981) * [[Welfare Party]] (1983–1998) * [[Virtue Party]] (1998–2001)}} | spouse = {{marriage|[[Emine Erdoğan|Emine Gülbaran]]|4 July 1978}} | children = {{hlist|[[Ahmet Burak Erdoğan|Ahmet]]|[[Bilal Erdoğan|Bilal]]|[[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]]|[[Sümeyye Erdoğan|Sümeyye]]}} | relatives = {{hlist|[[Berat Albayrak]]|[[Selçuk Bayraktar]]}} (sons-in-law) | residence = [[Presidential Compound (Turkey)|Presidential Complex]], [[Ankara]] | alma_mater = [[Marmara University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences|Marmara University]]{{efn|Various claims are made about his degree.<ref name="bbcerdogan" /> See [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan university diploma controversy]].}} | awards = [[List of awards and honours received by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Full list]] | signature = Signature Recep Tayyip Erdogan.svg | website = {{oweb|tccb.gov.tr|Government website}} }} {{Recep Tayyip Erdogan sidebar}} '''Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'''{{efn|Pronunciation: {{IPAc-en|UK|ˈ|ɛər|d|ə|w|æ|n}} {{respell|AIR|də|wan}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/erdogan|title=Erdoğan|work=[[Collins English Dictionary]]|publisher=[[HarperCollins]]|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019135646/https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/erdogan|url-status=live}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|alsoUS|-|w|ɑː|n}} {{respell|-|wahn}};<ref>{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Erdoğan|access-date=16 February 2025}}</ref> {{IPA|tr|ɾeˈdʒep tajˈjip ˈæɾdoan|lang|Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish pronunciation.ogg}}.}} (born 26 February 1954) is a Turkish politician who is the 12th and current [[president of Turkey]] since 2014. He previously served as the 25th [[prime minister of Turkey|prime minister]] from 2003 to 2014 as part of the [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]] (AKP), which he co-founded in 2001. He also served as [[mayor of Istanbul]] from 1994 to 1998. Erdoğan was born in [[Beyoğlu]], Istanbul, and studied at the [[Marmara University|Aksaray Academy of Economic and Commercial Sciences]], before working as a consultant and senior manager in the private sector. Becoming active in local politics, he was elected [[Welfare Party]]'s [[Beyoğlu]] district chair in 1984 and Istanbul chair in 1985. Following the [[1994 Istanbul mayoral election|1994 local elections]], Erdoğan was elected mayor of Istanbul. In 1998 he was convicted for inciting religious hatred and banned from politics after reciting a poem by [[Ziya Gökalp]] that compared mosques to barracks and the faithful to an army. Erdoğan was released from prison in 1999 and formed the AKP, abandoning openly Islamist policies. Erdoğan led the AKP to a [[2002 Turkish general election|landslide victory]] in the election for the [[Grand National Assembly of Turkey|Grand National Assembly]] in 2002, and became prime minister after winning a [[2003 Siirt Province by-election|by-election]] in [[Siirt (electoral district)|Siirt]] in 2003. Erdoğan led the AKP to two more election victories in [[2007 Turkish general election|2007]] and [[2011 Turkish general election|2011]]. His tenure consisted of economic recovery from the [[2001 Turkish economic crisis|economic crisis of 2001]], the start of [[Accession of Turkey to the European Union|EU membership negotiations]], and the reduction of [[Civil–military relations during the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan government|military influence on politics]]. In late 2012, his government began [[2013–2015 PKK–Turkey peace process|peace negotiations]] with the [[Kurdistan Workers Party]] (PKK) to end the [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)|Kurdish–Turkish conflict]], negotiations which ended three years later. In 2014, Erdoğan became the country's [[2014 Turkish presidential election|first directly elected president]]. [[Presidency of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Erdoğan's presidency]] has been marked by [[democratic backsliding]] and a shift towards a more [[authoritarianism|authoritarian]] style of government. His [[Erdoğanomics|economic policies]] have led to [[Turkish economic crisis (2018–current)|high inflation rates and the depreciation of the value]] of the [[Turkish lira]]. He has intervened in the ongoing conflicts in [[Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war|Syria]] and [[Turkish intervention in Libya (2020–present)|Libya]], [[Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war|launched operations]] against the [[Operation Euphrates Shield|Islamic State]], [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|Syrian Democratic Forces]] and [[Operation Spring Shield|Assad's forces]] leading to the [[fall of the Assad regime]], and has made threats against [[Greece–Turkey relations|Greece]]. He oversaw the transformation of Turkey's [[parliamentary system]] into a [[presidential system]], introducing [[term limit]]s and expanding executive powers, and [[Turkey's migrant crisis]]. In May 2022, Erdoğan temporarily blocked [[Finland]] and [[Sweden]] from joining [[NATO]]. Erdoğan responded to the 2022 [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] by closing the [[Bosphorus]] to Russian naval reinforcements, [[Black Sea Grain Initiative|brokering a deal between Russia and Ukraine]] regarding the export of grain, and mediating a prisoner exchange. {{TOC limit|limit=3}} == Early life and education == {{Main|Early life and career of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was born on 26 February 1954 in [[Kasımpaşa, Beyoğlu]] to a poor [[Conservatism in Turkey|conservative Muslim]] family.<ref>{{cite web |title=R.Tayyip Erdoğan'ın Hayatı |url=https://www.memurlar.net/album/6052/r-tayyip-erdogan-in-hayati.html |website=memurlar.ne |access-date=24 April 2023 |language=tr}}</ref><ref name="auto" /> <!-- According to historian [[M. Hakan Yavuz]], Erdoğan was born in [[Güneysu]], [[Rize Province|Rize]], and later his family moved to [[Kasımpaşa, Beyoğlu|Kasımpaşa]], a poor neighborhood of [[Istanbul]].<ref>M. Hakan Yavuz, "Secularism and Muslim Democracy in Turkey", Cambridge University Press, 19 Φεβ 2009 p. 123. Available on the web.</ref> --- this is apparently incorrect. --> Erdoğan's family is originally from [[Adjara]], a region in [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]].<ref>{{cite web |title='Benim için Gürcü dediler' diye yakınan Erdoğan 2004'te 'Ben de Gürcü'yüm' demiş |url=https://t24.com.tr/haber/benim-icin-gurcu-dediler-diye-yakinan-erdogan-2004te-ben-de-gurcuyum-demis,266734 |website=T24 |access-date=7 November 2022 |language=Turkish |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023133445/https://t24.com.tr/haber/benim-icin-gurcu-dediler-diye-yakinan-erdogan-2004te-ben-de-gurcuyum-demis,266734 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Erdoğan was reported to have said in 2003 that he was of [[Georgians in Turkey|Georgian]] origin and that his origins were in [[Batumi]],<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Erdogan plays to base by slighting Armenians |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/candar-erdogan-ethnic-slur-armenians-insult-anti-semitism.html |archive-date= 19 February 2015|access-date=1 January 2022 |website=[[Al Monitor]]|date=7 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219161909/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/candar-erdogan-ethnic-slur-armenians-insult-anti-semitism.html }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarıoğlu |first=Bülent |year=2005 |title=Kimlik değişimi! |url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2005/12/13/siyaset/axsiy02.html |access-date=1 January 2022 |website=Milliyet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215122006/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2005/12/13/siyaset/axsiy02.html |archive-date=15 December 2005 }}</ref> he later denied this.<ref name="auto"/> His parents were Ahmet Erdoğan (1905–1988) and Tenzile Erdoğan ([[née]] Mutlu; 1924–2011).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.ensonhaber.com/recep-tayyip-erdoganin-hayati-2014-07-01.html|title=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'ın hayatı|date=1 July 2014|language=tr|publisher=Ensonhaber|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163738/http://m.ensonhaber.com/recep-tayyip-erdoganin-hayati-2014-07-01.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> <!-- Erdoğan spent his early childhood in [[Rize]], where his father was a captain<ref name="İşte Ahmet Kaptan'ın bilinmeyen hikayesi">{{cite web|language=tr|url=http://odatv.com/iste-ahmet-kaptanin-bilinmeyen-hikayesi-0412161200_m.html|title=İşte Ahmet Kaptan'ın bilinmeyen hikayesi|publisher=Odatv|date=4 December 2016|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111102551/http://odatv.com/iste-ahmet-kaptanin-bilinmeyen-hikayesi-0412161200_m.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the [[Turkish Coast Guard]].<ref name="charismatic">{{cite news|title=Turkey's charismatic pro-Islamic leader|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2270642.stm|work=[[BBC News]]|date=4 November 2002|access-date=23 July 2006|archive-date=30 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030100708/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2270642.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> -- also apparently incorrect; his father had a position in Istanbul -->While Erdoğan attended school in Istanbul, his summer holidays were mostly spent in [[Güneysu]], Rize, where his family originates from. Throughout his life he often returned to this spiritual home, and in 2015 he opened a vast mosque on a mountaintop near this village.<ref>[http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/kible-dagi-caminin-insaati-bitti-acilisi-erdogan-yapacak-29732329 Kıble Dağı Cami'nin inşaatı bitti, açılışı Erdoğan yapacak] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203081939/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/kible-dagi-caminin-insaati-bitti-acilisi-erdogan-yapacak-29732329 |date=3 February 2016 }} ''Hürriyet Daily News'', 5 August 2015</ref> The family returned to Istanbul when Erdoğan was 13 years old.<ref name="charismatic">{{cite news|title=Turkey's charismatic pro-Islamic leader|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2270642.stm|work=[[BBC News]]|date=4 November 2002|access-date=23 July 2006|archive-date=30 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030100708/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2270642.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> As a teenager, Erdoğan's father provided him with a weekly allowance of 2.5 Turkish lira, less than a dollar. With it, Erdoğan bought postcards and resold them on the street. He sold bottles of water to drivers stuck in traffic. Erdoğan also worked as a street vendor selling [[simit]] (sesame bread rings), wearing a white gown and selling the simit from a red three-wheel cart with the rolls stacked behind glass.<ref name="charismatic" /> In his youth, Erdoğan played semi-professional [[association football|football]] in Camialtıspor FC, a local club.<ref>Yalçın, Soner; pp. 43</ref><ref name="bbcerdogan" /><ref name="akperdogan">{{cite web|url=http://www.akparti.org.tr/english/yonetim/genel-baskan|title=Life story|publisher=AK Parti Official Web Site|access-date=29 August 2008|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929131509/http://www.akparti.org.tr/english/yonetim/genel-baskan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="britannicaerdogan">{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/913988/Recep-Tayyip-Erdogan|title=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|encyclopedia=[[Britannica Online Encyclopedia]]|access-date=29 August 2008|archive-date=15 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415182732/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/913988/Recep-Tayyip-Erdogan|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Fenerbahçe]] wanted him to transfer to the club{{clarify |date=June 2023 |reason=What does this mean?}} but his father prevented it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://siyaset.milliyet.com.tr/fenerbahce-erdogan-i-transfer-etmek-istemis/siyaset/siyasetdetay/01.04.2013/1687933/default.htm|title=Fenerbahçe Erdoğan'ı transfer etmek istemiş|work=Milliyet|date=1 April 2013|access-date=9 July 2013|language=tr|trans-title=Fenerbahçe wanted to transfer Erdoğan|archive-date=25 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525001143/http://siyaset.milliyet.com.tr/fenerbahce-erdogan-i-transfer-etmek-istemis/siyaset/siyasetdetay/01.04.2013/1687933/default.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium|stadium]] of the local football club in the district where he grew up, [[Kasımpaşa S.K.]] is named after him.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Klaiber|first=Timo |title=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadyumu|url=https://www.europlan-online.de/recep-tayyip-erdo%2526%2523287an-stadyumu/stadion-5616.html|access-date=30 October 2020|website=Europlan-Online|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101155138/https://www.europlan-online.de/recep-tayyip-erdo%2526%2523287an-stadyumu/stadion-5616.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Turkey's 'Imam Beckenbauer,' Recep Tayyip Erdogan, applies for Euro 2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-imam-beckenbauer-recep-tayyip-erdogan-applies-for-euro-2024/a-43558633|access-date=30 October 2020|publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104024730/https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-imam-beckenbauer-recep-tayyip-erdogan-applies-for-euro-2024/a-43558633|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan is a member of the [[Community of İskenderpaşa]], a Turkish Sufistic community of [[Naqshbandi]] [[tariqah]].<ref>[http://www.eurasiareview.com/05092015-the-naqshbandi-khalidi-order-and-political-islam-in-turkey-analysis/ Eurasia Review: "The Naqshbandi-Khalidi Order And Political Islam In Turkey – Analysis" By Hudson Institute] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125115800/http://www.eurasiareview.com/05092015-the-naqshbandi-khalidi-order-and-political-islam-in-turkey-analysis/ |date=25 November 2018 }} 5 September 2015</ref><ref>[http://file.insightturkey.com/Files/Pdf/15_2_2013_heper.pdf Insight Turkey: "Islam, Conservatism, and Democracy in Turkey: Comparing Turgut Özal and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan" by METİN HEPER] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095616/http://file.insightturkey.com/Files/Pdf/15_2_2013_heper.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} 15 February 2013</ref> === Education === Erdoğan graduated from Kasımpaşa Piyale Primary School in 1965, and the Istanbul [[İmam Hatip school|İmam Hatip High School]], a religious vocational high school, in 1973.<ref name=":025">{{Cite web |title=Who's who in Politics in Turkey |url=https://tr.boell.org/sites/default/files/ays-tarihvakfi-18x24-boll-r7-eng.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115005654/https://tr.boell.org/sites/default/files/ays-tarihvakfi-18x24-boll-r7-eng.pdf |archive-date=15 November 2019 |access-date=27 November 2022 |website=[[Heinrich Böll]] Stiftung |pages=215}}</ref> The same educational path was followed by other co-founders of the [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = [[Martin van Bruinessen]] | url = https://journals.openedition.org/ejts/5964#tocto1n1 | title = The Governance of Islam in Two Secular Polities: Turkey's Diyanet and Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs | journal = European Journal of Turkish Studies | issn = 1773-0546 | oclc = 7999641981 | doi = 10.4000/ejts.5964 | year = 2018 | number = 27 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20190502231759/https://journals.openedition.org/ejts/5964 | archive-date = 2 May 2019 | url-status = live| doi-access = free }} on [[Revues.org]] website (at n. 55 of the paper).</ref> One quarter of the curriculum of İmam Hatip schools involves study of the [[Quran]], the life of the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]], and the [[Arabic language]]. Erdoğan studied the Quran at the İmam Hatip, where his classmates began calling him ''hoca'' ("teacher" or "religious official"). Erdoğan attended a meeting of the nationalist student group National Turkish Student Union (''Milli Türk Talebe Birliği''), who sought to raise a conservative cohort of young people to counter the rising movement of leftists in Turkey. Within the group, Erdoğan was distinguished by his oratorical skills, developing a penchant for public speaking and excelling in front of an audience. He won first place in a poetry-reading competition organized by the Community of Turkish Technical Painters, and began preparing for speeches through reading and research. Erdoğan would later comment on these competitions as "enhancing our courage to speak in front of the masses".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Phillips |first1=David |title=An uncertain ally : Turkey under Erdoğan's dictatorship |date=20 April 2017 |publisher=Transaction Publishers |location=New Jersey |isbn=978-1-4128-6545-6}}</ref> Erdoğan wanted to pursue advanced studies at the [[Faculty of Political Science, Ankara University|Ankara University Faculty of Political Science]], commonly known as Mülkiye, but only students with regular high school diplomas were eligible to apply, thereby excluding Imam Hatip graduates. Mülkiye was known for its political science department, which trained many statesmen and politicians in Turkey. Erdoğan was then admitted to Eyüp High School, a regular state school. That he eventually received a high school diploma from this school is a subject of debate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'ın da Mezun Olduğu, 107 Yıllık Tarihi Eyüp Anadolu Lisesi, Yeni Yüzüyle Eğitim Hayatına Devam Ediyor |url=http://www.eyupsultan.gov.tr/eyup-anadolu-lisesi- |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=www.eyupsultan.gov.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Erdoğan Eyüp Lisesi'ne hiç gitmedi!" |url=https://www.toplumsal.com.tr/erdogan-eyup-lisesine-hic-gitmedi |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Toplumsal Haber |language=tr}}</ref> According to his official biography, Erdoğan subsequently studied [[business administration]] at the Aksaray School of Economics and Commercial Sciences ({{langx|tr|Aksaray İktisat ve Ticaret Yüksekokulu}}), now known as [[Marmara University]]'s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences.<ref name="bbcerdogan">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6900616.stm|title=Profile: Recep Tayyip Erdogan|work=BBC News|access-date=29 August 2008|date=18 July 2007|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314194021/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6900616.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the authenticity and status of his degree have been the subject of [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan university diploma controversy|disputes and controversy]] over whether the diploma is legitimate and ought to be considered sufficient to make him eligible as a candidate for the presidency.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Erzeren |first=Ömer |date=8 June 2022 |title=Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Hat er sein Diplom gefälscht? |url=https://www.spiegel.de/lebenundlernen/uni/recep-tayyip-erdogan-hat-er-sein-diplom-gefaelscht-a-1098259.html |access-date=27 November 2022 |publisher=[[Der Spiegel]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608194537/https://www.spiegel.de/lebenundlernen/uni/recep-tayyip-erdogan-hat-er-sein-diplom-gefaelscht-a-1098259.html |archive-date=8 June 2022 }}</ref> == Early political career == {{See also|Electoral history of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} [[File:Crop of Erdogan in Canakkale.jpg|thumb|[[Prime minister of Turkey|Prime Minister]] Erdoğan on 18 March 2008, during the [[Gallipoli campaign#Legacy|Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs' Remembrance Day]] ceremony]] In 1976, Erdoğan engaged in politics by joining the National Turkish Student Union, an [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]] action group. In the same year, he became head of the [[Beyoğlu]] youth branch of the Islamist [[National Salvation Party]] (MSP),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=the-making-of-tayyip-erdogan-2010-10-31|title=The making of Turkey's prime minister|work=Hürriyet Daily News|author=Mustafa Akyol |date=31 October 2010|access-date=31 October 2010|archive-date=2 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102151408/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=the-making-of-tayyip-erdogan-2010-10-31|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was later promoted to chair of the Istanbul youth branch.<ref name=":025"/> He held this position until the [[1980 Turkish coup d'état|1980 military coup]] which dissolved all major political parties. He went on to be a consultant and senior executive in the private sector in the aftermath of the coup. Three years later, in 1983, Erdoğan followed most of [[Necmettin Erbakan]]'s followers into the newly founded [[Welfare Party]] (RP). The new party, like its predecessors subscribed to Erbakan's strain of [[Islamism]], the [[Millî Görüş|National view]]. He became the party's [[Beyoğlu]] district chair in 1984, and head of its Istanbul branch in 1985. Erdoğan entered the parliamentary by-elections of 1986 as a candidate in Istanbul's 6th electoral district, but failed to get elected. Three years later, Erdoğan ran for the district mayoralty of Beyoğlu, finishing in second place with 22.8% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web |title=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan |url=https://www.biyografya.com/biyografi/15508 |website=www.biyografya.com |access-date=31 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331205112/https://www.biyografya.com/biyografi/15508 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[1991 Turkish general election|1991 general election]], the Welfare Party more than doubled its share of the vote in Istanbul compared to four years prior, reaching 16.7%. At first, Erdoğan, who led his party's district list, was thought to have been elected to parliament. However, as a product of the [[open-list proportional representation]] system adopted during the previous term, after all votes expressing a candidate preference were tabulated, it was instead Mustafa Baş who earned the seat allocated to the Welfare Party. A difference of about 4,000 preferential votes separated the two, with Baş's ~13,000 to Erdoğan's ~9,000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/jun/05/observer-profile-recep-erdogan-turkey|title=Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Is 'Papa' still a father figure to Turks? |last=Beaumont|first=Peter|date=4 June 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 August 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803081910/https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/jun/05/observer-profile-recep-erdogan-turkey|url-status=live}}</ref> === Mayor of Istanbul (1994–1998) === In the [[1994 Turkish local elections|local elections of 1994]], Erdoğan ran as a candidate for [[Mayor of Istanbul]]. He was a young, dark horse candidate in a crowded field. Over the course of the campaign, he was mocked by the mainstream media and treated as a country bumpkin by his opponents.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akdogan |first1=Yalcin |title=Political leadership and Erdoğan |date=27 February 2018 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing; Unabridged edition |isbn=978-1-5275-0627-5 |page=9}}</ref> In an upset, he won with 25.19% of the popular vote, making it the first time a mayor of Istanbul got elected from his political party. His win coincided with a wave of Welfare Party victories nationwide, as they won 28 provincial mayoralties - most out of any party - and numerous metropolitan seats, including the capital, Ankara. He said at the time: "Democracy is like a train: when we reach our destination, we get off".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trezza |first=Matt |date=20 July 2016 |title=Three Freedoms Erdogan Scorns but Saved His Regime |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/three-freedoms-erdogan-sc_b_11029016 |access-date= |website=Huffington Post |language=}}</ref> Erdoğan governed pragmatically, focusing on bread-and-butter issues. He aimed to tackle the chronic problems plaguing the metropolis, such as [[water shortage]], pollution – [[:tr:Ümraniye çöp patlaması|waste collection issues]] in particular – and severely congested traffic. He undertook an infrastructure overhaul: expanding and modernizing the water grid with hundreds of kilometers of new water pipes being laid, and constructing more than fifty bridges, viaducts, and stretches of highway to mitigate traffic. State-of-the-art recycling facilities were built and air pollution was reduced through a plan to switch to natural gas. He changed the [[Transit bus|public buses]] to environmentally friendly ones. He took precautions to prevent corruption, using measures to ensure that municipal funds were used prudently. He paid back a major portion of Istanbul [[Metropolitan Municipality]]'s two-billion-dollar debt and invested four billion dollars in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldleaders.columbia.edu/participants/recep-tayyip-erdo%C4%9F|title=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in the World Leaders Forum event, Turkey's Role in Shaping the Future, in November 2008|publisher=[[Columbia University]]|date=12 November 2008|access-date=12 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609035001/http://www.worldleaders.columbia.edu/participants/recep-tayyip-erdo%C4%9F|archive-date=9 June 2010}}</ref> He also opened up City Hall to the people, gave out his e-mail address and established municipal hot lines.<ref name="nytimes2003" /> Erdoğan initiated the first roundtable of mayors during the [[Habitat II|Istanbul conference]], which led to a global, organized movement of mayors. A seven-member international jury from the United Nations unanimously awarded Erdoğan the [[United Nations Human Settlements Programme|UN-Habitat]] award.<ref name="unhabitat3">{{cite web|url=http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?cid=8016&catid=5&typeid=6&subMenuId=0|title=Turkish premier is winner of Rafik Hariri Memorial Award|date=1 March 2010|access-date=1 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308235302/http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?cid=8016&catid=5&typeid=6&subMenuId=0|archive-date=8 March 2010}}</ref> === Imprisonment === In December 1997 in [[Siirt]], Erdoğan recited a modified version of the "[[:tr:Asker Duası|Soldier's prayer]]" poem written by [[Ziya Gökalp]], a [[Pan-Turkism|pan-Turkish]] activist of the early 20th century.<ref name="Turkey's Most Eluded Prime Minister">{{cite news|title=Turkey's Powerful Prime Minister: Who Can Challenge Erdogan?|author=Walter Mayr|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,495683,00.html|work=Der Spiegel|date=16 July 2007|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=4 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304232350/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,495683,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This version included an additional stanza in the beginning, its first two verses reading "The mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets / The minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers...."<ref name="charismatic" /> Under [[Article 312 (Turkish Penal Code)|article 312/2 of the Turkish penal code]] his recitation was regarded by the judge as an incitement to violence and religious or racial hatred.<ref name="court">{{cite news |title=Erdoğan'a ceza şoku |url=http://arsiv.zaman.com.tr/1998/04/22/guncel/all.html |newspaper=Zaman |language=tr |date=22 April 1998 |access-date=3 February 2007 |trans-title=Erdoğan's punishment shock |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531074150/http://arsiv.zaman.com.tr/1998/04/22/guncel/all.html |archive-date=31 May 2009}}</ref><ref name="erdogan-imprisoned">{{cite journal |last=Shambayati |first=Hootan |date=May 2004 |title=A Tale of Two Mayors: Courts and Politics in Iran and Turkey |journal=International Journal of Middle East Studies |publisher=Cambridge University Press |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=253–275 |doi=10.1017/S0020743804362057 |s2cid=153768860 |hdl-access=free |hdl=11693/24287 | issn = 0020-7438}}</ref><ref name="Turkey's Most Eluded Prime Minister" /> In his defense, Erdoğan said that the poem was published in state-approved books.<ref name="nytimes2003">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/11/magazine/the-erdogan-experiment.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|work=The New York Times|first=Deborah|last=Sontag|title=The Erdogan Experiment|date=11 May 2003|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129223403/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/11/magazine/the-erdogan-experiment.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|url-status=live}}</ref> How this version of the poem ended up in a book published by the [[Turkish Standards Institution]] remained a topic of discussion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bardakçı |first1=Murat |title=Şiiri böyle montajlamışlar |url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/siiri-boyle-montajlamislar-99109 |access-date=15 October 2022 |work=Hürriyet |date=22 September 2002 |language=tr |archive-date=19 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619235317/http://hurarsiv.hurriyet.com.tr/goster/haber.aspx?id=99109&yazarid=28 |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan was given a ten-month prison sentence.<ref name="erdogan-imprisoned" /> He was forced to give up his mayoral position due to his conviction. The conviction also stipulated a political ban, which prevented him from participating in elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Profile: Recep Tayyip Erdogan|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/turkeyelection/2011/05/2011526121054590355.html|access-date=3 May 2017|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=27 May 2011|archive-date=5 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605231532/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/turkeyelection/2011/05/2011526121054590355.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He had appealed for the sentence to be converted to a monetary fine, but it was reduced to four months instead (24 March 1999 to 27 July 1999).<ref>{{cite news|title=Erdogan goes to prison|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-goes-to-prison.aspx?pageID=438&n=erdogan-goes-to-prison-1999-03-27|access-date=3 May 2017|work=Hürriyet Daily News|date=27 March 1999|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420104656/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-goes-to-prison.aspx?pageID=438&n=erdogan-goes-to-prison-1999-03-27|archive-date=20 April 2017}}</ref> He was transferred to Pınarhisar prison in [[Kırklareli Province|Kırklareli]]. The day Erdoğan went to prison, he released an album called ''[[This Song Doesn't End Here]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Caglayan |first1=Selin |title=Who is Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey |url=https://www.insideover.com/schede/politics/who-is-recep-tayyip-erdogan.html |access-date=14 October 2022 |work=InsideOver |date=7 October 2019 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014033524/https://www.insideover.com/schede/politics/who-is-recep-tayyip-erdogan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The album features a tracklist of seven poems and became the best-selling album of Turkey in 1999, selling over one million copies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tiraj paniği |url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/pembenar/tiraj-panigi-5244241 |access-date=14 October 2022 |work=Milliyet |date=16 July 1999 |language=tr |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721152208/https://www.milliyet.com.tr/pembenar/tiraj-panigi-5244241 |url-status=live }}</ref> After his release, Erdoğan sought refuge in [[Tetovo]], [[North Macedonia|Macedonia]] with an ethnic Albanian family with whom he stayed with for several months.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interesting detail/ After his release from prison, Erdogan took refuge with an Albanian family in Tetovo |url=https://www.voxnews.al/english/aktualitet/detaji-interesant-pas-lirimit-nga-burgu-erdogan-u-strehua-te-nje-fami-i40646 |website=Vox News |date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=March 29, 2025}}</ref> In 2013, Erdoğan visited the Pınarhisar prison again for the first time in fourteen years. After the visit, he said "For me, Pınarhisar is a symbol of rebirth, where we prepared the establishment of the Justice and Development Party".<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdoğan returns to Pinarhisar 14 years later as Prime Minister |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2013/12/07/erdogan-returns-to-where-he-once-served-time-14-years-later-as-prime-minister |access-date=15 October 2022 |work=Daily Sabah |date=7 December 2013 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015014613/https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2013/12/07/erdogan-returns-to-where-he-once-served-time-14-years-later-as-prime-minister |url-status=live }}</ref> === Justice and Development Party === [[File:Yasar Yakis, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Romano Prodi and Günter Verheugen in 2002.jpg|thumb|Party leader Erdoğan's meeting with [[Romano Prodi]] ([[President of the European Commission]]) and [[Günter Verheugen]] ([[European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement]]) in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]], 2002]] Erdoğan was member of political parties that kept getting banned by the army or judges. Within his [[Virtue Party]], there was a dispute about the appropriate discourse of the party between traditional politicians and pro-reform politicians. The latter envisioned a party that could operate within the limits of the system, and thus not getting banned as its predecessors like [[National Order Party]], [[National Salvation Party]] and [[Welfare Party]]. They wanted to give the group the character of an ordinary [[conservatism|conservative party]] with its members being Muslim Democrats following the example of the Europe's [[Christian democracy|Christian Democrats]].<ref name="nytimes2003" /> When the Virtue Party was also banned in 2001, a definitive split took place: the followers of [[Necmettin Erbakan]] founded the [[Felicity Party]] (SP) and the reformers founded the [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]] (AKP) under the leadership of [[Abdullah Gül]] and Erdoğan. The pro-reform politicians realized that a strictly Islamic party would never be accepted as a governing party by the state apparatus and they believed that an Islamic party did not appeal to more than about 20 percent of the Turkish electorate. The AK party emphatically placed itself as a broad democratic conservative party with new politicians from the political center (like [[Ali Babacan]] and [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]]), while respecting Islamic norms and values, but without an explicit religious program. This turned out to be successful as the new party won 34% of the vote in the [[2002 Turkish general election|general elections of 2002]]. Erdoğan became prime minister in March 2003 after the Gül government ended his political ban.<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan's Towering Role in the AKP |url=https://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/115-erdogans-towering-role-in-the-akp.html |access-date=11 January 2020 |work=turkeyanalyst.org |date=12 March 2008 |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111212832/https://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/115-erdogans-towering-role-in-the-akp.html |url-status=live }}</ref> == Premiership == {{Main|Premiership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} [[File:Mariano Rajoy visiting Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey (5).jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Erdoğan during a press conference with Spanish Prime Minister [[Mariano Rajoy]], at the Office of the Prime Minister (Başbakanlık), in 2014]] === General elections === {{Main|2002 Turkish general election|2007 Turkish general election|2011 Turkish general election}} [[2002 Turkish general election|The elections of 2002]] were the first elections in which Erdoğan participated as a party leader. All parties previously elected to parliament failed to win enough votes to re-enter the parliament. The AKP won 34.3% of the national vote and formed the new government. Turkish stocks rose more than 7% on Monday morning. Politicians of the previous generation, such as [[Bülent Ecevit|Ecevit]], [[Devlet Bahçeli|Bahceli]], [[Mesut Yılmaz|Yılmaz]] and [[Tansu Çiller|Çiller]], resigned. The second largest party, the CHP, received 19.4% of the votes. The AKP won a landslide victory in the parliament, taking nearly two-thirds of the seats. Erdoğan could not become Prime Minister as he was still banned from politics by the judiciary for his speech in Siirt. Gül became the Prime Minister instead. In December 2002, the Supreme Election Board canceled the general election results from Siirt due to voting irregularities and [[2003 Siirt Province by-election|scheduled a new election for 9 February 2003]]. By this time, party leader Erdoğan was able to run for parliament due to a legal change made possible by the opposition Republican People's Party. The AKP duly listed Erdoğan as a candidate for the rescheduled election, which he won, becoming Prime Minister after Gül handed over the post.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/03/11/turkey.elections/|title=Turkish PM quits for Erdogan|date=11 March 2003|publisher=CNN|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=28 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128191622/http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/03/11/turkey.elections/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 April 2007, an estimated 300,000 people marched in [[Ankara]] to protest against the possible candidacy of Erdoğan in the 2007 presidential election, afraid that if elected as president, he would alter the secular nature of the Turkish state.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6554851.stm|title=Secular rally targets Turkish PM|work=BBC News|date=14 April 2007|access-date=6 December 2014|archive-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218045724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6554851.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan announced on 24 April 2007 that the party had nominated [[Abdullah Gül]] as the AKP candidate in the presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/articles/139006/turkish-foreign-minister-to-stand-for-presidency|title=Turkish foreign minister to stand for presidency|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=25 April 2007|access-date=6 December 2014|archive-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207102104/http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/articles/139006/turkish-foreign-minister-to-stand-for-presidency|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kumbaracibasi2009">{{cite book |author=Arda Can Kumbaracibasi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tZLL9cg--u0C&pg=PA2 |title=Turkish Politics and the Rise of the AKP: Dilemmas of Institutionalization and Leadership Strategy |date=24 July 2009 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-203-87629-9 |pages=1–2 |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107221240/https://books.google.com/books?id=tZLL9cg--u0C&pg=PA2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The protests continued over the next several weeks, with over one million people reported to have turned out at a 29 April rally in Istanbul,<ref name=Reuters29>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL2910950920070429|title=One million Turks rally against government|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=30 April 2007|date=29 April 2007|last=De Bendern|first=Paul|archive-date=2 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502105459/http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL2910950920070429|url-status=live}}</ref> tens of thousands at separate protests on 4 May in [[Manisa]] and [[Çanakkale]],<ref name="Milliyet">{{cite web|url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2007/05/04/guncel/axgun01.html|title=Saylan: Manisa mitingi önemli|work=[[Milliyet]]|language=tr|trans-title=Saylan: Important rally in Manisa|last=Avci|first=Ümran|access-date=4 May 2007|date=4 May 2007|archive-date=8 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508085756/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2007/05/04/guncel/axgun01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and one million in [[İzmir]] on 13 May.<ref name="swissinfo">{{cite web|url=http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/Turks_protest_ahead_of_early_elections.html?siteSect=143&sid=7813908&cKey=1179061645000|title=Turks protest ahead of early elections|work=[[Swissinfo]]|date=13 May 2007|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930222218/http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/Turks_protest_ahead_of_early_elections.html?siteSect=143&sid=7813908&cKey=1179061645000|archive-date=30 September 2007|last=De Bendern|first=Paul}}</ref> The stage of the elections of 2007 was set for a fight for legitimacy in the eyes of voters between his government and the CHP. Erdoğan used the event that took place during the ill-fated Presidential elections a few months earlier as a part of the general election campaign of his party. On 22 July 2007, the AKP won an important victory over the opposition, garnering 46.7% of the popular vote. 22 July elections marked only the second time in the Republic of Turkey's history whereby an incumbent governing party won an election by increasing its share of popular support.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mesajı anladık |author=Turan Yılmaz |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/secim/6942407.asp |newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News |language=tr |trans-title=Message understood |date=23 July 2007 |place=Ankara |access-date=30 July 2012 |archive-date=25 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225010225/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/secim/6942407.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 March 2008, Turkey's Chief Prosecutor asked the country's Constitutional Court to ban Erdoğan's governing party.<ref name="akptrial1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7482793.stm|title=Turkish ruling party put on trial|work=BBC News|access-date=1 February 2009|date=1 July 2008|archive-date=3 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203154717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7482793.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The party escaped a ban on 30 July 2008, a year after winning 46.7% of the vote in national elections, although judges did cut the party's public funding by 50%.<ref name="akptrial2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7533414.stm|title=Turkey's ruling party escapes ban|work=BBC News|access-date=1 February 2009|date=30 July 2008|archive-date=15 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115173522/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7533414.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In the June 2011 elections, Erdoğan's governing party won 327 seats (49.83% of the popular vote) making Erdoğan the only prime minister in Turkey's history to win three consecutive general elections, each time receiving more votes than the previous election. The second party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), received 135 seats (25.94%), the nationalist MHP received 53 seats (13.01%), and the Independents received 35 seats (6.58%).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/116073/turkey-39-s-ruling-ak-party-wins-elections-with-49-83-percent-vote.html|title=Turkey's Ruling AK Party Wins Elections with 49.83 Percent Vote|work=The journal of Turkish Weekly|access-date=6 December 2014|date=13 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209195647/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/116073/turkey-39-s-ruling-ak-party-wins-elections-with-49-83-percent-vote.html|archive-date=9 December 2014}}</ref> A US$100 billion [[2013 corruption scandal in Turkey|corruption scandal in 2013]] led to the arrests of Erdoğan's close allies, and incriminated Erdoğan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Genç |first1=Göksel |last2=Esit |first2=Elif |date=27 December 2013 |title=Yeni yolsuzluk dosyasının ekonomik boyutu 100 milyar dolar |language=tr |trans-title=New economic corruption files valued at $100 billion |work=Zaman |url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_yeni-yolsuzluk-dosyasinin-ekonomik-boyutu-100-milyar-dolar_2189530.html |url-status=dead |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217043626/http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_yeni-yolsuzluk-dosyasinin-ekonomik-boyutu-100-milyar-dolar_2189530.html |archive-date=17 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 December 2013 |title=100 milyar dolarlık yolsuzluk |language=tr |trans-title=$100 billion dollar corruption |work=Sözcü |url=http://sozcu.com.tr/2013/gundem/100-milyar-dolarlik-yolsuzluk-430737/ |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612185122/https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2013/gundem/100-milyar-dolarlik-yolsuzluk-430737/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2013 |title=Yolsuzluk operasyonunun maliyeti 100 milyar Euro |language=tr |trans-title=Corruption operation costs 100 billion euros |work=Milliyet |url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/yolsuzluk-operasyonunun-maliyeti-10/gundem/detay/1809059/default.htm |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811110936/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/yolsuzluk-operasyonunun-maliyeti-10/gundem/detay/1809059/default.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> === Referendums === {{Main|2007 Turkish constitutional referendum|2010 Turkish constitutional referendum}} [[File:Deniz Baykal & Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan in a meeting with the [[List of the Main Opposition Leaders of Turkey|Main Opposition Leader]] [[Deniz Baykal]] of the Republican People's Party (CHP)]] After the opposition parties deadlocked the 2007 presidential election by boycotting the parliament, the ruling AKP proposed a constitutional reform package. The reform package was first vetoed by [[Ahmet Necdet Sezer|President Ahmet Necdet Sezer]]. Then he applied to the Turkish constitutional court about the reform package, because the president is unable to veto amendments for the second time. The Turkish constitutional court did not find any problems in the packet and 68.95% of the voters supported the constitutional changes.<ref name="official results">{{cite web | title = Official Results – 21 October 2007 Constitutional Referendum | publisher = Supreme Election Board (YSK) | access-date = 12 September 2010 | url = http://www.ysk.gov.tr/ysk/docs/2007Referandum/Sonuc/sonucgrafik.pdf | language = tr | archive-date = 20 August 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100820224243/http://www.ysk.gov.tr/ysk/docs/2007Referandum/Sonuc/sonucgrafik.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> The reforms consisted of electing the president by popular vote instead of by parliament; reducing the presidential term from seven years to five; allowing the president to stand for re-election for a second term; holding general elections every four years instead of five; and reducing from 367 to 184 the quorum of lawmakers needed for parliamentary decisions. Reforming the Constitution was one of the main pledges of the AKP during the 2007 election campaign. The main opposition party CHP was not interested in altering the Constitution on a big scale, making it impossible to form a [[Constitutional Commission]] (''Anayasa Uzlaşma Komisyonu'').<ref>{{cite news|url=http://arsiv.ntvmsnbc.com/news/475685.asp|title=AKP'nin Anayasa hedefi 15 madde|language=tr|trans-title=AKP targets article 15 of the Constitution|work=NTVMSNBC|date=17 February 2009|access-date=17 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20090218223617/http://arsiv.ntvmsnbc.com/news/475685.asp|archive-date=18 February 2009}}</ref> The amendments lacked the two-thirds majority needed to become law instantly, but secured 336 votes in the 550-seat parliament – enough to put the proposals to a referendum. The reform package included a number of issues such as the right of individuals to appeal to the highest court, the creation of the [[ombudsman]]'s office; the possibility to negotiate a nationwide labour contract; gender equality; the ability of civilian courts to convict members of the military; the right of civil servants to go on strike; a privacy law; and the structure of the [[Constitutional Court of Turkey|Constitutional Court]]. The referendum was agreed by a majority of 58%.<ref>{{cite web | author = Government of Turkey, Supreme Election Board (YSK) | title = Official Results – 12 September 2010 Constitutional Referendum | date = 12 September 2010 | url = http://www.ysk.gov.tr/ysk/docs/2010Referandum/KesinSonuc/SonucGrafik.pdf | access-date = 10 February 2012 | archive-date = 2 September 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110902005408/http://www.ysk.gov.tr/ysk/docs/2010Referandum/KesinSonuc/SonucGrafik.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> === Domestic policy === ==== Kurdish issue ==== {{See also|2013–2015 PKK–Turkey peace process}} In 2009, Prime Minister Erdoğan's government announced a plan to help end the quarter-century-long [[Turkey–Kurdistan Workers' Party conflict]] that had cost more than 40,000 lives. The government's plan, supported by the [[European Union]], intended to allow the [[Kurdish language]] to be used in all broadcast media and political campaigns, and restored Kurdish names to cities and towns that had been [[Place name changes in Turkey|given Turkish ones]].<ref name="Arsu">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/world/europe/14kurds.html|url-access=subscription|title=Turkey Plans to Ease Restrictions on Kurds and Help End Decades of Conflict|work=The New York Times|date=13 November 2009|access-date=17 November 2009|first=Sebnem|last=Arsu|archive-date=22 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522061607/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/world/europe/14kurds.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan said, "We took a courageous step to resolve chronic issues that constitute an obstacle along Turkey's development, progression and empowerment."<ref name="Arsu" /> Erdoğan passed a partial amnesty to reduce penalties faced by many members of the Kurdish guerrilla movement [[Kurdistan Workers' Party|PKK]] who had surrendered to the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108054.html?pageno=4|title=Attempts to Improve the Government|publisher=infoplease.com|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=11 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511023019/http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108054.html?pageno=4|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 November 2011, during a televised meeting of his party in Ankara, he apologized on behalf of the state for the [[Dersim massacre]], where many [[Alevi]]s and [[Zaza people|Zazas]] were killed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey apologises for 1930s killing of thousands of Kurds|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/8910369/Turkey-apologises-for-1930s-killing-of-thousands-of-Kurds.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/8910369/Turkey-apologises-for-1930s-killing-of-thousands-of-Kurds.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=24 November 2011|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=24 November 2011|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2013 the government of Erdoğan began a [[2013–2015 PKK–Turkey peace process|peace process]] between the [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]] (PKK) and the Turkish Government,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ozkahraman|first=Cemal|date=1 March 2017|title=Failure of Peace Talks between Turkey and the PKK: Victim of Traditional Turkish Policy or of Geopolitical Shifts in the Middle East?|journal=Contemporary Review of the Middle East|language=en|volume=4|issue=1|pages=50–66|doi=10.1177/2347798916681332|s2cid=157316669|issn=2347-7989}}</ref> mediated by parliamentarians of the [[Peoples' Democratic Party (Turkey)|Peoples' Democratic party]] (HDP).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Basaran|first=Ezgi|title=Frontline Turkey: The Conflict at the Heart of the Middle East|date=22 September 2017|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-83860-858-3|pages=129|language=en}}</ref> In 2015, following AKP electoral defeat, the rise of a [[Peoples' Democratic Party (Turkey)|social democrat, pro-Kurdish rights opposition party]], and the minor [[Ceylanpınar incident#Background|Ceylanpınar incident]], he decided that the peace process was over and supported the revocation of the parliamentary immunity of the HDP parliamentarians.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2015|title=Turkey's Erdogan: peace process with Kurdish militants impossible|language=en|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-turkey-kurds-idUSKCN0Q20UV20150728|access-date=14 May 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810083747/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-turkey-kurds-idUSKCN0Q20UV20150728|url-status=live}}</ref> Violent confrontation resumed in 2015–2017, mainly in the South East of Turkey, resulting in higher death tolls and [[Kurdistan Workers' Party insurgency#External operations|several external operations]] on the part of the Turkish military. Representatives and elected HDP have been systematically arrested, removed, and replaced in their offices, this tendency being confirmed after the [[2016 Turkish coup attempt]] and [[Purges in Turkey following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt|the following purges]]. Six thousand additional deaths occurred in Turkey alone for 2015–2022. Yet, as of 2022 the [[Kurdistan Workers' Party insurgency#Since 2013: from ceasefire to new confrontations|intensity of the PKK-Turkey conflict]] did decrease in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 July 2022 |title=Turkey's PKK Conflict: A Visual Explainer |url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/content/turkeys-pkk-conflict-visual-explainer |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=www.crisisgroup.org |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115122154/https://www.crisisgroup.org/content/turkeys-pkk-conflict-visual-explainer |url-status=live }}</ref> In the previous decade, Erdoğan and the AKP government used anti-PKK, martial rhetoric and external operations to raise Turkish nationalist votes before elections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bilginsoy |first=Zeynep |title=EXPLAINER: Why Istanbul blast has political implications |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/explainer-istanbul-blast-political-implications-93281106 |access-date=15 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=26 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126051450/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/explainer-istanbul-blast-political-implications-93281106 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2019 |title=Acquittal of nine Ceylanpinar murder suspects upheld |url=https://ipa.news/2019/04/16/acquittal-of-nine-ceylanpinar-murder-suspects-upheld/ |access-date=15 November 2022 |publisher=IPA NEWS |language=en-US |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115130255/https://ipa.news/2019/04/16/acquittal-of-nine-ceylanpinar-murder-suspects-upheld/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Can Erdoğan Survive Without the Kurdish Question? |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/can-erdogan-survive-without-kurdish-question |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105081457/https://www.mei.edu/publications/can-erdogan-survive-without-kurdish-question |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Armenian genocide ==== Erdoğan has said multiple times that Turkey would acknowledge the [[Armenian genocide|mass killings of Armenians during World War I]] as [[genocide]] only after a thorough investigation by a joint Turkish-Armenian commission consisting of historians, [[archaeologists]], [[political scientists]] and other experts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfr.org/publication/14395/conversation_with_recep_tayyip_erdogan_rush_transcript_federal_news_service.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530032729/http://www.cfr.org/publication/14395/conversation_with_recep_tayyip_erdogan_rush_transcript_federal_news_service.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 May 2012|title=A Conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdogan|date=27 September 2007|publisher=Council on Foreign Relations|access-date=29 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="Erdoganspeech">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqcjaPsJHXI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IqcjaPsJHXI |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Turkish Prime Minister talks about Armenian genocide|date=9 February 2008|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=9 December 2019 |title=Turkey to boost efforts to fight defamation campaign |work=[[Daily Sabah]] |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/12/08/turkey-to-boost-efforts-to-fight-defamation-campaign-altun-says |access-date=10 January 2020 |archive-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111212828/https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/12/08/turkey-to-boost-efforts-to-fight-defamation-campaign-altun-says |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, Erdoğan and the [[Republican People's Party|main opposition]] party leader [[Deniz Baykal]] wrote a letter to [[President of Armenia]] [[Robert Kocharyan]], proposing the creation of a joint Turkish-Armenian commission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.turkishembassy.com/ii/O/ErdogantoKocaryan.htm|title=Letter sent by H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan|author=Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|date=10 April 2005|publisher=Turkish Embassy|access-date=29 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005001307/http://www.turkishembassy.com/ii/O/ErdogantoKocaryan.htm|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> Armenian Foreign Minister [[Vartan Oskanian]] rejected the offer because he asserted that the proposal itself was "insincere and not serious". He added: "This issue cannot be considered at historical level with Turks, who themselves politicized the problem."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/8050/|title=Yerevan Rejects Turkish PM Erdogan's Dialogue Letter|date=14 April 2005|work=[[The Journal of Turkish Weekly]]|access-date=29 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004232232/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/8050/|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Peaceful Co-Existence of Armenia and Turkey Possible|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/19638/|website=PanArmenian|date=16 October 2006|access-date=8 February 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603231040/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/19638/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2008, Erdoğan criticized the [[I Apologize campaign]] by Turkish intellectuals to recognize the Armenian genocide, saying, "I neither accept nor support this campaign. We did not commit a crime, therefore we do not need to apologise ... It will not have any benefit other than stirring up trouble, disturbing our peace and undoing the steps which have been taken."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/dec/18/armenian-genocide-apology-turkish-rebuttal|title=Turkish PM dismisses apology for alleged Armenian genocide|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=18 November 2008|access-date=1 July 2011|last=Tait|first=Robert|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420210208/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/dec/18/armenian-genocide-apology-turkish-rebuttal|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Monument to Humanity by Mehmet Aksoy in Kars, Turkey.jpg|thumbnail|250px|In 2011, Erdoğan called the {{convert|33|meter|ft|adj=mid|-tall}} Monument to Humanity, a statue dedicated to fostering Armenian and Turkish relations, "freakishly ugly" ([[Turkish language|Turkish]]: ''ucube'') and ordered it to be demolished. Erdoğan was subsequently fined by a Turkish judge for insulting the work and the creator was compensated due to the "violation of the freedom of expression".]] In 2011, Erdoğan ordered the tearing-down of the {{convert|33|meter|ft|adj=mid|-tall}} ''[[Monument to Humanity]]'', a Turkish–Armenian friendship monument in [[Kars]], which was commissioned in 2006 and represented a metaphor of the rapprochement of the two countries after many years of dispute over the events of 1915. Erdoğan justified the removal by stating that the monument was offensively close to the tomb of an 11th-century Islamic scholar, and that its shadow ruined the view of that site, while Kars municipality officials said it was illegally erected in a protected area. However, the former mayor of Kars who approved the original construction of the monument said the municipality was destroying not just a "monument to humanity" but "humanity itself". The demolition was not unopposed; among its detractors were several Turkish artists. Two of them, the painter Bedri Baykam and his associate, Pyramid Art Gallery general coordinator Tugba Kurtulmus, were stabbed after a meeting with other artists at the Istanbul Akatlar cultural center.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=turkish-painter-stabbed-at-meeting-for-8216humanity-movement8217-2011-04-18|title=Turkish painter stabbed in Istanbul after 'humanity monument' meeting|date=18 April 2011|access-date=3 December 2014|work=Hürriyet Daily News|archive-date=9 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209115719/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=turkish-painter-stabbed-at-meeting-for-8216humanity-movement8217-2011-04-18|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 April 2014, Erdoğan's office issued a statement in nine languages (including two dialects of Armenian), offering condolences for the mass killings of Armenians and stating that the events of 1915 had inhumane consequences. The statement described the mass killings as the two nations' shared pain and said: "Having experienced events which had inhumane consequences – such as relocation – during the First World War, (it) should not prevent Turks and Armenians from establishing compassion and mutually humane attitudes among <!-- The cited source also has "towards" in this location, which seems ungrammatical --> one another."<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey offers condolences to Armenia over WWI killings|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27131543|date=23 April 2014|access-date=3 June 2014|website=[[BBC]]|archive-date=4 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604064056/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27131543|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pope Francis]] in April 2015, at a special [[Mass in the Catholic Church|mass]] in [[St. Peter's Basilica]] marking the centenary of the events, described atrocities against Armenian civilians in 1915–1922 as "the first genocide of the 20th century". In protest, Erdoğan recalled the Turkish ambassador from the Vatican, and summoned the Vatican's ambassador, to express "disappointment" at what he called a discriminatory message. He later stated "we don't carry a stain or a shadow like genocide". US President [[Barack Obama]] called for a "full, frank and just acknowledgement of the facts", but again stopped short of labelling it "genocide", despite his campaign promise to do so.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Ian Black Rosie Scammell in |last1=Rome |access-date=13 March 2019 |title=Pope boosts Armenia's efforts to have Ottoman killings recognised as genocide |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/12/pope-boosts-armenias-efforts-to-have-ottoman-killings-recognised-as-genocide |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=12 April 2015 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710164506/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/12/pope-boosts-armenias-efforts-to-have-ottoman-killings-recognised-as-genocide |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/15/turkey-cannot-accept-armenia-genocide-label-erdogan|title=Turkey cannot accept Armenian genocide label, says Erdoğan|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=15 April 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=13 March 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426145157/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/15/turkey-cannot-accept-armenia-genocide-label-erdogan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=13 March 2019|title=Barack Obama will not label 1915 massacre of Armenians a genocide|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/22/barack-obama-will-not-label-1915-massacre-of-armenians-a-genocide|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=22 April 2015|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101215953/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/22/barack-obama-will-not-label-1915-massacre-of-armenians-a-genocide|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Human rights ==== During Erdoğan's time as Prime Minister, the far-reaching powers of the [[Anti-terrorism legislation#Turkey|1991 Anti-Terror Law]] were reduced. In 2004, the [[Capital punishment in Turkey|death penalty]] was abolished for all circumstances.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey agrees death penalty ban |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3384667.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=31 March 2022 |date=9 January 2004 |archive-date=19 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919015016/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3384667.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Democratic initiative|Democratic initiative process]] was initiated, with the goal to improve democratic standards in general and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in particular. In 2012, the [[Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey]] and the [[Ombudsman Institution]] were established. The [[Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture|UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture]] was ratified. Children are no longer prosecuted under terrorism legislation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Democratic initiative's first law passes in Parliament |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-216880-democratic-initiatives-first-law-passes-in-parliament.html |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=Today's Zaman |date=23 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726020413/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-216880-democratic-initiatives-first-law-passes-in-parliament.html |archive-date=26 July 2010 |language=en}}</ref> The Jewish community were allowed to celebrate [[Hanukkah]] publicly for the first time in modern Turkish history in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=In first, Turkish Jews light public menorah |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-turkish-jews-light-public-menorah/ |accessdate=21 May 2020 |work=[[Times of Israel]] |date=14 December 2015 |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206023016/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-turkish-jews-light-public-menorah/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Turkish government approved a law in 2008 to return properties confiscated in the past by the state to non-Muslim foundations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey approves asset return to Jewish minority foundations |url=https://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Turkey-approves-asset-return-to-Jewish-minority-foundations |accessdate=21 May 2020 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=20 February 2008 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928224509/https://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Turkey-approves-asset-return-to-Jewish-minority-foundations |url-status=live }}</ref> It also paved the way for the free allocation of worship places such as synagogues and churches to non-Muslim foundations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-report-on-international-religious-freedom/turkey/ |quote=In July the assembly of the GDF passed a decision that allowed allocation of places of worship under GDF ownership to different religious minorities free of charge. With the decision, previously expropriated churches and synagogues could be reopened for use by religious minorities. |accessdate=21 May 2020 |work=United States Department of State |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425223904/https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-report-on-international-religious-freedom/turkey/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, European officials noted a return to more authoritarian ways after the stalling of Turkey's bid to join the [[European Union]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/inching-away-from-democracy-/73249.aspx|title=Inching away from democracy?|date=19 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|publisher=European Voice|last=Vogel|first=Toby|archive-date=24 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114730/http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/inching-away-from-democracy-/73249.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> notably on [[freedom of speech]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/126641-students-stay-5-more-months-in-prison-for-posting-banner|title=Students Stay 5 more Months in Prison for Posting Banner|work=[[Bianet]]|date=16 December 2010|access-date=26 January 2012|last=Tapan|first=Berivan|archive-date=5 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205124932/http://bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/126641-students-stay-5-more-months-in-prison-for-posting-banner|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/135565-hopa-demonstrations-stones-considered-as-weapons|title=Hopa Demonstrations: Stones Considered as Weapons|work=[[Bianet]]|date=19 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|archive-date=3 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203142200/http://bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/135565-hopa-demonstrations-stones-considered-as-weapons|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/126642-two-year-prison-threat-for-egg-throwing|title=Two-Year Prison Threat for Egg Throwing|work=[[Bianet]]|date=16 December 2010|access-date=26 January 2012|last=Belge|first=Berçin|archive-date=19 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219053649/http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/126642-two-year-prison-threat-for-egg-throwing|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Censorship in Turkey|freedom of the press]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/world/europe/turkeys-glow-dims-as-government-limits-free-speech.html|title=Charges Against Journalists Dim the Democratic Glow in Turkey|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=4 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|first1=Dan|last1=Bilefsky|first2=Sebnem|last2=Arsu|archive-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430173405/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/world/europe/turkeys-glow-dims-as-government-limits-free-speech.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/135635-journalists-are-in-prison-because-of-their-writings|title=Journalists are in Prison Because of their Writings|work=[[Bianet]]|date=23 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|last=Söylemez|first=Ayça|archive-date=25 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125082336/http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/135635-journalists-are-in-prison-because-of-their-writings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/135464-first-hearing-of-journalists-after-13-months-of-pre-trial-detention|title=First Hearing of Journalists after 13 Months of Pre-Trial Detention|work=Bianet|date=16 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|last=Söylemez|first=Ayça|archive-date=1 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201133755/http://bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/135464-first-hearing-of-journalists-after-13-months-of-pre-trial-detention|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Human rights of Kurdish people in Turkey|Kurdish minority rights]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kingsley |first=Patrick |author-link=Patrick Kingsley (journalist) |date=29 June 2017 |title=Amid Turkey's Purge, a Renewed Attack on Kurdish Culture |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/world/middleeast/amid-turkeys-purge-a-renewed-attack-on-kurdish-culture.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220530214744/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/world/middleeast/amid-turkeys-purge-a-renewed-attack-on-kurdish-culture.html%23commentsContainer |archive-date=30 May 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=1 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Genc |first=Kaya |date=22 January 2011 |title=Turkish crackdown on Kurdish Journalists |work=[[Index on Censorship]] |url=http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2011/12/turkish-crackdown-on-kurdish-journalists/ |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-date=29 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129232318/http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2011/12/turkish-crackdown-on-kurdish-journalists/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Önderoğlu |first=Erol |date=21 May 2010 |title=Kurdish Artist Faces 15 Years in Jail |work=[[Bianet]] |url=http://www.bianet.org/english/minorities/122151-kurdish-artist-faces-15-years-in-jail |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-date=12 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812043525/http://bianet.org/english/minorities/122151-kurdish-artist-faces-15-years-in-jail |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 January 2012 |title=31 People Arrested |work=[[Bianet]] |url=http://www.bianet.org/english/minorities/135496-31-people-arrested |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-date=24 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124172019/http://www.bianet.org/english/minorities/135496-31-people-arrested |url-status=live }}</ref> Demands by activists for the recognition of [[LGBTQ rights in Turkey|LGBTQ rights]] were publicly rejected by government members.<ref name="Essentials">{{Cite web |title=TURKEY'S WITHDRAWAL FROM ISTANBUL CONVENTION |url=https://lawessential.com/miscellaneous/f/turkey%E2%80%99s-withdrawal-from-istanbul-convention |access-date=18 October 2022 |website=Law Essentials |language=en-IN |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018172611/https://lawessential.com/miscellaneous/f/turkey%E2%80%99s-withdrawal-from-istanbul-convention |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2008/01/28/siyaset/asiy.html|title=Eşcinseller de eşitlik istiyor, verecek miyiz?|language=tr|trans-title=Homosexuals can keep demanding rights as they never going to get any|work=Milliyet|date=29 January 2008|access-date=26 January 2012|last1=Çolak|first1=Saliha|last2=Karakus|first2=Abdullah|archive-date=17 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917071827/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2008/01/28/siyaset/asiy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Reporters Without Borders]] reported a continuous decrease in Freedom of the Press during Erdoğan's later terms, with a rank of around 100 on its [[Press Freedom Index]] during his first term and a rank of 153 out of a total of 179 countries in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Turkey : Subjugated media |url=https://rsf.org/en/taxonomy/term/145|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116200027/https://rsf.org/en/taxonomy/term/145|archive-date=16 January 2022|access-date=27 January 2022|publisher=Reports Without Borders|language=en}}</ref> [[Freedom House]] reported a slight recovery in later years and awarded Turkey a Press Freedom Score of 55/100 in 2012 after a low point of 48/100 in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2012/turkey|title=Freedom of the Press 2012|publisher=[[Freedom House]]|access-date=15 June 2013|archive-date=26 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626131539/http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2012/turkey|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/128639-freedom-house-critic-of-press-freedom-in-turkey|title=Freedom House Critic of Press Freedom in Turkey|work=Bianet|date=17 March 2011|access-date=26 January 2012|archive-date=13 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613214746/http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/128639-freedom-house-critic-of-press-freedom-in-turkey|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bianet.org/english/world/135713-turkey-loses-ground-again-in-world-press-freedom-index|title=Turkey Loses Ground again in World Press Freedom Index|work=Bianet|date=26 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|archive-date=28 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128221012/http://www.bianet.org/english/world/135713-turkey-loses-ground-again-in-world-press-freedom-index|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/130376/press-freedom-39-terrible-39-in-turkey-watch-group.html|title=Press Freedom 'Terrible' in Turkey: Watch Group|work=Journal of Turkish Weekly|date=23 January 2012|access-date=26 January 2012|archive-date=28 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228235005/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/130376/press-freedom-39-terrible-39-in-turkey-watch-group.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2011, Erdoğan's government made legal reforms to return properties of Christian and Jewish minorities which were seized by the Turkish government in the 1930s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkish Government to Return Seized Property to Religious Minorities|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/world/europe/29turkey.html|date=28 August 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Arsu|first=Sebnem|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717184228/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/world/europe/29turkey.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The total value of the properties returned reached $2 billion (USD).<ref>{{cite news|first=Egemen|last=Bağış|title=Azınlıklara 2 milyar dolarlık mülk verdik|language=tr|trans-title=Minorities have $2 billion in property|url=http://www.hristiyangazete.com/2013/05/egemen-bagis-azinliklara-2-milyar-dolarlik-mulk-verdik/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510220056/http://www.hristiyangazete.com/2013/05/egemen-bagis-azinliklara-2-milyar-dolarlik-mulk-verdik/|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 May 2015|publisher=Hristiyan Gazete|date=31 May 2013|access-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> Under Erdoğan, the Turkish government tightened the [[Alcohol laws of Turkey|laws on the sale and consumption of alcohol]], banning all advertising and increasing the tax on alcoholic beverages.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-alcohol-idUSBRE94N0IA20130524|title=Turkey bans alcohol advertising and curbs sales|work=Reuters|date=24 May 2013|access-date=27 May 2013|last=Ozbilgin|first=Ozbe|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020181038/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-alcohol-idUSBRE94N0IA20130524|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Economy ==== [[File:Public debt as percent of GDP - Europe major economies.PNG|thumb|Public debt of the six major European countries between 2002 and 2009 as a percentage of GDP]] [[File:GDP per capita PPP Emerging economies.png|thumb|GDP per capita PPP of Turkey compared to other emerging economies]] In 2002, Erdoğan inherited a [[Turkish economy]] that was beginning to recover from a recession as a result of reforms implemented by [[Kemal Derviş]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cjpme.org/DisplayDocument.aspx?DocumentID=2163&SaveMode=0|title=The Turkish Model of Government|date=March 2012|publisher=Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East|access-date=28 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324095757/http://www.cjpme.org/DisplayDocument.aspx?DocumentID=2163&SaveMode=0|archive-date=24 March 2012}}</ref> Erdoğan supported Finance Minister [[Ali Babacan]] in enforcing macro-economic policies. Erdoğan tried to attract more foreign investors to Turkey and lifted many government regulations. The cash-flow into the Turkish economy between 2002 and 2012 caused a growth of 64% in real GDP and a 43% increase in GDP per capita; considerably higher numbers were commonly advertised but these did not account for the inflation of the US dollar between 2002 and 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rodrik |first1=Dani |title=How well did the Turkish economy do over the last decade? |url=https://rodrik.typepad.com/dani_rodriks_weblog/2013/06/how-well-did-the-turkish-economy-do-over-the-last-decade.html |website=Dani Rodrik's weblog Unconventional thoughts on economic development and globalization |access-date=2 July 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009215419/http://rodrik.typepad.com/dani_rodriks_weblog/2013/06/how-well-did-the-turkish-economy-do-over-the-last-decade.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The average annual growth in GDP per capita was 3.6%. The growth in real GDP between 2002 and 2012 was higher than the values from developed countries, but was close to average when developing countries are also taken into account. The ranking of the Turkish economy in terms of GDP moved slightly from 17 to 16 during this decade. A major consequence of the policies between 2002 and 2012 was the widening of the current account deficit from US$600 million to US$58 billion (2013 est.)<ref>Central Intelligence Agency. "The CIA World Factbook 2015", Skyhorse Publishing, p. 753.</ref> Since 1961, Turkey has signed 19 IMF loan accords. Erdoğan's government satisfied the budgetary and market requirements of the two during his administration and received every loan installment, the only time any Turkish government has done so.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a.Xr1ajJU15A | title=Erdogan's IMF Aversion, Budget Raise Business Qualms | publisher=Bloomberg L.P. | date=10 November 2008 | access-date=1 February 2009 | last1=Holland | first1=Ben | last2=Bryant | first2=Steve | archive-date=5 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105104555/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a.Xr1ajJU15A | url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan inherited a debt of $23.5 billion to the IMF, which was reduced to $0.9 billion in 2012. He decided not to sign a new deal. Turkey's debt to the IMF was thus declared to be completely paid and he announced that the IMF could borrow from Turkey.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=flirting-with-imf-comes-to-an-end-2010-03-10|title=Turkey's flirting with IMF comes to an end|work=Hürriyet Daily News|date=10 March 2010|access-date=10 March 2010|archive-date=14 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314104616/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=flirting-with-imf-comes-to-an-end-2010-03-10|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, five-year [[credit default swap]]s for Turkey's sovereign debt were trading at a record low of 1.17%, below those of nine EU member countries and Russia. In 2002, the [[Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey|Turkish Central Bank]] had $26.5 billion in reserves. This amount reached $92.2 billion in 2011. During Erdoğan's leadership, inflation fell from 32% to 9.0% in 2004. Since then, Turkish inflation has continued to fluctuate around 9% and is still one of the highest inflation rates in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/13381334.asp|title=Enflasyon 2009'u 39 yılın 'dibinde' bitirdi|language=tr|trans-title=2009 inflation finished at 39-year low|work=Hürriyet Daily News|first=Nilgün|last=Karatas|date=5 January 2010|access-date=5 January 2010|archive-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018172550/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/13381334.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> The Turkish public debt as a percentage of annual GDP declined from 74% in 2002 to 39% in 2009. In 2012, Turkey had a lower ratio of public debt to GDP than 21 of 27 members of the European Union and a lower budget deficit to GDP ratio than 23 of them.<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan Proving Right as Debt Ratings Go Unheeded: Turkey Credit |author=Benjamin Harvey |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-27/erdogan-proving-right-as-debt-ratings-go-unheeded-turkey-credit#p2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118151235/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-27/erdogan-proving-right-as-debt-ratings-go-unheeded-turkey-credit%23p2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 January 2013 |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=27 June 2012 |access-date=30 July 2012}}</ref> In 2003, Erdoğan's government pushed through the Labor Act, a comprehensive reform of Turkey's labor laws. The law greatly expanded the rights of employees, establishing a 45-hour workweek and limiting overtime work to 270 hours a year, provided legal protection against discrimination due to sex, religion, or political affiliation, prohibited discrimination between permanent and temporary workers, entitled employees terminated without "valid cause" to compensation, and mandated written contracts for employment arrangements lasting a year or more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fisherphillips.com/news-insights/cross-border-employer-blog/turkey-continues-its-reform-of-labor-and-employment-laws-despite-waning-enthusiasm-for-eu-membership.html|title=Turkey Continues Its Reform of Labor And Employment Laws Despite Waning Enthusiasm For EU Membership|date=28 November 2012 |work=Fisher Philips|access-date=3 June 2023|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603175917/https://www.fisherphillips.com/news-insights/cross-border-employer-blog/turkey-continues-its-reform-of-labor-and-employment-laws-despite-waning-enthusiasm-for-eu-membership.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/investmentguide/investorsguide/employeesandsocialsecurity/Pages/TermsOfEmployment.aspx|title=Terms of Employment |work=Invest in Turkey|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208103134/http://www.invest.gov.tr/EN-US/INVESTMENTGUIDE/INVESTORSGUIDE/EMPLOYEESANDSOCIALSECURITY/Pages/TermsOfEmployment.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==== Education ==== Erdoğan increased the budget of the [[Ministry of National Education (Turkey)|Ministry of Education]] from 7.5 billion lira in 2002 to 34 billion lira in 2011, the highest share of the national budget given to one ministry.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bir numaralı bütçe Eğitim'e|author=Haberi Yazdir|url=http://www.yenisafak.com.tr/politika/bir-numarali-butce-egitime-151265|newspaper=Yeni Şafak|language=tr|trans-title=The number one budget to education|date=31 August 2008|access-date=5 December 2010|archive-date=7 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207175505/http://www.yenisafak.com.tr/politika/bir-numarali-butce-egitime-151265|url-status=live}}</ref> Before his prime ministership the military received the highest share of the national budget. [[Compulsory education]] was increased from eight years to twelve.<ref>{{cite news|title=Compulsory education to be increased to 12 years in Turkey|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action;jsessionid=AE94F068CFA327ECCF1188D64D19F795?newsId=267701|newspaper=Today's Zaman|date=5 January 2012|access-date=31 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224084835/http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action%3Bjsessionid%3DAE94F068CFA327ECCF1188D64D19F795?newsId=267701|archive-date=24 December 2013}}</ref> In 2003, the Turkish government, together with [[UNICEF]], initiated a campaign called "Come on girls, [let's go] to school!" ({{langx|tr|Haydi Kızlar Okula!}}). The goal of this campaign was to close the [[Sex differences in education|gender gap]] in primary school enrollment through the provision of a quality basic education for all girls, especially in southeast Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unicef.org/turkey/pdf/ge6a.pdf|title=Haydi Kızlar Okula! The Girls' Education Campaign in Turkey|publisher=UNICEF|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=4 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404090712/http://www.unicef.org/turkey/pdf/ge6a.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2005, the parliament granted amnesty to students expelled from universities before 2003. The amnesty applied to students dismissed on academic or disciplinary grounds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Amnesty For University Students|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D04E3DF173DF937A15751C0A9639C8B63|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 February 2005|access-date=30 July 2012|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208173537/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D04E3DF173DF937A15751C0A9639C8B63|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, textbooks became free of charge and since 2008 [[Provinces of Turkey|every province in Turkey]] has its own university.<ref>{{cite news|title=Üniversitesiz il kalmadı|url=http://siyaset.milliyet.com.tr/universitesiz-il-kalmadi/siyaset/siyasetdetay/23.05.2008/758364/default.htm|newspaper=Milliyet|date=23 May 2008|access-date=2 July 2011|language=tr|trans-title=University in last province|archive-date=24 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113840/http://siyaset.milliyet.com.tr/universitesiz-il-kalmadi/siyaset/siyasetdetay/23.05.2008/758364/default.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> During Erdoğan's Premiership, the number of [[List of universities in Turkey|universities in Turkey]] nearly doubled, from 98 in 2002 to 186 in October 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haberler.com/sahin-universite-sayisi-186-ya-ulasti-3987342-haberi/|title=Şahin: Üniversite Sayısı 186'ya Ulaştı haberi|publisher=Haberler.com|date=3 October 2012|access-date=10 December 2012|language=tr|trans-title=Şahin: Number of universities reaches 186|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305034357/http://www.haberler.com/sahin-universite-sayisi-186-ya-ulasti-3987342-haberi/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Prime Minister kept his campaign promises by starting the [[Fatih project]] in which all state schools, from preschool to high school level, received a total of 620,000 smart boards, while tablet computers were distributed to 17 million students and approximately one million teachers and administrators.<ref>{{cite news|title=PM Erdoğan realizes a world's first in education|url=http://www.usasabah.com/EnglishNews/2012/02/08/pm-erdogan-realizes-a-worlds-first-in-education|newspaper=Sabah|date=8 February 2012|access-date=31 July 2012|archive-date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219141620/http://www.usasabah.com/EnglishNews/2012/02/08/pm-erdogan-realizes-a-worlds-first-in-education|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2017 a draft proposal by the ministry of education was approved by Erdoğan, in which the curriculum for schools excluded the teaching of the theory of [[Darwinism|evolution of Charles Darwin]] by 2019. From then on the teaching will be postponed and start at undergraduate level.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/23/turkey-will-stop-teaching-evolution-schools-education-ministry/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/23/turkey-will-stop-teaching-evolution-schools-education-ministry/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Turkey will stop teaching evolution in schools, education ministry says |last=Sanchez |first=Raf |date=23 June 2017 |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=24 June 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ==== Infrastructure ==== [[File:1915 Çanakkale Bridge 20220327.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[1915 Çanakkale Bridge]], the [[List of longest suspension bridge spans|longest suspension bridge in the world]], was officially opened by Erdoğan in 2022.<ref name="B1M-website">{{cite web|url=https://www.theb1m.com/video/turkey-has-built-the-worlds-longest-suspension-bridge|title=Turkey Has Built the World's Longest Suspension Bridge|publisher=The B1M|author=Tim Gibson|date=11 May 2022|access-date=7 May 2023|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511162611/https://www.theb1m.com/video/turkey-has-built-the-worlds-longest-suspension-bridge|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="B1M-video">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzrdNIsGVc0|title=Why Turkey Built the World's Longest Suspension Bridge|date=11 May 2022 |publisher=The B1M|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511121506/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzrdNIsGVc0|url-status=live}}</ref>]] Under Erdoğan's government, the number of [[List of airports in Turkey|airports in Turkey]] increased from 26 to 50 in the period of 10 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gundem.bugun.com.tr/yuzde-50nin-degil--haberi/655153|title=Başbakan Erdoğan'dan gece yarısı mesajı|work=Bugun|date=7 July 2013|access-date=9 July 2013|language=tr|trans-title=Prime Minister Erdogan's midnight message|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719043902/http://gundem.bugun.com.tr/yuzde-50nin-degil--haberi/655153|archive-date=19 July 2013}}</ref> Between the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and 2002, there had been 6,000 km of [[dual carriageway]] roads created. Between 2002 and 2011, another 13,500 km of expressway were built. Due to these measures, the number of motor accidents fell by 50 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/sehir_duble-yollar-uzadi-kaza-ve-olumler-yuzde-50-azaldi_1080097.html|title=Duble yollar uzadı; kaza ve ölümler yüzde 50 azaldı|work=Zaman|date=17 January 2011|access-date=9 July 2013|language=tr|trans-title=Dual roads extended: accidents and deaths decreased by 50 percent|first=Yasin|last=Kiliç|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014540/http://www.zaman.com.tr/sehir_duble-yollar-uzadi-kaza-ve-olumler-yuzde-50-azaldi_1080097.html|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> For the first time in Turkish history, [[High-speed rail in Turkey|high speed railway lines]] were constructed, and the country's [[Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway|high-speed train service]] began in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?load=detay&link=169502|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001817/http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?load=detay&link=169502|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|title=High-speed train begins its first travel btw Ankara-Eskişehir|work=Today's Zaman|date=13 March 2009|access-date=9 July 2013}}</ref> In 8 years, 1,076 km of railway were built and 5,449 km of railway renewed. The construction of [[Marmaray]], an undersea rail tunnel under the [[Bosphorus strait]], started in 2004. It was inaugurated on the 90th anniversary of the Turkish Republic 29 October 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24721779|title=Turkey tunnel links Europe and Asia|date=29 October 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=8 March 2020|language=en-GB|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804143926/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24721779|url-status=live}}</ref> The inauguration of the [[Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge]], the third bridge over the [[Bosphorus]], was on 26 August 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-opens-new-bridge-over-the-bosporus/a-19507396-0|title=Turkey opens new bridge over the Bosporus |publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB|access-date=8 March 2020|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204031623/https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-opens-new-bridge-over-the-bosporus/a-19507396-0|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Justice ==== [[File:Court of Cassation in Ankara2.jpg|thumb|250px|The new [[Court of Cassation (Turkey)|Court of Cassation (''Yargıtay'')]] building in [[Ankara]] was opened in 2021.]] In March 2006, the [[Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors]] (HSYK) held a press conference to publicly protest the obstruction of the appointment of judges to the high courts for over 10 months. The HSYK said Erdoğan wanted to fill the vacant posts with his own appointees. Erdoğan was accused of creating a rift with Turkey's highest court of appeal, the ''[[Yargıtay]]'', and high administrative court, the ''[[Danıştay]]''. Erdoğan stated that the constitution gave the power to assign these posts to his elected party.<ref name="erdogancourtelection">{{cite news|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/national_rift-deepens-between-govt-top-court-with-pms-heavy-criticism_344553.html|title=Rift deepens between government, top court with PM's heavy criticism|date=13 April 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|newspaper=Today's Zaman|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208052922/http://www.todayszaman.com/national_rift-deepens-between-govt-top-court-with-pms-heavy-criticism_344553.html|archive-date=8 December 2014}}</ref> In May 2007, the head of Turkey's High Court asked prosecutors to consider whether Erdoğan should be charged over critical comments regarding the election of [[Abdullah Gül]] as president.<ref name="erdogancourtelection" /> Erdoğan said the ruling was "a disgrace to the justice system", and criticized the [[Constitutional Court]] which had invalidated a presidential vote because a boycott by other parties meant there was no [[quorum]]. Prosecutors investigated his earlier comments, including saying it had fired a "bullet at democracy". [[Tülay Tuğcu]], head of the Constitutional Court, condemned Erdoğan for "threats, insults and hostility" towards the justice system.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6705241.stm|title=Turkish court condemns PM Erdoğan|work=[[BBC News]]|date=30 May 2007|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=26 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226170455/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6705241.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Civil–military relations ==== {{Main|Civil–military relations during the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan government}} [[File:Visita del Presidente de Turquía a la Cancillería del Perú (24663516722).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan during an official visit to [[Peru]], with a member of the [[Turkish army]] behind him]] The Turkish military has had a record of intervening in politics, having removed elected governments [[:Category:Military coups in Turkey|four times in the past]]. During the Erdoğan government, civil–military relationship moved towards normalization in which the influence of the military in politics was significantly reduced.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edroos |first1=Faisal |title=Why Turkey's military is not what it used to be |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/turkey-military-180527105359421.html |access-date=10 January 2020 |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=5 June 2018 |archive-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110015310/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/turkey-military-180527105359421.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ruling Justice and Development Party has often faced off against the military, gaining political power by challenging a pillar of the country's laicistic establishment. The most significant issue that caused deep fissures between the army and the government was the midnight [[e-memorandum]] posted on the military's website objecting to the selection of [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Foreign Minister]] [[Abdullah Gül]] as the ruling party's [[2007 Turkish presidential election|candidate for the Presidency]] in 2007. The military argued that the election of Gül, whose wife wears an [[Islamic headscarf]], could undermine the laicistic order of the country. Contrary to expectations, the government responded harshly to former Chief of General Staff Gen. [[Yaşar Büyükanıt]]'s e-memorandum, stating the military had nothing to do with the selection of the presidential candidate.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1909091.htm |agency=Reuters |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |title=Turkish govt slams army threat |date=28 April 2007 |access-date=26 May 2011}}</ref> ==== Health care ==== After assuming power in 2003, Erdoğan's government embarked on a sweeping reform program of the Turkish healthcare system, called the Health Transformation Program (HTP), to greatly increase the quality of healthcare and protect all citizens from financial risks. Its introduction coincided with the period of sustained economic growth, allowing the Turkish government to put greater investments into the healthcare system. As part of the reforms, the "Green Card" program, which provides health benefits to the poor, was expanded in 2004.<ref>{{cite journal|title= Transforming Turkey's Health System – Lessons for Universal Coverage|volume=373|issue=14|pages=1285–1289|journal=[[New England Journal of Medicine]]|publisher=[[Massachusetts Medical Society]]|location=Waltham, Massachusetts|doi=10.1056/NEJMp1410433|pmid=26422719|year=2015|last1=Atun|first1=Rifat|s2cid=11495611}}</ref> The reform program aimed at increasing the ratio of private to state-run healthcare, which, along with long queues in state-run hospitals, resulted in the rise of private medical care in Turkey, forcing state-run hospitals to compete by increasing quality. In April 2006, Erdoğan unveiled a social security reform package demanded by the [[International Monetary Fund]] under a loan deal. The move, which Erdoğan called one of the most radical reforms ever, was passed with fierce opposition. Turkey's three social security bodies were united under one roof, bringing equal health services and retirement benefits for members of all three bodies. The previous system had been criticized for reserving the best healthcare for civil servants and relegating others to wait in long queues. Under the second bill, everyone under the age of 18 years was entitled to free health services, irrespective of whether they pay premiums to any social security organization. The bill also envisages a gradual increase in the retirement age: starting from 2036, the retirement age will increase to 65 by 2048 for both women and men.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/business_social-security-law-finally-passes-in-parliament_139477.html|access-date=3 December 2014|title=Social security law finally passes in Parliament|newspaper=Today's Zaman|date=19 April 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208052032/http://www.todayszaman.com/business_social-security-law-finally-passes-in-parliament_139477.html|archive-date=8 December 2014}}</ref> In January 2008, the Turkish Parliament adopted a law to prohibit smoking in most public places. Erdoğan is outspokenly anti-smoking.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnnturk.com/2010/turkiye/02/04/erdogan.sigara.terorden.tehlikeli/562365.0/|access-date=24 October 2011|trans-title=Erdoğan: Smoking is more dangerous than terror|work=CNNTürk|date=4 February 2010|language=tr|title=Erdoğan: "Sigara terörden tehlikeli"|archive-date=20 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520153846/http://www.cnnturk.com/2010/turkiye/02/04/erdogan.sigara.terorden.tehlikeli/562365.0/|url-status=live}}</ref> === Foreign policy === {{Main|Foreign policy of the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan government|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} [[File:Erdogan foreign trips as prime minister.png|thumb|[[List of prime ministerial trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Countries visited by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] as prime minister]] Turkish foreign policy during Erdoğan's tenure as prime minister has been associated with the name of [[Ahmet Davutoğlu]]. Davutoğlu was the chief foreign policy advisor of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before he was appointed foreign minister in 2009. The basis of Erdoğan's foreign policy is based on the principle of "don't make enemies, make friends"<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdoğan'dan dış politika dersi |url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/siyaset/erdogandan-dis-politika-dersi-1194456 |access-date=10 January 2020 |work=Milliyet |date=3 February 2010 |archive-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111212114/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/siyaset/erdogandan-dis-politika-dersi-1194456 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the pursuit of "zero problems" with neighboring countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish foreign policy: from status quo to soft power |url=https://www.esiweb.org/index.php?lang=en&id=281&story_ID=25&slide_ID=2 |website=esiweb.org |access-date=10 January 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112005243/https://www.esiweb.org/index.php?lang=en&id=281&story_ID=25&slide_ID=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan is co-founder of [[United Nations]] [[Alliance of Civilizations]] (AOC). The initiative seeks to galvanize international action against [[extremism]] through the forging of international, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and cooperation. ==== European Union ==== {{See also|European Union–Turkey relations}} [[File:Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch Prime Minister and President in office of the Council, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Prime Minister, and Abdullah Gül, Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan with President in office of the EU Council and Dutch Prime Minister [[Jan Peter Balkenende|Balkenende]] and Turkish FM [[Abdullah Gül|Gül]] in [[Brussels]], Belgium (2004)]] When Erdoğan came to power, he continued Turkey's long ambition of joining the [[European Union]]. Turkey, under Erdoğan, made many strides in its laws that would qualify for EU membership.<ref>{{cite news |title=EU agrees to Turkey entry talks |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/12/16/eu.turkey/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[CNN]] |date=16 December 2004 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319063538/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/12/16/eu.turkey/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 3 October 2005 negotiations began for [[Accession of Turkey to the European Union|Turkey's accession to the European Union]].<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7529707.stm|title=EU enlargement past, present and future|work=BBC News|date=6 November 2008|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-date=27 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827120630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7529707.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Piccoli |first1=Wolfango |date=2005 |title=Ankara's Push for Reforms and EU Membership: The Transformation of Turkey's Democracy |url=https://www.iemed.org/publication/ankaras-push-for-reforms-and-eu-membership-the-transformation-of-turkeys-democracy/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |website=www.iemed.org |publisher=University of Wales |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307173825/https://www.iemed.org/publication/ankaras-push-for-reforms-and-eu-membership-the-transformation-of-turkeys-democracy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan was named "The European of the Year 2004" by the newspaper [[European Voice]] for the reforms in his country in order to accomplish the accession of Turkey to the European Union. He said in a comment that "Turkey's accession shows that Europe is a continent where civilisations reconcile and not clash."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arsiv.ntvmsnbc.com/news/298717.asp?cp1=1|title=Erdoğan named European of the Year|work=[[NTV-MSNBC]]|date=1 December 2004|access-date=2 December 2004|archive-date=6 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106220511/http://arsiv.ntvmsnbc.com/news/298717.asp?cp1=1|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 October 2005, the negotiations for Turkey's accession to the EU formally started during Erdoğan's tenure as Prime Minister.<ref name="BBC News" /> The [[European Commission]] generally supports Erdoğan's reforms, but it remains critical of his policies. Negotiations about a possible [[European Union|EU]] membership came to a standstill in 2009 and 2010, when Turkish ports were closed to Cypriot ships. The Turkish government continues its refusal to recognize [[EU member state]] [[Cyprus]]. ==== Greece and Cyprus dispute ==== {{See also|Greece–Turkey relations}} [[File:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and George Papandreou, Erzurum January 2011 08.jpg|thumb|left|Erdoğan with [[Prime Minister of Greece|Greek Prime Minister]] [[George Papandreou]]]] Relations between Greece and Turkey were normalized during Erdoğan's tenure as prime minister. In May 2004, Erdoğan became the first Turkish Prime Minister to visit Greece since 1988, and the first to visit the [[Turks of Western Thrace|Turkish minority]] of [[Thrace]] since 1952. In 2007, Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister [[Kostas Karamanlis]] inaugurated the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline giving Caspian gas its first direct Western outlet.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/19/world/europe/19greece.html|title=Greece and Turkey Open Gas Pipeline|work=The New York Times|date=19 November 2007|access-date=1 February 2009|first=Anthee|last=Carassava|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709100041/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/19/world/europe/19greece.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Turkey and Greece signed an agreement to create a Combined Joint Operational Unit within the framework of NATO to participate in Peace Support Operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greekembassy.org/embassy/Content/en/Article.aspx?office=1&folder=24&article=22442|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422195959/http://www.greekembassy.org/embassy/Content/en/Article.aspx?office=1&folder=24&article=22442|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 April 2009|title=Turkish Foreign Minister's visit to Athens – Greek-Turkish agreement on confidence-building measures|work=greekembassy.org|access-date=4 December 2007}}</ref> Erdoğan and his party strongly supported the [[2004 Cypriot Annan Plan referendum|EU-backed referendum]] to reunify Cyprus in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3656919.stm|title=Analysis: Turkey's Cyprus gamble|work=BBC News|date=25 April 2004|access-date=1 February 2009|first=Jonny|last=Dymond|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119224814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3656919.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Negotiations about a possible EU membership came to a standstill in 2009 and 2010, when Turkish ports were closed to Cypriot ships as a consequence of the economic isolation of the internationally unrecognized [[Northern Cyprus|Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]] and the failure of the EU to end the isolation, as it had promised in 2004.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Bogdani|first=Mirela|year=2010|title=Turkey and the Dilemma of EU Accession: When Religion Meets Politics|journal=I.B. Tauris|pages=32–33}}</ref> The Turkish government continues its refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-pays-the-price-for-admitting-cyprus-turkish-prime-minister-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nid=40580|title=EU pays the price for admitting Cyprus: Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan|work=[[Hürriyet]] Daily News|date=5 February 2013|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010134109/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-pays-the-price-for-admitting-cyprus-turkish-prime-minister-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nid=40580|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Armenia ==== {{See also|Armenia–Turkey relations}} [[Armenia]] is Turkey's only neighbor which Erdoğan has not visited during his premiership. The Turkish-Armenian border has been closed since 1993 because of the [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]] with Turkey's close ally [[Azerbaijan]]. Diplomatic efforts resulted in the [[Armenia–Turkey relations|signing of protocols]] between Turkish and Armenian Foreign Ministers in Switzerland to improve relations between the two countries. One of the points of the agreement was the creation of a joint commission on the issue. The [[Constitutional Court of Armenia|Armenian Constitutional Court]] decided that the commission contradicts the [[Constitution of Armenia|Armenian constitution]]. Turkey responded saying that Armenian court's ruling on the protocols is not acceptable, resulting in a suspension of the rectification process by the Turkish side.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey says Armenian top court's ruling on protocols not acceptable |url=https://www.yenisafak.com/eslesmemis/turkey-says-armenian-top-courts-ruling-on-protocols-not-acceptable-236595 |access-date=10 January 2020 |work=Yeni Şafak |date=20 January 2010 |language=tr-TR |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506205733/https://www.yenisafak.com/eslesmemis/turkey-says-armenian-top-courts-ruling-on-protocols-not-acceptable-236595 |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan has said that Armenian President [[Serzh Sargsyan]] should apologize for calling on school children to re-occupy eastern Turkey. When asked by a student at a literature contest ceremony if Armenians will be able to get back their "western territories" along with Mt. Ararat, Sarksyan said, "This is the task of your generation".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://asbarez.com/erdogan-asks-sarkisian-to-apologize-for-western-armenia-remarks/ |title=Erdoğan urges Sarksyan to apologize for occupation remarks |publisher=asbarez.com |date=27 July 2011 |access-date=20 December 2021 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221182441/https://asbarez.com/erdogan-asks-sarkisian-to-apologize-for-western-armenia-remarks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Russia ==== {{See also|Russia–Turkey relations}} [[File:High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council.PNG|thumb|High-Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council with Prime Minister Erdoğan and President Putin]] In December 2004, [[President of Russia|President]] [[Vladimir Putin|Putin]] visited Turkey, making it the first presidential visit in the history of Turkish-Russian relations besides that of the Chairman of the [[Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union|Supreme Soviet of the USSR]], [[Nikolai Podgorny]] in 1972. In November 2005, Putin attended the inauguration of a jointly constructed [[Blue Stream]] natural gas pipeline in Turkey. This sequence of top-level visits has brought several important bilateral issues to the forefront. The two countries consider it their strategic goal to achieve "multidimensional co-operation", especially in the fields of energy, transport and the military. Specifically, Russia aims to invest in Turkey's fuel and energy industries, and it also expects to participate in tenders for the modernization of Turkey's military.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/foreign-affairs/turkey-russia-relations/article-134083|work=euractiv.com|title=Turkey-Russia relations|date=17 November 2005|access-date=2 February 2011|archive-date=15 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715114000/http://www.euractiv.com/en/foreign-affairs/turkey-russia-relations/article-134083|url-status=dead}}</ref> The relations during this time are described by President [[Dmitry Medvedev|Medvedev]] as "Turkey is one of our most important partners with respect to regional and international issues. We can confidently say that Russian-Turkish relations have advanced to the level of a multidimensional strategic partnership".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-209892-102-turkey-russia-eye-strategic-partnership-in-medvedev-visit.html|work=Today's Zaman|title=Turkey, Russia eye strategic partnership in Medvedev visit|date=11 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105183436/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-209892-102-turkey-russia-eye-strategic-partnership-in-medvedev-visit.html|archive-date=5 November 2013}}</ref> In May 2010, Turkey and Russia signed 17 agreements to enhance cooperation in energy and other fields, including pacts to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant and further plans for an oil pipeline from the [[Black Sea]] to the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. The leaders of both countries also signed an agreement on visa-free travel, enabling tourists to get into the other country for free and stay there for up to 30 days.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} ==== United States ==== {{See also|Turkey–United States relations}} [[File:Erdogan and Obama at the West Colonnade, Dec 7, 2009.jpg|thumb|left|Erdoğan and [[Barack Obama]] in [[White House]], 7 December 2009]] When [[Barack Obama]] became [[President of United States]], he made [[List of international presidential trips made by Barack Obama|his first overseas bilateral meeting to Turkey]] in April 2009. At a joint news conference in Turkey, Obama said: "I'm trying to make a statement about the importance of Turkey, not just to the United States but to the world. I think that where there's the most promise of building stronger [[Turkey – United States relations|US-Turkish relations]] is in the recognition that Turkey and the United States can build a model partnership in which a predominantly [[Christianity|Christian]] nation, a predominantly [[Muslim]] nation – a [[Western world|Western]] nation and a nation that straddles two continents," he continued, "that we can create a modern international community that is respectful, that is secure, that is prosperous, that there are not tensions – inevitable tensions between cultures – which I think is extraordinarily important."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/06/obama.turkey/index.html|title=Obama in Turkey|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=6 April 2006|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404183244/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/06/obama.turkey/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Iraq ==== {{See also|Iraq–Turkey relations}} Turkey under Erdoğan was named by the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush Administration]] as a part of the "[[coalition of the willing]]" that was central to the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2862343.stm|title=US names 'coalition of the willing'|date=18 March 2003|work=BBC News|access-date=29 August 2015|archive-date=26 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226195556/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2862343.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 March 2003, a motion allowing Turkish military to participate in the U.S.-led coalition's invasion of Iraq, along with the permission for foreign troops to be stationed in Turkey for this purpose, was overruled by the Turkish Parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey rejects U.S. troop proposal – Mar. 1, 2003 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/01/sprj.irq.main/ |access-date=10 January 2020 |publisher=CNN |date=2 March 2003 |archive-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111213917/https://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/01/sprj.irq.main/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After the fall of [[Saddam Hussein]], [[Iraq]] and Turkey signed 48 trade agreements on issues including security, energy, and water. The Turkish government attempted to mend relations with [[Iraqi Kurdistan]] by opening a Turkish university in [[Erbil]], and a Turkish consulate in [[Mosul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-191730-100-news-analysis-towards-a-new-era-in-ties-with-northern-iraq.html |title=Towards a new era in ties with Northern Iraq |date=2 November 2009 |work=Today's Zaman |access-date=3 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105191731/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-191730-100-news-analysis-towards-a-new-era-in-ties-with-northern-iraq.html |archive-date= 5 November 2009 }}</ref> Erdoğan's government fostered economic and political relations with [[Irbil]], and Turkey began to consider the [[Kurdistan Regional Government]] in northern Iraq as an ally against Maliki's government.<ref name=Kurd-Shiite-Sunni-Split>{{cite web|last=Salem|first=Paul|title=INSIGHT: Iraq's Tensions Heightened by Syria Conflict|url=http://middleeastvoices.voanews.com/2012/11/insight-iraqs-tensions-heightened-by-syria-conflict-96791/|publisher=Middle East Voices|access-date=3 November 2012|date=29 November 2012|archive-date=19 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619200757/http://middleeastvoices.voanews.com/2012/11/insight-iraqs-tensions-heightened-by-syria-conflict-96791/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==== Israel ==== {{See also|Israel–Turkey relations}} [[File:WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING 2009 - Recep Tayyip Erdogan.jpg|thumb|right|Erdoğan walks out of the session at the [[World Economic Forum]] in 2009, vows never to return.]] Erdoğan visited Israel on 1 May 2005, a gesture unusual for a leader of a Muslim majority country.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|last1=Myre|first1=Greg|title=Turkish Leader Visits Israel, Restoring Friendly Ties|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/02/world/middleeast/turkish-leader-visits-israel-restoring-friendly-ties.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=16 April 2017|date=2 May 2005|archive-date=22 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822142635/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/02/world/middleeast/turkish-leader-visits-israel-restoring-friendly-ties.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During his trip, Erdoğan visited the [[Yad Vashem]], Israel's official memorial to the victims of the [[Holocaust]].<ref name="nytimes.com" /> The [[President of Israel]] [[Shimon Peres]] addressed the Turkish parliament during a visit in 2007, the first time an Israeli leader had addressed the legislature of a predominantly Muslim nation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/peres-addresses-turkish-parliament/2007/11/14/1194766711166.html|title=Peres addresses Turkish Parliament|newspaper=[[Brisbane Times]]|date=14 November 2007|access-date=3 September 2011|archive-date=27 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127102423/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/peres-addresses-turkish-parliament/2007/11/14/1194766711166.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Their relationship worsened at the 2009 [[World Economic Forum]] conference over Israel's actions during the [[Gaza War (2008–09)|Gaza War]].<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news|title=WEF 2009 Turkish leader storms out of debate with Israeli PM|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/davos/4392331/WEF-2009-Turkish-leader-storms-out-of-debate-with-Israeli-PM.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/davos/4392331/WEF-2009-Turkish-leader-storms-out-of-debate-with-Israeli-PM.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|access-date=23 February 2011|date=30 January 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Erdoğan was interrupted by the moderator while he was responding to Peres. Erdoğan stated: "Mister Peres, you are older than I am. Maybe you are feeling guilty and that is why you are raising your voice. When it comes to killing you know it too well. I remember how you killed the children on beaches..." Upon the moderator's reminder that they needed to adjourn for dinner, Erdoğan left the panel, accusing the moderator of giving Peres more time than all the other panelists combined.<ref name="erdoganhurriyet">{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/10887282.asp?gid=244|title=Turkish PM storms out of Davos' Gaza session, slams moderator|work=Hürriyet Daily News|date=30 January 2009|access-date=1 February 2009|archive-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018172550/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/10887282.asp?gid=244|url-status=live}}</ref> Tensions increased further following the [[Gaza flotilla raid]] in May 2010. Erdoğan strongly condemned the raid, describing it as "state terrorism", and demanded an Israeli apology.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/turkish-pm-israel-is-the-main-threat-to-mideast-peace-1.901|title=Turkish PM: Israel is the main threat to Mideast peace|newspaper=Haaretz|access-date=8 September 2010|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423084827/http://www.haaretz.com/news/turkish-pm-israel-is-the-main-threat-to-mideast-peace-1.901|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2013, Erdoğan called [[Zionism]] a "crime against humanity", comparing it to Islamophobia, antisemitism, and fascism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kalman |first=Aaron |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-calls-zionism-a-crime-against-humanity/ |title=Erdogan calls Zionism a 'crime against humanity' |work=The Times of Israel |date=28 February 2013 |access-date=3 June 2013 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522110122/http://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-calls-zionism-a-crime-against-humanity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He later retracted the statement, saying he had been misinterpreted. He said "everyone should know" that his comments were directed at "Israeli policies", especially as regards to "Gaza and the settlements".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Mar-20/210853-erdogan-says-comments-on-zionism-misunderstood.ashx|title=Erdogan says comments on Zionism 'misunderstood'|work=The Lebanon Daily Star|date=20 March 2013|access-date=3 December 2014|agency=Agence Presse France|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206010642/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Mar-20/210853-erdogan-says-comments-on-zionism-misunderstood.ashx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/turkish-pm-says-zionism-comments-misinterpreted/|title=Turkish PM says Zionism comments misinterpreted|work=The Times of Israel|date=20 March 2013|access-date=3 December 2014|last=Fiske|first=Gavriel|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225910/http://www.timesofisrael.com/turkish-pm-says-zionism-comments-misinterpreted/|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan's statements were criticized by [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|UN Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]], among others.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/02/world/europe/kerry-criticizes-turkish-prime-minister-over-zionism-remark.html?hp&_r=1&|title=Kerry Comes to Turkey With Rebuke of Its Leader Over Zionism Remark|first=Michael|last=Gordon|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=1 March 2013|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=16 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716133044/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/02/world/europe/kerry-criticizes-turkish-prime-minister-over-zionism-remark.html?hp&_r=1&|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/1350833/Zionismus-ist-Verbrechen_Aussenamt-ruegt-Erdogan?from=suche.intern.portal|title=Zionismus ist Verbrechen: Außenamt rügt Erdogan|work=[[Die Presse]]|date=1 March 2013|access-date=3 December 2014|language=de|trans-title="Zionism is a crime": Foreign Ministry criticises Erdogan|archive-date=7 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107221210/https://www.diepresse.com/1350833/zionismus-ist-verbrechen-aussenamt-ruegt-erdogan|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2013, the ''[[Hürriyet]]'' reported that Erdoğan had claimed to have evidence of Israel's responsibility for the [[2013 Egyptian coup d'état|removal of Morsi from office in Egypt]].<ref name=Israelbehind>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-has-evidence-that-israel-was-behind-egypt-coup-erdogan.aspx?pageID=517&nID=52876&NewsCatID=338|title=Israel behind coup to oust Morsi, Turkish PM Erdoğan says|work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]|date=20 August 2013|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104110633/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-has-evidence-that-israel-was-behind-egypt-coup-erdogan.aspx?pageID=517&nID=52876&NewsCatID=338|url-status=live}}</ref> The Israeli and Egyptian governments dismissed the suggestion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/154587/turkey-has-evidence-that-israel-was-behind-egypt-coup-erdogan.html |title=Turkey has evidence that Israel was behind Egypt coup: Erdoğan |work=[[The Journal of Turkish Weekly]] |date=20 August 2013 |access-date=4 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021023932/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/154587/turkey-has-evidence-that-israel-was-behind-egypt-coup-erdogan.html |archive-date=21 October 2013 }}</ref> In response to the [[2014 Gaza War]], Erdoğan accused Israel of conducting "[[state terrorism]]" and a [[Palestinian genocide accusation|"genocide attempt" against the Palestinians]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Erdogan accuses Israel of 'using terrorism' in its operations against Hamas in Gaza|url=http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Erdogan-accuses-Israel-of-using-terrorism-in-its-operations-against-Hamas-in-Gaza-362759|access-date=18 July 2014|newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=14 July 2014|archive-date=18 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718041105/http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Erdogan-accuses-Israel-of-using-terrorism-in-its-operations-against-Hamas-in-Gaza-362759|url-status=live}}</ref> He also stated that "If Israel continues with this attitude, it will definitely be tried at international courts."<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan says Israel should face trial over Gaza assault |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-gaza-turkey-idUSKBN0FT2BZ20140724 |date=24 July 2014 |work=Reuters |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517182930/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-gaza-turkey-idUSKBN0FT2BZ20140724 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Syria ==== {{See also|Syria–Turkey relations}} [[File:Merkel, Putin, Erdoğan and Macron during the joint press release.jpg|thumb|[[Angela Merkel]], [[Vladimir Putin]], Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and [[Emmanuel Macron]] giving a press conference as part of Syria summit in Istanbul, Turkey]] During Erdoğan's term of office, diplomatic relations between Turkey and Syria significantly deteriorated. In 2004, President [[Bashar al-Assad]] arrived in Turkey for the first official visit by a Syrian President in 57 years. In late 2004, Erdoğan signed a free trade agreement with Syria. Visa restrictions between the two countries were lifted in 2009, which caused an economic boom in the regions near the Syrian border.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2004/01/06/son/sontur16.html|title=Türkiye, Suriye ile İsrail arasında kolaylaştırıcı rol üstlenebilir|newspaper=Milliyet|date=6 January 1990|access-date=8 September 2010|language=tr|trans-title=Turkey could play a role in facilitating Syria and Israel|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010134516/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2004/01/06/son/sontur16.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in 2011 the relationship between the two countries was strained following the outbreak of [[Syrian Civil War|conflict in Syria]]. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he was trying to "cultivate a favorable relationship with whatever government would take the place of Assad".<ref name="Dif relationship against Assad">{{cite web|last=Epatko|first=Larisa|title=Syria and Turkey: A Complex Relationship|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/11/syria-and-turkey.html|publisher=PBS NEWSHOUR|access-date=15 November 2012|date=15 November 2012|archive-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116134611/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/11/syria-and-turkey.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, he began to support the opposition in Syria, after demonstrations turned violent, creating a serious Syrian refugee problem in Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|title=Turks Concerned with Erdogan's Syria Policy|via= [[YouTube]]|date= 24 October 2014|access-date= 24 October 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5KJBioljJE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/y5KJBioljJE |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Erdoğan's policy of providing military training for anti-Damascus fighters has also created conflict with Syria's ally and a neighbour of Turkey, Iran.<ref>{{cite web|title=Senior MP Raps Erdogan's Policies on Syria|date=7 January 2013|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-314125007.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329055718/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-314125007.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2015|access-date=4 December 2014|work=FARS News}}</ref> ==== Saudi Arabia ==== {{See also|Saudi Arabia–Turkey relations}} In August 2006, [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as-Saud]] made a visit to Turkey. This was the first visit by a [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] monarch to Turkey in the last four decades. The monarch made a second visit, on 9 November 2007. Turk-Saudi trade volume has exceeded {{USD}} 3.2 billion in 2006, almost double the figure achieved in 2003. In 2009, this amount reached {{USD}} 5.5 billion and the goal for the year 2010 was {{USD}} 10 billion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.neurope.eu/articles/92934.php|work=New Europe|title=Turkey, Saudi Arabia increase cooperation|date=16 February 2009|access-date=14 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Erdoğan condemned the [[Saudi-led intervention in Bahrain]] and characterized the Saudi movement as "a new [[battle of Karbala|Karbala]]". He demanded withdrawal of Saudi forces from [[Bahrain]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhadrakumar|first1=M.K.|title=Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/MC25Ak02.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602082110/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/MC25Ak02.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 June 2011|work=Asia Times}}</ref> ==== Egypt ==== {{See also|Egypt–Turkey relations}} Erdoğan had made his first official visit to [[Egypt]] on 12 September 2011, accompanied by six ministers and 200 businessmen.<ref name="cnn_egypt">{{cite news| title=Turkish prime minister arrives for visit to Egypt as role widens| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/09/12/turkey.diplomacy/| publisher=CNN| date=14 September 2011| access-date=15 September 2011| archive-date=9 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709123302/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/09/12/turkey.diplomacy/| url-status=dead}}</ref> This visit was made very soon after Turkey had ejected Israeli ambassadors, cutting off all diplomatic relations with Israel because Israel refused to apologize for the [[Gaza flotilla raid]] which killed eight Turkish and one Turco-American.<ref name="cnn_egypt" /> Erdoğan's visit to Egypt was met with much enthusiasm by [[Egypt]]ians. [[CNN]] reported some Egyptians saying "We consider him as the Islamic leader in the Middle East", while others were appreciative of his role in supporting Gaza.<ref name="cnn_egypt" /> Erdoğan was later honoured in Tahrir Square by members of the Egyptian Revolution Youth Union, and members of the Turkish embassy were presented with a coat of arms in acknowledgment of the Prime Minister's support of the Egyptian Revolution.<ref name="democrati">{{cite news| title=Egypt and Turkey, an Axis against Democracy?| url=http://democrati.net/2011/09/30/egypt-and-turkey-an-axis-against-democracy/| publisher=democrati.net| date=30 September 2011| access-date=30 September 2011| archive-date=9 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709154401/https://democrati.net/2011/09/30/egypt-and-turkey-an-axis-against-democracy/| url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan stated in a 2011 interview that he supported secularism for Egypt, which generated an angry reaction among Islamic movements, especially the [[Freedom and Justice Party (Egypt)|Freedom and Justice Party]], which was the political wing of the [[Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt|Muslim Brotherhood]].<ref name="democrati" /> However, commentators suggest that by forming an alliance with the military junta during Egypt's transition to democracy, Erdoğan may have tipped the balance in favor of an authoritarian government.<ref name=democrati /> Erdoğan condemned the [[Rabaa massacre|sit-in dispersals]] conducted by Egyptian police on 14 August 2013 at the [[Rabaa Al-Adawiya Mosque|Rabaa al-Adawiya]] and al-Nahda squares, where violent clashes between police officers and pro-Morsi Islamist protesters led to hundreds of deaths, mostly protesters.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. condemns killings of Egypt protesters, Turkey wants U.N. action |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-protests-reaction/u-s-condemns-killings-of-egypt-protesters-turkey-wants-u-n-action-idUSBRE97D11920130814 |work=Reuters |date=14 August 2013 |access-date=12 July 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628212427/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-protests-reaction/u-s-condemns-killings-of-egypt-protesters-turkey-wants-u-n-action-idUSBRE97D11920130814 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2014, one year after the removal of [[Mohamed Morsi]] from office, Erdoğan described Egyptian President [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]] as an "illegitimate tyrant".<ref>"[http://news.yahoo.com/turkey-pm-erdogan-slams-egypts-illegitimate-tyrant-sisi-130905463.html Turkey PM slams Egypt's 'illegitimate tyrant' Sisi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630110628/https://news.yahoo.com/turkey-pm-erdogan-slams-egypts-illegitimate-tyrant-sisi-130905463.html |date=30 June 2022 }}". Yahoo News. 18 July 2014.</ref> ==== Somalia ==== {{See also|Somalia–Turkey relations}} [[File:2015 01 25 Turkish President Visit to Somalia-1 (16176887607).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan and Somalian President [[Hassan Sheikh Mohamud]] opening the new terminal of Aden Abdulle International Airport in [[Mogadishu]], [[Somalia]]]] Erdoğan's administration maintains strong ties with the Somali government. During the [[2011 East Africa drought|drought of 2011]], Erdoğan's government contributed over $201 million to humanitarian relief efforts in the impacted parts of Somalia.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-raises-201-million-for-somalia-2011-08-26 | work=Hürriyet Daily News | title=Turkey raises $201 million for Somalia | date=26 August 2011 | access-date=31 October 2011 | archive-date=8 September 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908092346/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-raises-201-million-for-somalia-2011-08-26 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Following a greatly improved security situation in [[Mogadishu]] in mid-2011, the Turkish government also re-opened its foreign embassy with the intention of more effectively assisting in the post-conflict development process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-248_-1-november-2011_-press-release-regarding-the-re-opening-of-the-turkish-embassy-in-mogadishu.en.mfa|title=From Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|website=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=1 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401081908/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-248_-1-november-2011_-press-release-regarding-the-re-opening-of-the-turkish-embassy-in-mogadishu.en.mfa|url-status=live}}</ref> It was among the first foreign governments to resume formal diplomatic relations with Somalia after the civil war.<ref name="nation" /> In May 2010, the Turkish and Somali governments signed a military training agreement, in keeping with the provisions outlined in the Djibouti Peace Process.<ref name="Tssmtp">{{cite news|title=Turkey-Somalia military agreement approved|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-somalia-military-agreement-approved_297699.html|access-date=13 August 2013|newspaper=Today's Zaman|date=9 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027232406/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-somalia-military-agreement-approved_297699.html|archive-date=27 October 2014}}</ref> [[Turkish Airlines]] became the first long-distance international commercial airline in two decades to resume flights to and from Mogadishu's [[Aden Adde International Airport]].<ref name="nation">{{cite news|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/Why-Turkish-aid-model-is-proving-to-be-a-success-/-/440808/1378016/-/item/0/-/7rmpkt/-/index.html|title=Why Turkish aid model is proving to be a success in Somalia and elsewhere|author=Rasna Warah|work=Saturday Nation|date=1 April 2012|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110212547/http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/Why-Turkish-aid-model-is-proving-to-be-a-success-/-/440808/1378016/-/item/0/-/7rmpkt/-/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Turkey also launched various development and infrastructure projects in Somalia including building several hospitals and helping renovate the National Assembly building.<ref name="nation" /> === Protests === {{Main|Gezi Park protests}} The 2013 [[Gezi Park protests]] were held against the perceived [[authoritarianism]] of Erdoğan and his policies, starting from a small sit-in in [[Istanbul]] in defense of a [[Taksim Gezi Park|city park]].<ref name="Reflections">{{cite book|title=Reflections on Taksim – Gezi Park Protests in Turkey|url=http://www.keele.ac.uk/journal-globalfaultlines/publications/geziReflections.pdf|publisher=Journal of Global Faultlines|last1=Gökay|first1=Bülent|last2=Xypolia|first2=Ilia|year=2013|access-date=18 September 2013|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053344/http://www.keele.ac.uk/journal-globalfaultlines/publications/geziReflections.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the [[General Directorate of Security (Turkey)|police]]'s intense reaction with [[tear gas]], the protests grew each day. Faced by the largest mass protest in a decade, Erdoğan made this controversial remark in a televised speech: "The police were there yesterday, they are there today, and they will be there tomorrow". After weeks of clashes in the streets of [[Istanbul]], his government at first apologized to the protestors<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/05/world/europe/turkey-riots.html|title=Turkish Official Apologizes for Force Used at Start of Riots|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=4 June 2013|first=Sebnem|last=Arsu|date=4 June 2013|archive-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104045055/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/05/world/europe/turkey-riots.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> and called for a [[plebiscite]], but then ordered a crackdown on the protesters.<ref name="Reflections" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/world/europe/protesters-in-turkey.html|title=Police Storm Park in Istanbul, Setting Off a Night of Chaos|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=18 June 2013|date=15 June 2013|last1=Arango|first1=Tim|last2=Arsu|first2=Sebnem|first3=Ceylan|last3=Yeginsu|archive-date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205180954/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/world/europe/protesters-in-turkey.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Presidency== {{Main|Presidency of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} Erdoğan took the oath of office on 28 August 2014 and became the 12th [[president of Turkey]].<ref>{{cite news |date=10 August 2014 |title=Erdogan set for victory in presidential poll |language=en |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/8/10/erdogan-set-for-victory-in-presidential-poll |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404172010/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/8/10/erdogan-set-for-victory-in-presidential-poll |url-status=live }}</ref> He administered the new Prime Minister [[Ahmet Davutoğlu]]'s oath on 29 August. When asked about his lower-than-expected 51.79% share of the vote, he allegedly responded, "there were even those who did not like the [[Muhammad|Prophet]]. I, however, won 52%".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nediyor.com/2014/08/14/dusuk-oy-elestirilerine-peygamberli-yanit-iddiasi/|title=Düşük oy eleştirilerine "Peygamber"li yanıt iddiası|work=nediyor.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212222511/http://nediyor.com/2014/08/14/dusuk-oy-elestirilerine-peygamberli-yanit-iddiasi/|archive-date=12 February 2015}}</ref> Assuming the role of President, Erdoğan was criticized for openly stating that he would not maintain the tradition of presidential neutrality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnnturk.com/haber/turkiye/erdogan-secilirsem-tarafsiz-olmayacagim|title=Erdoğan: "Seçilirsem tarafsız olmayacağım"|language=tr|trans-title=Erdoğan: "I will not be impartial if selected"|date=7 August 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|work=CNNTürk|archive-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013031659/http://www.cnnturk.com/haber/turkiye/erdogan-secilirsem-tarafsiz-olmayacagim|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan has also stated his intention to pursue a more active role as president, such as utilizing the President's rarely used cabinet-calling powers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/erdogan-vows-strong-turkey-final-election-rally-174303362.html|title=Turkey's Erdogan prepares for strongman president role|last1=Ozerkan|first1=Fulya|last2=Williams|first2=Stuart|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=11 August 2014|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014024833/http://news.yahoo.com/erdogan-vows-strong-turkey-final-election-rally-174303362.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The political opposition has argued that Erdoğan will continue to pursue his own political agenda, controlling the government, while his new Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu would be docile and submissive.<ref name="foxnews.com">{{cite news |date=21 August 2014 |title=Turkey's Davutoglu expected to be a docile Prime Minister with Erdogan calling the shots |publisher=Fox News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/turkeys-davutoglu-expected-to-be-a-docile-prime-minister-_-with-erdogan-calling-the-shots |access-date=27 November 2014 |archive-date=18 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018172550/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/08/21/turkey-davutoglu-expected-to-be-docile-prime-minister-with-erdogan-calling/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, the domination of loyal Erdoğan supporters in Davutoğlu's [[Cabinet Davutoğlu|cabinet]] fuelled speculation that Erdoğan intended to exercise substantial control over the government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/new-turkish-cabinet-shows-continuity-with-erdogan-legacy-1409312847|title=New Turkish Cabinet Shows Continuity With Erdogan Legacy|author=Yeliz Candemir|date=29 August 2014|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010084228/http://online.wsj.com/articles/new-turkish-cabinet-shows-continuity-with-erdogan-legacy-1409312847|url-status=live}}</ref> === Presidential elections === {{Main|2014 Turkish presidential election|2018 Turkish presidential election|2023 Turkish presidential election}} [[File:Turkey 2018 elections, ballots 2.jpg|thumb|Ballot paper for the [[2018 Turkish presidential election|2018 presidential election]]]] On 1 July 2014, Erdoğan was named the [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AKP]]'s presidential candidate in the [[2014 Turkish presidential election|Turkish presidential election]]. His candidacy was announced by the Deputy President of the AKP, [[Mehmet Ali Şahin]]. Erdoğan made a speech after the announcement and used the 'Erdoğan logo' for the first time. The logo was criticized because it was very similar to the logo that U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] used in the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdoğan'ın seçim logosu sosyal medyayı karıştırdı |trans-title=Erdoğan's logo stirs social media |author=Zeynep Gürcanlı |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/26720140.asp |newspaper=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |date=1 July 2014 |access-date=26 March 2015 |archive-date=18 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018172550/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/26720140.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan was elected as the President of Turkey in the first round of the election with 51.79% of the vote, obviating the need for a run-off by winning over 50%. The joint candidate of the [[Republican People's Party|CHP]], [[Nationalist Movement Party|MHP]] and 13 other opposition parties, former [[Organisation of Islamic Co-operation]] general secretary [[Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu]] won 38.44% of the vote. The pro-Kurdish [[Peoples' Democratic Party (Turkey)|HDP]] candidate [[Selahattin Demirtaş]] won 9.76%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yurt içi, yurt dışı ve gümrük sandıkları dahil cumhurbaşkanı seçim sonucu |trans-title=Presidential election results including domestic, foreign and customs ballot boxes |url=http://www.ysk.gov.tr/ysk/content/conn/YSKUCM/path/Contribution%20Folders/HaberDosya/2014CB-Kesin-416_d_Genel.pdf |publisher=[[Supreme Electoral Council of Turkey]] |date=15 August 2014 |access-date=26 March 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032009/http://www.ysk.gov.tr/ysk/content/conn/YSKUCM/path/Contribution%20Folders/HaberDosya/2014CB-Kesin-416_d_Genel.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[2018 Turkish presidential election]] took place as part of the [[2018 Turkish general election|2018 general election]], alongside [[2018 Turkish parliamentary election|parliamentary elections]] on the same day. Following the approval of constitutional changes in a [[2017 Turkish constitutional referendum|referendum]] held in 2017, the elected [[President of Turkey|President]] will be both the [[head of state]] and [[head of government]] of Turkey, taking over the latter role from the to-be-abolished office of the [[Prime Minister of Turkey|Prime Minister]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/apr/16/turkey-referendum-recep-tayyip-erdogan-votes-presidential-powers |title=Turkey referendum: Erdoğan wins vote amid dispute over ballots – as it happened |work=The Guardian |date=16 April 2017 |access-date=23 October 2017 |archive-date=27 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227140040/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2017/apr/16/turkey-referendum-recep-tayyip-erdogan-votes-presidential-powers |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan declared his candidacy for the [[People's Alliance (Turkey)|People's Alliance]] (Turkish: ''Cumhur İttifakı'') on 27 April 2018, with support from the MHP.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ganioglu |first1=Ayla |date=2 July 2018 |title=How long can Erdogan's alliance survive? – Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East |language=en |work=al-monitor.com |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/07/turkey-how-long-could-erdogans-alliance-survive.html |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404091731/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/07/turkey-how-long-could-erdogans-alliance-survive.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His main opposition, the [[Republican People's Party]], nominated [[Muharrem İnce]], a member of parliament known for his combative opposition and spirited speeches against Erdoğan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey's main opposition nominates combative former teacher to challenge Erdogan|date=4 May 2018|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election/turkeys-main-opposition-nominates-combative-former-teacher-to-challenge-erdogan-idUSKBN1I50V4|work=Reuters|access-date=6 May 2018|last1=Solaker|first1=Gulsen|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404220306/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election/turkeys-main-opposition-nominates-combative-former-teacher-to-challenge-erdogan-idUSKBN1I50V4|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to these candidates, [[Meral Akşener]], the founder and leader of the [[Good Party]], [[Temel Karamollaoğlu]], the leader of the [[Felicity Party]], and [[Doğu Perinçek]], the leader of the [[Patriotic Party (Turkey)|Patriotic Party]], also announced their candidacies and gathered the 100,000 signatures required for nomination. Erdoğan won the election with 52.59% of the popular vote.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/iyi-parti-genel-baskani-aksener-100-bin-imzayla-cumhurbaskani-adayi-olacagim,bDEX_kvnB065HK_Y2E_tnw|title=100 bin imzayla Cumhurbaşkanı adayı olacağım|date=18 April 2018|publisher=NTV|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418174015/https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/iyi-parti-genel-baskani-aksener-100-bin-imzayla-cumhurbaskani-adayi-olacagim,bDEX_kvnB065HK_Y2E_tnw|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2023 Turkish presidential election|2023 presidential election]], Erdoğan’s candidacy was contested due to his campaign launch in June 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 June 2022 |title=Turkish leader Erdogan says he will run for reelection next year |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-06-10/turkey-erdogan-run-reelection-next-year |access-date=28 January 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610111029/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-06-10/turkey-erdogan-run-reelection-next-year |url-status=live }}</ref> with the opposition arguing that a third term would violate the [[Constitution of Turkey|constitution]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2023 |title=Table of Six: Legally Erdoğan cannot run for a third term on May 14 |url=https://bianet.org/english/politics/273383-table-of-six-legally-erdogan-cannot-run-for-a-third-term-on-may-14 |website=[[Bianet]] |access-date=28 January 2023 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307221756/https://bianet.org/english/politics/273383-table-of-six-legally-erdogan-cannot-run-for-a-third-term-on-may-14 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the first round of voting, Erdoğan failed to secure the required 50% threshold, leading to a runoff election against the runner-up, [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]].<ref>{{Cite news |first1=Archie |last1=Bland |first2=Ruth |last2=Michaelson |date=15 May 2023 |title=Turkey election: what can we expect from Erdoğan v Kılıçdaroğlu runoff? |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/15/turkey-election-what-can-we-expect-from-erdogan-v-kilicdaroglu-runoff |access-date=29 May 2023 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529035958/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/15/turkey-election-what-can-we-expect-from-erdogan-v-kilicdaroglu-runoff |url-status=live }}</ref> Erdoğan ultimately won the second round on 28 May 2023, receiving 52.18% of the vote. On 8 March 2024, he declared that he would retire once his presidential term ended in 2028.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2024 |title=Turkey's Erdogan says March election will be his final, state media reports |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-says-march-election-will-be-his-final-state-media-reports-2024-03-08/ |access-date=27 July 2024 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> === Referendum === In April 2017, a [[2017 Turkish constitutional referendum|constitutional referendum]] was held, where the voters in Turkey (and Turkish citizens abroad) approved a set of 18 proposed amendments to the Constitution of Turkey.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 June 2018 |title=Turkey's powerful new executive presidency |work=Reuters.com |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election-factbox-idUSKBN1JI1O1 |access-date=11 February 2019 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213121909/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election-factbox-idUSKBN1JI1O1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The amendments included the replacement of the existing [[parliamentary system]] with a [[presidential system]]. The post of [[Prime Minister of Turkey|Prime Minister]] would be abolished, and the presidency would become an [[executive president|executive post]] vested with broad executive powers. The parliament seats would be increased from 550 to 600 and the [[age of candidacy]] to the parliament was lowered from 25 to 18. The referendum also called for changes to the [[Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38883556 |title=Why did Turkey hold a referendum? |work=BBC News |date=10 February 2017 |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414070936/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38883556 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Local elections ==== {{Main|2019 Turkish local elections}} In the [[2019 Turkish local elections|2019 local elections]], the ruling party AKP lost control of Istanbul and Ankara for the first time in 25 years, as well as 5 of Turkey's 6 largest cities. The loss has been widely attributed to Erdoğan's mismanagement of the Turkish economic crisis, rising authoritarianism as well as the alleged government inaction on the [[Refugees of the Syrian Civil War in Turkey|Syrian refugee crisis]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Gall |first=Carlotta |date=23 June 2019 |title=Turkey's President Suffers Stinging Defeat in Istanbul Election Redo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/istanbul-mayor-election-erdogan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806102800/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/istanbul-mayor-election-erdogan.html |archive-date=6 August 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Soon after the elections, [[Supreme Electoral Council (Turkey)|Supreme Electoral Council of Turkey]] ordered a [[June 2019 Istanbul mayoral election|re-election in Istanbul]], cancelling [[Ekrem İmamoğlu]]'s mayoral certificate. The decision led to a significant decrease of Erdoğan's and AKP's popularity and his party lost the elections again in June with a greater margin.<ref name="bbcelection">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48739256 |title=Turkey's ruling party loses Istanbul election |date=23 June 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=20 August 2019 |archive-date=8 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908121738/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48739256 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/23/europe/turkey-istanbul-mayor-election-intl/index.html|title=Istanbul election rerun set to be won by opposition, in blow to Erdogan|author=Isil Sariyuce and Ivana Kottasová|date=23 June 2019|publisher=CNN|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-date=29 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829143116/https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/23/europe/turkey-istanbul-mayor-election-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-setback-for-erdogan-opposition-candidate-wins-istanbul-mayor-seat-11561309654|title=In Setback for Erdogan, Opposition Candidate Wins Istanbul Mayor Seat|last=Gauthier-Villars|first=David|website=The Wall Street Journal|date=23 June 2019|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-date=15 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515215548/https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-setback-for-erdogan-opposition-candidate-wins-istanbul-mayor-seat-11561309654|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web |url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2019/dunya/son-dakika-financial-timestan-sok-istanbul-secimi-yorumu-5194106 |title=Son dakika… Financial Times'tan şok İstanbul seçimi yorumu |website=sozcu.com.tr |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019 |archive-date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624181049/https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2019/dunya/son-dakika-financial-timestan-sok-istanbul-secimi-yorumu-5194106/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The result was seen as a huge blow to Erdoğan, who had once said that if his party 'lost Istanbul, we would lose Turkey. The opposition's victory was characterised as 'the beginning of the end' for Erdoğan',<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48744733|title=Can Erdogan bounce back from big Turkey defeat?|last=Lowen|first=Mark|date=24 June 2019|access-date=6 August 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630013142/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48744733|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thenational.ae">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/opinion/editorial/the-beginning-of-the-end-for-erdogan-1.878567|title=The beginning of the end for Erdogan?|website=The National|date=24 June 2019|language=en|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624154015/https://www.thenational.ae/opinion/editorial/the-beginning-of-the-end-for-erdogan-1.878567|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/24/could-imamoglu-victory-in-istanbul-be-beginning-of-the-end-for-erdogan|title=Could Imamoglu victory in Istanbul be 'beginning of the end' for Erdogan?|date=24 June 2019|website=euronews|language=en|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708194855/https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/24/could-imamoglu-victory-in-istanbul-be-beginning-of-the-end-for-erdogan|url-status=live}}</ref> with international commentators calling the re-run a huge government miscalculation that led to a potential İmamoğlu candidacy in the next scheduled [[2023 Turkish general election|presidential election]].<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":12" /> It is suspected that the scale of the government's defeat could provoke a cabinet reshuffle and early general elections, currently scheduled for June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/24/turkeys-erdogan-suffers-election-blow-but-vote-sparks-hope-for-change.html|title=Turkey's Erdogan suffers election blow, sparking hope for change|first=Holly|last=Ellyatt|date=24 June 2019|publisher=CNBC|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002733/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/24/turkeys-erdogan-suffers-election-blow-but-vote-sparks-hope-for-change.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/istanbul-mayor-election-erdogan.html|title=Turkey's President Suffers Stinging Defeat in Istanbul Election Redo|last=Gall|first=Carlotta|date=23 June 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=6 August 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806102800/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/23/world/europe/istanbul-mayor-election-erdogan.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The New Zealand and Australian governments and opposition [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] party have criticized Erdoğan after he repeatedly showed video taken by the [[Christchurch mosque shootings|Christchurch mosque shooter]] to his supporters at campaign rallies for [[2019 Turkish local elections|31 March local elections]] and said Australians and New Zealanders who came to Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiments "would be sent back in coffins like their grandfathers" at [[Gallipoli Campaign|Gallipoli]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan uses New Zealand attack video at campaign rally |url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-recep-tayyip-erdogan-uses-new-zealand-attack-video-at-campaign-rally/a-47959569 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=18 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-date=19 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319164811/https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-recep-tayyip-erdogan-uses-new-zealand-attack-video-at-campaign-rally/a-47959569 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Deeply offended' PM demands Turkey's Erdogan withdraws Gallipoli 'coffins' comment |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/deeply-offended-pm-demands-turkey-s-erdogan-withdraws-gallipoli-coffins-comment |work=SBS News |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322073522/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/deeply-offended-pm-demands-turkey-s-erdogan-withdraws-gallipoli-coffins-comment |url-status=live }}</ref> === Domestic policy === ==== Presidential palace ==== Erdoğan has also received criticism for the construction of a new official residence called the [[Presidential Complex (Turkey)|Presidential Complex]], which takes up approximately 50 acres of [[Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo|Atatürk Forest Farm]] (AOÇ) in [[Ankara]].<ref>[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogans-ak-saray-likened-to-alamut-castle-ceausescus-palace.aspx?pageID=238&nID=73936&NewsCatID=338# Erdoğan's 'Ak Saray' likened to Alamut Castle, Ceausescu's Palace] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116175533/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogans-ak-saray-likened-to-alamut-castle-ceausescus-palace.aspx?PageID=238&NID=73936&NewsCatID=338 |date=16 November 2014 }} (hurriyetdailynews.com. Retrieved 9 April 2016)</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/01/world/europe/erdogan-uses-conflict-to-consolidate-power.html?referrer|title=Turkis Leader, Using Conflicts, Cements Power|author=Tim Arango|work=The New York Times|date=31 October 2014|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102133325/http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/01/world/europe/erdogan-uses-conflict-to-consolidate-power.html?referrer|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the AOÇ is protected land, several court orders were issued to halt the construction of the new palace, though building work went on nonetheless.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://therealdeal.com/blog/2014/11/01/turkish-president-drops-350m-on-new-palace/|title=Turkish President drops $350m on new palace|author=Christopher Cameron|work=The Real Deal: New York Real Estate News|date=1 November 2014|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106051014/http://therealdeal.com/blog/2014/11/01/turkish-president-drops-350m-on-new-palace/|url-status=live}}</ref> The opposition described the move as a clear disregard for the rule of law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/turkiye/136319/Erdogan_dan__Kac-Ak_Saray__icin_yorum.html|title=Erdoğan'dan 'Kaç-Ak Saray' için yorum|language=tr|trans-title=How Erdoğan's 'illegal palace' looks|date=1 November 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|work=Cumhuriyet|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124218/http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/turkiye/136319/Erdogan_dan__Kac-Ak_Saray__icin_yorum.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was subject to heavy criticism and allegations were made; of corruption during the construction process, wildlife destruction and the complete obliteration of the zoo in the AOÇ in order to make way for the new compound.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/national_critical-media-block-imposed-on-ak-saray-opening-amid-graft-concerns_362922.html|title=Critical media block imposed on 'Ak Saray' amid opening graft concerns|newspaper=Today's Zaman|date=29 October 2014|access-date=27 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125103048/http://www.todayszaman.com/national_critical-media-block-imposed-on-ak-saray-opening-amid-graft-concerns_362922.html|archive-date=25 November 2014}}</ref> The fact that the palace is technically illegal has led to it being branded as the 'Kaç-Ak Saray', the word ''kaçak'' in Turkish meaning 'illegal'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/video/video/136120/Kac-Ak_Saray_a_mehterli_tanitim.html|work=Cumhuriyet|date=31 October 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|title=Kaç-Ak Saray'a mehterli tanıtım|language=tr|trans-title="Illegal" palace promotional material|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303051432/http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/video/video/136120/Kac-Ak_Saray_a_mehterli_tanitim.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ak Saray was originally designed as a new office for the Prime Minister. However, upon assuming the presidency, Erdoğan announced that the palace would become the new Presidential Palace, while the [[Çankaya Mansion]] will be used by the Prime Minister instead. The move was seen as a historic change since the [[Çankaya Mansion]] had been used as the iconic office of the presidency ever since its inception. The [[Presidential Complex]] has almost 1,000 rooms and cost $350 million (€270 million), leading to strong criticism at a time when mining accidents and workers' rights had been dominating the agenda.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_ak-saray-alman-basininda_2254265.html|title='Ak-Saray' Alman basınında|language=tr|trans-title=Ak Saray in the German press|date=30 October 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|work=Zaman|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201150226/http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_ak-saray-alman-basininda_2254265.html|archive-date=1 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/09/turkey-erdogan-white-palace-presidential-residence.html|title=Erdogan's $350m presidential palace|work=Al-Monitor|author=Kadri Gursel|date=17 September 2014|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321095805/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/09/turkey-erdogan-white-palace-presidential-residence.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 October 2014, Erdoğan was due to hold a [[Republic Day (Turkey)|Republic Day]] reception in the new palace to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the [[Turkey|Republic of Turkey]] and to officially inaugurate the [[Presidential Complex|Presidential Palace]]. However, after most invited participants announced that they would boycott the event and a mining accident occurred in the district of [[Ermenek]] in [[Karaman]], the reception was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/27477903.asp|title=29 Ekim resepsiyonu iptal|language=tr|trans-title=29 October reception cancelled|date=30 October 2014|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=2 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302103334/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/27477903.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== The media ==== [[File:Turkish journalists protesting imprisonment of their colleagues in 2016.jpg|thumb|Turkish journalists protesting imprisonment of their colleagues on [[Human Rights Day]], 10 December 2016]] President Erdoğan and his government continue to press for court action against the remaining free press in Turkey. The latest newspaper that has been seized is ''[[Zaman (newspaper)|Zaman]]'', in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/05/world/middleeast/recep-tayyip-erdogan-government-seizes-zaman-newspaper.html|title=Turkey Seizes Newspaper, Zaman, as Press Crackdown Continues|work=The New York Times|first1=Safak|last1=Timur|first2=Tim|last2=Arango|date=4 March 2016|access-date=16 April 2022|archive-date=28 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328155824/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/05/world/middleeast/recep-tayyip-erdogan-government-seizes-zaman-newspaper.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the seizure [[Morton Abramowitz]] and [[Eric Edelman]], former U.S. ambassadors to Turkey, condemned President Erdoğan's actions in an opinion piece published by ''[[The Washington Post]]'': "Clearly, democracy cannot flourish under Erdoğan now".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/turkeys-erdogan-must-reform-or-resign/2016/03/10/80cc9be2-dffe-11e5-9c36-e1902f6b6571_story.html|title=Turkey's Erdogan must reform or resign|newspaper=The Washington Post|first1=Mort|last1=Abramowitz|first2=Eric|last2=Edelman|date=10 March 2016|access-date=17 April 2022|archive-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407004501/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/turkeys-erdogan-must-reform-or-resign/2016/03/10/80cc9be2-dffe-11e5-9c36-e1902f6b6571_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> "The overall pace of reforms in Turkey has not only slowed down but in some key areas, such as freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary, there has been a regression, which is particularly worrying", rapporteur [[Kati Piri]] said in April 2016 after [[the European Parliament]] passed its annual progress report on Turkey.<ref name="Deutsche Welle">{{cite web|url=http://www.dw.com/en/european-parliament-slams-turkey-over-deterioration-of-rights-and-democracy/a-19189464|title=European Parliament slams Turkey over deterioration of rights and democracy|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=14 April 2016|access-date=6 June 2015|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414165834/http://www.dw.com/en/european-parliament-slams-turkey-over-deterioration-of-rights-and-democracy/a-19189464|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 June 2016, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that he considered himself successful in "destroying" Turkish civil groups "working against the state",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-says-civil-society-groups-working-against-turkish-state-largely-destroyed.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100789&NewsCatID=338|title=Erdoğan says 'civil society groups working against Turkish state' largely destroyed|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News|date=22 June 2016|access-date=23 June 2016|archive-date=23 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623163101/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-says-civil-society-groups-working-against-turkish-state-largely-destroyed.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100789&NewsCatID=338|url-status=live}}</ref> a conclusion that had been confirmed some days earlier by [[Sedat Laçiner]], Professor of International Relations and rector of the [[Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University]]: "Outlawing unarmed and peaceful opposition, sentencing people to unfair punishment under erroneous terror accusations, will feed genuine terrorism in Erdoğan's Turkey. Guns and violence will become the sole alternative for legally expressing free thought".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theturkishsun.com/opponent-or-terrorist-the-dramatically-changing-nature-of-turkish-democracy-20313/|title=Opponent or Terrorist? The dramatically changing nature of Turkish democracy|work=The Turkish Sun|date=16 June 2016|access-date=23 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619081327/http://theturkishsun.com/opponent-or-terrorist-the-dramatically-changing-nature-of-turkish-democracy-20313/|archive-date=19 June 2016}}</ref> After the coup attempt, over 200 journalists were arrested and over 120 media outlets were closed. ''[[Cumhuriyet]]'' journalists were detained in November 2016 after a long-standing crackdown on the newspaper. Subsequently, [[Reporters Without Borders]] called Erdoğan an "enemy of press freedom" and said that he "hides his aggressive dictatorship under a veneer of democracy".<ref>{{cite web|title=Reporters Without Borders labels Erdogan as 'enemy of press freedom'|url=http://www.dw.com/en/reporters-without-borders-labels-erdogan-as-enemy-of-press-freedom/a-36228949|publisher=Deutsche Welle|access-date=13 November 2016|date=2 November 2016|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114004630/http://www.dw.com/en/reporters-without-borders-labels-erdogan-as-enemy-of-press-freedom/a-36228949|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Turkey temporarily blocked access to [[Twitter]].<ref name="Turkey Blocks Twitter">{{cite news |date=21 March 2014 |title=Turkey Blocks Twitter |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkey-blocks-access-to-twitter/2014/03/20/7bad19d2-b08c-11e3-b8b3-44b1d1cd4c1f_story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=27 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321092718/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkey-blocks-access-to-twitter/2014/03/20/7bad19d2-b08c-11e3-b8b3-44b1d1cd4c1f_story.html |archive-date=21 March 2014}}</ref> In April 2017, Turkey [[Block of Wikipedia in Turkey|blocked all access to Wikipedia]] over a content dispute.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Guardian|last1=Shieber|first1=Jonathan|title=Wikipedia has been blocked in Turkey|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/29/turkey-blocks-wikipedia-under-law-designed-to-protect-national-security|access-date=29 April 2017|date=29 April 2017|archive-date=5 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805103010/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/29/turkey-blocks-wikipedia-under-law-designed-to-protect-national-security|url-status=live}}</ref> The Turkish government lifted a two-and-a-half-year ban on Wikipedia on 15 January 2020, restoring access to the online encyclopedia a month after [[Constitutional Court of Turkey|Turkey's top court]] ruled that blocking Wikipedia was unconstitutional. On 1 July 2020, in a statement made to his party members, Erdoğan announced that the government would introduce new measures and regulations to control or shut down social media platforms such as [[YouTube]], Twitter and [[Netflix]]. Through these new measures, each company would be required to appoint an official representative in the country to respond to legal concerns. The decision came after a number of Twitter users insulted his daughter [[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]] after she gave birth to her fourth child.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-turkey-security-socialmedia/turkey-determined-to-control-social-media-platforms-erdogan-says-idUKKBN2425Y4|title=Turkey determined to control social media platforms, Erdogan says|work=Reuters|date=1 July 2020|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=1 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701132727/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-turkey-security-socialmedia/turkey-determined-to-control-social-media-platforms-erdogan-says-idUKKBN2425Y4|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==== State of emergency and purges ==== {{Main|Purges in Turkey following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt}} On 20 July 2016, President Erdoğan declared the [[state of emergency]], citing the coup d'état attempt as justification.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Loveday |last2=Naylor |first2=Hugh |date=20 July 2016 |title=Turkey declares a state of emergency for three months |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/turkey-bans-all-academics-from-travelling-in-latest-post-coup-measures/2016/07/20/f3498b44-4de5-11e6-bf27-405106836f96_story.html |access-date=18 October 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=9 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409190658/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/turkey-bans-all-academics-from-travelling-in-latest-post-coup-measures/2016/07/20/f3498b44-4de5-11e6-bf27-405106836f96_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was first scheduled to last three months. The Turkish parliament approved this measure.<ref>[http://www.wilx.com/content/news/Turkeys-parliament-approves-state-of-emergency-387811071.html Turkey's parliament approves state of emergency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203174713/http://www.wilx.com/content/news/Turkeys-parliament-approves-state-of-emergency-387811071.html |date=3 February 2017 }} (21 July 2016, wilx.com)</ref> The state of emergency was later continuously extended until 2018<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=18 July 2018 |title=Turkey ends state of emergency after two years |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44881328 |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012180149/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44881328 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Turkey's failed coup attempt: All you need to know |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/turkey-failed-coup-attempt-161217032345594.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=19 May 2019 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816085400/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/turkey-failed-coup-attempt-161217032345594.html |url-status=live }}</ref> amidst the ongoing [[purges in Turkey following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt]] including [[Turkey's media purge after the failed July 2016 coup d'état|comprehensive purges of independent media]] and detention of tens of thousands of Turkish citizens politically opposed to Erdoğan.<ref name="japantimes.co.jp">{{cite news |last=Dyier |first=Gwinne |date=8 November 2016 |title=Erdogan derailing Turkey's promising future |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2016/11/08/commentary/world-commentary/erdogan-derailing-turkeys-promising-future/ |access-date=10 November 2016 |archive-date=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326164723/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2016/11/08/commentary/world-commentary/erdogan-derailing-turkeys-promising-future/ |url-status=live }}</ref> More than 50,000 people have been arrested and over 160,000 fired from their jobs by March 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-southkorea-politics-park/south-korean-court-jails-former-president-park-for-24-years-idUKKCN1HC2ZR |title=Turkey orders 70 army officers detained over Gulen links |work=Reuters |date=29 March 2018 |access-date=15 May 2018 |archive-date=1 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501023628/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-southkorea-politics-park/south-korean-court-jails-former-president-park-for-24-years-idUKKCN1HC2ZR |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> [[File:Can Dündar & Erdem Gül.jpg|thumb|Turkish journalists [[Can Dündar]] and [[Erdem Gül]] were arrested for leaking classified information about [[Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war|Turkish support to Islamist fighters in Syria]].]] In August 2016, Erdoğan began rounding up journalists who had been publishing, or who were about to publish articles questioning corruption within the Erdoğan administration, and incarcerating them.<ref>[http://www.dw.com/en/erdogan-wants-to-silence-all-opposition-media/a-19100896 Erdoğan wants to silence all opposition media] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420050407/http://www.dw.com/en/erdogan-wants-to-silence-all-opposition-media/a-19100896 |date=20 April 2017 }} Deutsche Welle. 3 August 2016. Downloaded 19 April 2017.</ref> The number of Turkish journalists jailed by Turkey is higher than any other country, including all of those journalists currently jailed in North Korea, Cuba, Russia, and China combined.<ref name="journalists_jailed">[https://cpj.org/reports/2017/12/journalists-prison-jail-record-number-turkey-china-egypt.php Record number of journalists jailed as Turkey, China, Egypt pay scant price for repression] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629191208/https://cpj.org/reports/2017/12/journalists-prison-jail-record-number-turkey-china-egypt.php |date=29 June 2018 }}, [[Committee to Protect Journalists]] (13 December 2017).</ref> In the wake of the [[2016 Turkish coup attempt|coup attempt of July 2016]] the Erdoğan administration began rounding up tens of thousands of individuals, both from within the government, and from the public sector, and incarcerating them on charges of alleged "terrorism".<ref name="WashPost_35k">{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Loveday |title=Turkey suspends more than 15,000 education workers in widening purge |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=19 July 2016 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/turkey-jails-generals-as-post-coup-purge-widens/2016/07/19/db076c84-4d1f-11e6-bf27-405106836f96_story.html |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-date=22 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722223251/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/turkey-jails-generals-as-post-coup-purge-widens/2016/07/19/db076c84-4d1f-11e6-bf27-405106836f96_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21702511-failed-putsch-was-bloodiest-turkey-has-seen-backlash-worrying-after-coup After the coup, the counter-coup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428201829/https://economist.com/news/briefing/21702511-failed-putsch-was-bloodiest-turkey-has-seen-backlash-worrying-after-coup |date=28 April 2018 }}, 23 July 2016, ''[[The Economist]]''</ref><ref name="NYT_countercoup">{{cite web |title=The Counter-Coup in Turkey |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=16 July 2016 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/16/opinion/the-counter-coup-in-turkey.html |access-date=16 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716175951/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/16/opinion/the-counter-coup-in-turkey.html |archive-date=16 July 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of these arrests, many in the international community complained about the lack of proper judicial process in the incarceration of Erdoğan's opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2017 |title=Turkey's bleak media scene: Arrests, closures and closed trials |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-turkey-media-20170302-story.html |access-date=18 October 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028161811/https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-turkey-media-20170302-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2017 Erdoğan successfully sponsored legislation effectively making it illegal for the Turkish legislative branch to investigate his executive branch of government.<ref name="2017_referendum">{{cite web|url=https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2017/04/04/erdogan-referendum-threatens-democracy-turkey|title=Erdoğan referendum threatens democracy in Turkey|work=American Magazine|first=Ryan|last=Richardson|date=4 April 2017|access-date=20 April 2022|archive-date=2 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702082511/https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2017/04/04/erdogan-referendum-threatens-democracy-turkey|url-status=live}}</ref> Without the checks and balances of freedom of speech, and the freedom of the Turkish legislature to hold him accountable for his actions, many have likened Turkey's current form of government to a dictatorship with only nominal forms of democracy in practice.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/turkeys-vote-makes-erdogan-effectively-a-dictator|title=Turkey's Vote Makes Erdoğan Effectively a Dictator|magazine=The New Yorker|first=Dexter|last=Filkins|author-link=Dexter Filkins|date=17 April 2017|access-date=17 April 2022|archive-date=21 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521064848/https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/turkeys-vote-makes-erdogan-effectively-a-dictator|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="democracy_falls">[http://www.publicseminar.org/2017/03/the-fall-of-turkish-democracy/ Ertug Tombus, "The Fall of Turkish Democracy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163612/http://www.publicseminar.org/2017/03/the-fall-of-turkish-democracy/ |date=12 June 2018 }}, Publicseminar.org, 3 March 2017. Downloaded 19 April 2017.</ref> At the time of Erdoğan's successful passing of the most recent legislation silencing his opposition, [[President of the United States|United States President]] [[Donald Trump]] called Erdoğan to congratulate him for his "recent referendum victory".<ref>[https://www.thenation.com/article/trump-to-erdogan-congrats-on-your-dictatorship/ Trump to Erdoğan: Congrats On Your Dictatorship!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420052659/https://www.thenation.com/article/trump-to-erdogan-congrats-on-your-dictatorship/ |date=20 April 2017 }} ''The Nation''. By John Nichols. 18 April 2017. Downloaded 19 April 2017.</ref> On 29 April 2017 Erdoğan's administration began an internal [[Internet block]] of all of the [[Wikipedia]] online encyclopedia site via Turkey's domestic Internet filtering system. This blocking action took place after the government had first made a request for Wikipedia to remove what it referred to as "offensive content". In response, Wikipedia co-founder [[Jimmy Wales]] replied via a post on [[Twitter]] stating, "Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people, I will always stand with you and fight for this right."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/world/europe/turkey-purge-wikipedia-tv-dating-shows.html? Turkey Purges 4,000 More Officials, and Blocks Wikipedia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501024117/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/world/europe/turkey-purge-wikipedia-tv-dating-shows.html |date=1 May 2017 }} ''The New York Times''. By Patrick Kingsley. 30 April 2017</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Wales |first=Jimmy |author-link=Jimmy Wales |user=jimmy_wales |number=858317740616032256 |date=29 April 2017 |title=Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people, I will always stand with you and fight for this right. #turkey |archive-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502184059/https://mobile.twitter.com/jimmy_wales/status/858317740616032256}}</ref> In January 2016, more [[Academics for Peace|than a thousand academics]] signed a petition criticizing Turkey's military crackdown on ethnic Kurdish towns and neighborhoods in the east of the country, such as Sur (a district of [[Diyarbakır]]), [[Silvan, Diyarbakır|Silvan]], [[Nusaybin]], [[Cizre]] and [[Silopi]], and asking an end to violence.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholars for Peace: we will not be a party to this crime |author=Samim Akgönül |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/columnists_scholars-for-peace-we-will-not-be-a-party-to-this-crime_409172.html |newspaper=[[Today's Zaman]] |date=8 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122082724/http://www.todayszaman.com/columnists_scholars-for-peace-we-will-not-be-a-party-to-this-crime_409172.html |archive-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> Erdoğan accused those who signed the petition of "terrorist propaganda", calling them "the darkest of people". He called for action by institutions and universities, stating, "Everyone who benefits from this state but is now an enemy of the state must be punished without further delay".<ref>{{cite journal |author=Brendan O'Malley |title=Lecturers detained, threatened for opposing military action |journal=[[University World News]] |issue=396 |date=15 January 2016 |url=http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20160115184937503 |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-date=24 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124114134/http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20160115184937503 |url-status=live }}</ref> Within days, over 30 of the signatories were arrested, many in dawn-time raids on their homes. Although all were quickly released, nearly half were fired from their jobs, eliciting a denunciation from Turkey's Science Academy for such "wrong and disturbing" treatment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Turkish academics pay price for speaking out on Kurds|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/turkish-academics-pay-price-speaking-out-kurds|website=Science Magazine|access-date=19 January 2016|date=19 January 2016|last=Bohannon|first=John|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104114928/https://www.science.org/content/article/turkish-academics-pay-price-speaking-out-kurds|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan vowed that the academics would pay the price for "falling into a pit of treachery".<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkish president vows 'treasonous' academics will pay the price |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-president-vows-treasonous-academics-will-pay-the-price.aspx?pageID=238&nID=94128&NewsCatID=339 |newspaper=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |date=20 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-date=22 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122095734/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-president-vows-treasonous-academics-will-pay-the-price.aspx?pageID=238&nID=94128&NewsCatID=339 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 July 2018, Erdoğan sacked 18,000 officials for alleged ties to US based cleric [[Fethullah Gülen]], shortly before renewing his term as an [[President of Turkey|executive president]]. Of those removed, 9000 were police officers with 5000 from the armed forces with the addition of hundreds of academics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-sacks-18000-officials-emergency-decree-erdogan-swears-oath-president-a8437151.html|title=Turkey suddenly sacks 18,000 officials in emergency decree, days before Erdogan is sworn in again|date=9 July 2018|website=The Independent|first=Alina|last=Polianskaya|access-date=29 October 2023|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630065044/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-sacks-18000-officials-emergency-decree-erdogan-swears-oath-president-a8437151.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Economic policy ==== Under his presidency, Erdoğan has decreased the independence of the [[Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey|Central Bank]] and pushed it to pursue a highly unorthodox monetary policy, decreasing interest rates even with high inflation.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |title=Is Recep Tayyip Erdogan's monetary policy as mad as it seems? |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/01/27/is-recep-tayyip-erdogans-monetary-policy-as-mad-as-it-seems |access-date=10 March 2023 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310202504/https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2022/01/27/is-recep-tayyip-erdogans-monetary-policy-as-mad-as-it-seems |url-status=live }}</ref> He has pushed the theory that inflation is caused by high interest rates, an idea universally rejected by economists.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 March 2022 |title=Turkish central bank doesn't change rates as inflation soars |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-middle-east-europe-prices-inflation-d462a5d85364a50f159fa620287b9f21 |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=AP NEWS |first=Zeynep |last=Bilginsoy |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516201247/https://apnews.com/article/business-middle-east-europe-prices-inflation-d462a5d85364a50f159fa620287b9f21 |url-status=live }}</ref> This, along with other factors such as excessive [[Current account (balance of payments)|current account]] deficit and foreign-currency debt,<ref name="tirto.id">{{cite web |date=25 January 2018 |title=Represi Turki terhadap Minoritas Kurdi Akhirnya Meluas ke Suriah |url=https://tirto.id/represi-turki-terhadap-minoritas-kurdi-akhirnya-meluas-ke-suriah-cDLj |access-date=29 January 2022 |publisher=Tirto.id |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129042114/https://tirto.id/represi-turki-terhadap-minoritas-kurdi-akhirnya-meluas-ke-suriah-cDLj |url-status=live }}</ref> in combination with Erdoğan's increasing [[authoritarianism]], caused an [[Turkish economic crisis (2018–current)|economic crisis starting from 2018]], leading to large depreciation of the Turkish lira and very high inflation.<ref name="e101">{{cite magazine |author=Borzou Daragahi |date=25 May 2018 |title=Erdogan Is Failing Economics 101 |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/25/erdogan-is-a-mad-economist-and-turkey-is-his-laboratory/ |magazine=Foreign Policy |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414084916/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/25/erdogan-is-a-mad-economist-and-turkey-is-his-laboratory/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="challenge">{{cite news |date=5 June 2018 |title=Inflation rise poses challenge to Erdogan as election looms |newspaper=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/79317f20-67f5-11e8-8cf3-0c230fa67aec |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/79317f20-67f5-11e8-8cf3-0c230fa67aec |archive-date=10 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="crash">{{cite news |author=Matt O'Brien |date=13 July 2018 |title=Turkey's economy looks like it's headed for a big crash |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/07/13/turkeys-economy-looks-like-its-headed-big-crash/ |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408090710/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/07/13/turkeys-economy-looks-like-its-headed-big-crash/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2023 |title=Turkey's Erdogan faces tough election amid quake, inflation |url=https://apnews.com/article/erdogan-turkey-presidential-election-earthquake-inflation-5e9ba02e8a552cc5d7187a5ea557333e |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516201246/https://apnews.com/article/erdogan-turkey-presidential-election-earthquake-inflation-5e9ba02e8a552cc5d7187a5ea557333e |url-status=live }}</ref> Economist [[Paul Krugman]] described the unfolding crisis as "a classic currency-and-debt crisis, of a kind we've seen many times", adding: "At such a time, the quality of leadership suddenly matters a great deal. You need officials who understand what's happening, can devise a response and have enough credibility that markets give them the benefit of the doubt. Some emerging markets have those things, and they are riding out the turmoil fairly well. The Erdoğan regime has none of that".<ref>{{cite news |author=Paul Krugman |date=24 May 2018 |title=Turmoil for Turkey's Trump |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/opinion/turkey-trump-erdogan.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128092742/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/opinion/turkey-trump-erdogan.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region |url-status=live }}</ref> === Foreign policy === {{See also|List of international presidential trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} ==== Europe ==== {{See also|European Union–Turkey relations}} [[File:List of International presidential trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.svg|thumb|[[List of international presidential trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Foreign trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] as President (since 2014). Darker blue indicates more visits; Turkey is shaded in red.]] In February 2016, Erdoğan threatened to [[2015 European migrant crisis|send the millions of refugees in Turkey to EU]] member states,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euobserver.com/migration/132233|title=Erdogan to EU: 'We're not idiots', threatens to send refugees|website=EUobserver|date=11 February 2016|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=2 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602202248/https://euobserver.com/migration/132233|url-status=live}}</ref> saying: "We can open the doors to Greece and Bulgaria anytime and we can put the refugees on buses ... So how will you deal with refugees if you don't get a deal?"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-eu-turkey-idUSKCN0VH1R0|title=Turkey's Erdogan threatened to flood Europe with migrants: Greek website|work=Reuters|date=8 February 2016|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626000142/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-eu-turkey-idUSKCN0VH1R0|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview to the news magazine {{Lang|de|[[Der Spiegel]]}}, German [[Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany)|minister of defence]] [[Ursula von der Leyen]] said on 11 March 2016 that the refugee crisis had made good cooperation between EU and Turkey an "existentially important" issue. "Therefore it is right to advance now negotiations on Turkey's EU accession".<ref>[http://www.trtworld.com/europe/germany-voices-support-for-accelerating-turkey-eu-talks-65967 Germany voices support for accelerating Turkey-EU talks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313032120/http://www.trtworld.com/europe/germany-voices-support-for-accelerating-turkey-eu-talks-65967 |date=13 March 2016 }} (trtworld.com, 12 March 2016)</ref> [[File:Meeting between the leaders of Russia, Turkey, Germany and France.jpg|thumb|Working dinner between the leaders of Turkey, Germany, France and Russia in Istanbul]] In its resolution "The functioning of democratic institutions in Turkey" from 22 June 2016, the [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe]] warned that "recent developments in Turkey pertaining to freedom of the media and of expression, erosion of the rule of law and the human rights violations in relation to anti-terrorism security operations in south-east Turkey have ... raised serious questions about the functioning of its democratic institutions".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://venice.coe.int/files/turkish%20declaration%20June%202015.pdf| title=Venice Commission Declaration on Interference with Judicial Independence in Turkey. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Resolution 2121 (2016)| date=22 June 2016| access-date=20 July 2016| archive-date=28 August 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828190528/http://venice.coe.int/files/turkish%20declaration%20June%202015.pdf| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rights-violations-terror-ops-threaten-turkeys-democratic-institutions-pace.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100835&NewsCatID=339|title=Rights violations, terror ops threaten Turkey's democratic institutions: PACE|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News|date=23 June 2016|access-date=23 June 2016|archive-date=16 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716083728/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rights-violations-terror-ops-threaten-turkeys-democratic-institutions-pace.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100835&NewsCatID=339|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2017, Erdoğan said that the withdrawal of [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus|Turkish troops]] from [[Northern Cyprus]] is "out of the question" and Turkey will be in Cyprus "forever".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-13/cyprus-reunification-talks-to-reconvene-next-week-as-deal-stalls|title=Erdogan Vows to Keep Turkish Troops in Cyprus as Talks Stall|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=13 January 2017|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115161108/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-13/cyprus-reunification-talks-to-reconvene-next-week-as-deal-stalls|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2020, Erdoğan declared his government's support for [[Azerbaijan]] following [[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War|a major conflict]] between Armenian and Azeri forces over a [[Territorial dispute|disputed region]] of [[Nagorno-Karabakh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan President Aliyev thanks Turkey's Erdogan for support |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-azerbaijan-turkey/azerbaijan-president-aliyev-thanks-turkeys-erdogan-for-support-idUSKBN26L2CG |work=Reuters |date=30 September 2020 |access-date=2 October 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017113027/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-azerbaijan-turkey/azerbaijan-president-aliyev-thanks-turkeys-erdogan-for-support-idUSKBN26L2CG |url-status=live }}</ref> He dismissed demands for a ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news |title=US, Russia, France condemn fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh |url=https://www.dw.com/en/us-russia-france-condemn-fighting-in-nagorno-karabakh/a-55124944 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=1 September 2020 |access-date=2 October 2020 |archive-date=2 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002173647/https://www.dw.com/en/us-russia-france-condemn-fighting-in-nagorno-karabakh/a-55124944 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Erdoğan and Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] planned for [[Turkey]] to become an energy hub for all of Europe through the [[TurkStream]] and [[Blue Stream]] gas pipelines.<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan Agrees to Putin's Plan for Turkey to Be Russian Gas Hub |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/erdogan-agrees-to-putin-s-plan-for-turkey-to-be-russian-gas-hub/6798604.html |work=VOA News |date=20 October 2022 |access-date=29 June 2023 |archive-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610114849/https://www.voanews.com/a/erdogan-agrees-to-putin-s-plan-for-turkey-to-be-russian-gas-hub/6798604.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="black sea-pipelines">{{cite news |title=Erdoğan plays energy card in Turkish election—with Putin's help |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-election-energy-recep-tayyip-erdogan-nuclear-gas-russia/ |work=Politico |date=4 May 2023 |access-date=29 June 2023 |archive-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610114845/https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-election-energy-recep-tayyip-erdogan-nuclear-gas-russia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2023 Erdoğan canceled attendance at the third [[European Political Community|European Political Community (EPC)]] meeting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2023 |title=Erdoğan cancels Granada summit trip after falling ill |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/azerbaijan-president-ilham-aliyev-refuse-hold-nagorno-karabakh-talks-turkey-recep-tayyip-erdogan-erdogan-canceled-attendance-european-political-community-falling-ill/ |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005063756/https://www.politico.eu/article/azerbaijan-president-ilham-aliyev-refuse-hold-nagorno-karabakh-talks-turkey-recep-tayyip-erdogan-erdogan-canceled-attendance-european-political-community-falling-ill/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2023 |title=Erdogan cancels scheduled commitments due to illness |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1221606/erdogan-cancels-scheduled-commitments-due-to-illness/ |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=Ekathimerini |language=English |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005095222/https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1221606/erdogan-cancels-scheduled-commitments-due-to-illness/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Putin meets Erdogan (2024-06-03) (1).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan and Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] on 3 July 2024]] ===== Finnish and Swedish NATO accession ===== In May 2022, Erdoğan voiced his opposition to [[Finland]] and [[Sweden]] joining [[NATO]], accusing the two countries of tolerating groups which Turkey classifies as terrorist organizations,<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2022 |title=Nato member Turkey hits out at Finland and Sweden membership bids |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-finland-nato-sweden-turkey-b2078248.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220601200659/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-finland-nato-sweden-turkey-b2078248.html%23comments-area |archive-date=1 June 2022 |website=[[The Independent]] |language=en |access-date=1 June 2022 }}</ref> including the Kurdish militant groups [[Kurdistan Workers' Party|PKK]], [[Democratic Union Party (Syria)|PYD]] and [[People's Defense Units|YPG]] and the supporters of [[Fethullah Gülen]].<ref>{{cite news |date=13 May 2022 |title=Erdogan says Turkey not supportive of Finland, Sweden joining NATO |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-not-positive-finland-sweden-joining-nato-2022-05-13/ |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513152702/https://www.reuters.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-not-positive-finland-sweden-joining-nato-2022-05-13/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following a protest in Sweden where a Quran was burned, Erdogan re-iterated that he would not support Sweden's bid to join NATO.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 January 2023 |title=Erdogan tells Sweden not to expect Nato bid support |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64380066 |access-date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123233811/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64380066 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[President of Finland]] [[Sauli Niinistö]] visited Erdogan in Istanbul and Ankara in March 2023. During the visit, Erdogan confirmed that he supported Finnish NATO membership and declared that the Turkish parliament would confirm Finnish membership before the Turkish Presidential elections in May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 March 2023 |title=Nato: Erdoğan ilmoitti Turkin ratifioivan Suomen Nato-jäsenyyden, Valkoinen talo antoi kehotuksen myös Ruotsin hyväksymisestä – HS seurasi Niinistön Turkin-vierailua |url=https://www.hs.fi/politiikka/art-2000009459412.html |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325201423/https://www.hs.fi/politiikka/art-2000009459412.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 March 2023, the Turkish parliament's foreign relations committee confirmed the Finnish NATO membership application and sent the process to the Turkish Parliament's plenary session.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2023 |title=Nato: Turkin parlamentin ulkoasiainvaliokunta hyväksyi Suomen Nato-jäsenyyden |url=https://www.hs.fi/ulkomaat/art-2000009473813.html |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324131641/https://www.hs.fi/ulkomaat/art-2000009473813.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 April 2023, Erdoğan confirmed and signed the Turkish Grand National Assembly's ratification of Finnish NATO membership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2023 |title=Erdogan has signed ratification of Finland's NATO membership |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20025375 |access-date=1 April 2023 |website=News |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401205652/https://yle.fi/a/74-20025375 |url-status=live }}</ref> This decision sealed [[Finland–NATO relations|Finland's entry to NATO]]. In June 2023, Erdoğan again voiced his opposition to [[Sweden–NATO relations|Sweden joining NATO]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan tells NATO chief Sweden must stop Kurdish protests |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/26/erdogan-tells-nato-chief-sweden-must-stop-kurdish-protests |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 June 2023 |access-date=29 June 2023 |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629093001/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/26/erdogan-tells-nato-chief-sweden-must-stop-kurdish-protests |url-status=live }}</ref> Just prior to the NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023, Erdoğan linked Sweden's accession to NATO membership to [[Accession of Turkey to the European Union|Turkey's application for EU membership]]. Turkey had applied for EU membership in 1999, but talks made little progress since 2016.<ref name="Huseyin Hayatsever 2023 k001">{{cite web |last1=Hayatsever |first1=Huseyin |last2=Toksabay |first2=Ece |date=10 July 2023 |title=Erdogan links Sweden's NATO membership to Turkey's EU accession |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/erdogan-links-swedens-nato-membership-turkeys-eu-accession-2023-07-10/ |access-date=10 July 2023 |website=Reuters |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801081525/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/erdogan-links-swedens-nato-membership-turkeys-eu-accession-2023-07-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Hande Atay Alam 2023 r971">{{cite web |last1=Alam |first1=Hande Atay |last2=Edwards |first2=Christian |date=10 July 2023 |title=Erdogan links Sweden's NATO bid to Turkey joining the EU |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/10/europe/erdogan-turkey-nato-eu-sweden-intl/index.html |access-date=10 July 2023 |website=CNN |archive-date=16 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716214608/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/10/europe/erdogan-turkey-nato-eu-sweden-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2023, Erdoğan announced that the [[European Union]] was well into a rupture in its [[European Union–Turkey relations|relations with Turkey]] and that they would part ways during Turkey's European Union membership process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-says-country-could-part-ways-with-eu-if-necessary-2023-09-16/|title=Turkey could part ways with EU if necessary, Erdogan says|publisher=Reuters|date=16 September 2023|access-date=18 September 2023|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918150629/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-says-country-could-part-ways-with-eu-if-necessary-2023-09-16/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on 23 October 2023, Erdoğan approved Sweden's pending NATO membership bid and sent the accession protocol to the Turkish Parliament for ratification.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2023 |title=Turkey's Erdogan initiates Sweden NATO ratification in parliament – Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/09/turkeys-erdogan-initiates-sweden-nato-ratification-parliament |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=www.al-monitor.com |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023145158/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/09/turkeys-erdogan-initiates-sweden-nato-ratification-parliament |url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, Turkey's parliamentary speaker, [[Numan Kurtulmuş]], sent a bill approving Sweden's NATO membership bid to parliament's foreign affairs committee.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 2023 |title=Turkish parliament set to discuss ratifying Sweden's NATO membership |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/turkish-parliament-set-discuss-ratifying-swedens-nato-membership-2023-10-25/ |access-date=31 October 2023 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031113155/https://www.reuters.com/world/turkish-parliament-set-discuss-ratifying-swedens-nato-membership-2023-10-25/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The committee discussed the ratification on 16 November 2023, but a decision was deferred,<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 November 2023 |title=Turkish parliament postponed Sweden's NATO accession deliberations |url=https://yetkinreport.com/en/2023/11/16/turkish-parliament-postponed-swedens-nato-accession-deliberations/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Yetkin Report |language=en-US |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116144539/https://yetkinreport.com/en/2023/11/16/turkish-parliament-postponed-swedens-nato-accession-deliberations/ |url-status=live}}</ref> with a request for Sweden to produce a written roadmap to implement its anti-terrorism commitments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/turkish-parliament-signals-new-delay-in-sweden-s-nato-bid-1.1999552|title=Turkish Parliament Signals New Delay in Sweden's NATO Bid|date=16 November 2023|accessdate=3 February 2024|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204050641/https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/turkish-parliament-signals-new-delay-in-sweden-s-nato-bid-1.1999552|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="soon">{{Cite news |issn=1756-3224 |oclc=60623878 |language=en-GB |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |department=Music |last=Bryant |first=Miranda |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/22/sweden-must-join-nato-soon-to-ward-off-russian-threat-says-defence-minister |title=Sweden must join Nato soon to ward off Russian threat, says defence minister |access-date=22 November 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122080010/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/22/sweden-must-join-nato-soon-to-ward-off-russian-threat-says-defence-minister |url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 December 2023, the Turkish parliament's foreign relations committee confirmed the Swedish NATO membership application and sent the process to the Turkish Parliament's plenary session.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 December 2023 |title=Sweden moves one step closer to NATO membership after Turkish parliamentary committee gives approval |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/26/turkey-sweden-nato/4ab84610-a3cc-11ee-aacb-6f873a65763e_story.html |access-date=26 December 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231226161416/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/26/turkey-sweden-nato/4ab84610-a3cc-11ee-aacb-6f873a65763e_story.html |archive-date=26 December 2023}}</ref> On 25 January 2024, Erdoğan formally signed and approved the Turkish parliament's decision to ratify Swedish NATO membership.<ref>{{cite web|date=25 January 2024|url=https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/son-dakika-haberi-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-isvecin-nato-uyeligikararini-onayladi,kjvWV5WQmkiTPnIig-d2PQ|title=Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, İsveç'in NATO üyeliği kararını onayladı|publisher=ntv.com.tr|language=tr|access-date=6 February 2024|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206113538/https://www.ntv.com.tr/amp/turkiye/son-dakika-haberi-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-isvecin-nato-uyeligikararini-onayladi,kjvWV5WQmkiTPnIig-d2PQ|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:NATO Summit, Vilnius.P061598-880399.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan and President of the European Commission [[Ursula von der Leyen]] on 12 July 2023]] ==== Greece ==== {{See also|Greece–Turkey relations}} There is a long-standing [[Aegean dispute|dispute between Turkey and Greece]] in the [[Aegean Sea]]. Erdoğan warned that Greece will pay a "heavy price" if Turkey's gas exploration vessel – in what Turkey said are disputed waters – is attacked.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 August 2020 |title=Erdogan says Greece will pay a 'heavy price' if it attacks Turkish ships in Mediterranean |work=Euronews |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/08/14/erdogan-says-greece-will-pay-a-heavy-price-if-it-attacks-turkish-ships-in-mediterranean |access-date=10 September 2020 |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918192741/https://www.euronews.com/2020/08/14/erdogan-says-greece-will-pay-a-heavy-price-if-it-attacks-turkish-ships-in-mediterranean |url-status=live }}</ref> He deemed the readmission of Greece into the military alliance NATO a mistake, claiming they were collaborating with terrorists.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Matt |date=24 May 2022 |title=Erdogan blanks Greek prime minister over US remarks |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61562305 |access-date=28 May 2022 |archive-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528054736/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61562305 |url-status=live }}</ref> ===== Diaspora ===== In March 2017, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated to the Turks in Europe, "Make not three, but five children. Because you are the future of Europe. That will be the best response to the injustices against you." This has been interpreted as an imperialist call for demographic warfare.<ref>{{cite news|title='You Are the Future of Europe,' Erdogan Tells Turks|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/world/europe/erdogan-turkey-future-of-europe.html|last=Goldman|first=Russell|newspaper=The New York Times|date=17 March 2017|access-date=17 March 2017|archive-date=10 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810194238/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/world/europe/erdogan-turkey-future-of-europe.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''[[The Economist]]'', Erdoğan is the first Turkish leader to take the [[Turkish diaspora]] seriously, which has created friction within these diaspora communities and between the Turkish government and several of its European counterparts.<ref>{{cite news|title=How Recep Tayyip Erdogan seduces Turkish migrants in Europe|url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21727921-big-diaspora-complicates-european-relations-turkey-how-recep-tayyip-erdogan-seduces|access-date=2 September 2017|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=31 August 2017|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902003641/https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21727921-big-diaspora-complicates-european-relations-turkey-how-recep-tayyip-erdogan-seduces|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== The Balkans ==== [[File:Meeting between leaders in Istanbul, Turkey.jpg|thumb|left|Meeting between leaders of Turkey, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Serbia in Istanbul, 10 July 2017]] In February 2018, President Erdoğan expressed Turkish support of the [[Republic of Macedonia]]'s position during negotiations over the [[Macedonia naming dispute]] saying that Greece's position is wrong.<ref name="NeosKosmosstance">{{cite web|author=Neos Kosmos|title=Turkey's president claims Greece's stance over 'Macedonia' name dispute is wrong|date=5 February 2018 |url=http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/Turkeys-president-claims-Greeces-stance-on-Macedonia-name-dispute-is-wrong|publisher=Neos Kosmos|access-date=11 February 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, President Erdoğan criticized the [[Kosovo|Kosovan]] Prime Minister [[Ramush Haradinaj]] for dismissing his Interior Minister and Intelligence Chief for failing to inform him of an unauthorized and illegal secret operation conducted by the [[National Intelligence Organization (Turkey)|National Intelligence Organization of Turkey]] on Kosovo's territory that led to the arrest of six people allegedly associated with the Gülen movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euronews.com/2018/03/31/erdogan-attacks-kosovo-prime-minister-for-sacking-officials-who-sanctioned-teacher-kidnap|title=Erdogan slams Kosovo PM over sackings after Gulen-linked deportations|date=31 March 2018|publisher=Euronews|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-intelligence-director-and-internal-minister-dismissed-over-turkish-arrested-men-03-30-2018|title=Kosovo Minister and Spy Chief Sacked Over Turkish Arrests|date=30 March 2018|publisher=BIRN|access-date=30 March 2018}}</ref> [[File:Ilham Aliyev attended North Atlantic Council meeting on NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan 4.jpg|right|thumb|Erdoğan with Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]] (middle) and Bosnian Presidency Chairman [[Bakir Izetbegović]], 12 July 2018]] On 26 November 2019, [[2019 Albania earthquake|an earthquake struck]] the Durrës region of Albania. President Erdoğan expressed his condolences.<ref name="HrriDaiNetu27">{{cite news|title=Erdoğan calls for support to Albania amid quake|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-calls-for-support-to-albania-amid-quake-149184|work=Hürriyet Daily News|date=27 November 2019|access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> and citing close [[Albanian-Turkish relations]], he committed Turkey to reconstructing 500 earthquake destroyed homes and other civic structures in [[Laç]], Albania.<ref name="TRTbanes">{{cite news|title=Erdogan: Në Shqipërinë e goditur nga tërmeti do të ndërtojmë 500 banesa (i plotësuar)|url=https://www.trt.net.tr/shqip/turqia/2019/11/29/erdogan-ne-shqiperine-e-goditur-nga-termeti-do-te-ndertojme-500-banesa-i-plotesuar-1314905|agency=[[Turkish Radio and Television Corporation|TRT]]|date=29 November 2019|access-date=29 November 2019|language=sq}}</ref><ref name="Lajmealturap">{{cite news|title=Turqia nis punën për ngritjen e 500 apartamenteve pas tërmetit, ja ku do ndërtohen|url=https://www.lajme.al/turqia-nis-punen-per-ngritjen-e-500-apartamenteve-pas-termetit-ja-ku-do-ndertohen/|agency=Lajme.al|date=3 December 2019|access-date=2 December 2019|language=sq}}</ref><ref name="Kohatur">{{cite news|title=Turqia krahas 500 banesave parashikon ndërtimin edhe të objekteve të tjera përcjellëse|url=https://www.koha.net/arberi/198253/turqia-krahas-500-banesave-parashikon-ndertimin-edhe-te-objekteve-te-tjera-percjellese/|agency=Koha|date=10 December 2019|access-date=25 December 2019|language=sq}}</ref> In Istanbul, Erdoğan organised and attended a donors conference (8 December) to assist Albania that included Turkish businessmen, investors and Albanian Prime Minister [[Edi Rama]].<ref name="RTSHdon">{{cite news|title=Konferenca e Donatorëve në Turqi, Rama- Erdogan takojnë biznesmenët turq|url=https://www.rtsh.al/lajme/konferenca-e-donatoreve-ne-turqi-rama-erdogan-takojne-biznesmenet-turq/|agency=[[Radio Televizioni Shqiptar]] (RTSH)|date=8 December 2019|access-date=27 December 2019|language=sq}}{{Dead link|date=July 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ==== Azerbaijan ==== {{See also|Azerbaijan–Turkey relations}} In September 2023, [[Azerbaijan]] launched a large-scale [[2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh|military offensive]] to recapture the [[Flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians|Armenian]]-populated [[Nagorno-Karabakh]]. Addressing the [[United Nations General Assembly]], Erdoğan stated "As everyone now acknowledges, Karabakh is Azerbaijani territory. Imposition of another status [to the region] will never be accepted," and that "[Turkey] support[s] the steps taken by Azerbaijan—with whom we act together with the motto of [[Azerbaijan–Turkey relations|one nation, two states]]—to defend its territorial integrity."<ref>{{cite web|title=Turkey's Erdogan backs Azerbaijan's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, as US, Russia urge restraint|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/09/turkeys-erdogan-backs-azerbaijans-offensive-nagorno-karabakh-us-russia-urge|work=[[Al-Monitor]]|date=19 September 2023|access-date=19 September 2023|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920072135/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/09/turkeys-erdogan-backs-azerbaijans-offensive-nagorno-karabakh-us-russia-urge|url-status=live}}</ref> Erdoğan also met with Azerbaijan's President [[Ilham Aliyev]] in the [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/erdogan-visits-azerbaijan-after-nagorno-karabakh-cease-fire/a-66916267|title=Erdogan visits Azerbaijan after Nagorno-Karabakh cease-fire – DW – 09/25/2023|work=DW|access-date=25 September 2023|archive-date=25 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925150958/https://www.dw.com/en/erdogan-visits-azerbaijan-after-nagorno-karabakh-cease-fire/a-66916267|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== United Kingdom ==== {{See also|Turkey–United Kingdom relations}} [[File:Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends NATO Summit (53850724928).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan and British Prime Minister [[Keir Starmer]] at the [[2024 Washington summit|2024 NATO Summit]] in Washington, D.C.]] In May 2018, British Prime Minister [[Theresa May]] welcomed Erdoğan to the United Kingdom for a three-day state visit. Erdoğan declared that the United Kingdom is "an ally and a strategic partner, but also a real friend. The cooperation we have is well beyond any mechanism that we have established with other partners."<ref>"[https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/president-erdogan-theresa-may-post-brexit-trade-turkey-a8351531.html Post-Brexit, the UK will need Turkey for trade – and Erdogan is using that to his advantage]". ''The Independent''. 14 May 2018.</ref> ==== Israel ==== {{See also|Israel–Turkey relations}} [[File:Isaac Herzog state visit to Turkey, March 2022 (GPOHA1 0866).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan during a state visit of Israeli President [[Isaac Herzog]] to Turkey, 9 March 2022]] Relations between Turkey and Israel began to normalize after Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu|Netanyahu]] officially apologized for the killing of the nine Turkish activists during the [[Gaza flotilla raid]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Netanyahu apologizes to Turkey over Gaza flotilla|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Obama-Netanyahu-Erdogan-speak-by-phone-307423|access-date=30 August 2014|newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=22 March 2014|last=Keinon|first=Herb}}</ref> However, in response to the 2014 Gaza War, Erdoğan accused Israel of being "more barbaric than Hitler",<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkish Prime Minister says Israel is 'more barbaric than Hitler'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/turkish-prime-minister-says-israel-is-more-barbaric-than-hitler-9617145.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=20 July 2014|access-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> and conducting "[[state terrorism]]" and a "genocide attempt" against the Palestinians.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erdogan accuses Israel of 'using terrorism' in its operations against Hamas in Gaza|url=http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Erdogan-accuses-Israel-of-using-terrorism-in-its-operations-against-Hamas-in-Gaza-362759|access-date=18 July 2014|last=Ben Solomon|first=Ariel|newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=14 July 2014}}</ref> In December 2017, President Erdoğan issued a warning to [[Donald Trump]], after the U.S. President [[United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel|acknowledged]] [[Jerusalem]] as Israel's capital.<ref>{{cite news |title=How The World Is Reacting To Trump Recognizing Jerusalem As Israel's Capital |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/12/06/568748383/how-is-the-world-reacting-to-u-s-plan-to-recognize-jerusalem-as-israeli-capital?t=1564929890877 |publisher=[[NPR]] |date=6 December 2017}}</ref> Erdoğan stated, "Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims", indicating that naming Jerusalem as Israel's capital would alienate Palestinians and other Muslims from the city, undermining hopes at a future capital of a Palestinian State.<ref name="Naftali Bennett" /> Erdoğan called Israel a "terrorist state".<ref>"[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/erdogan-israel-terrorist-state-171211085734826.html Erdogan: Israel is a terrorist state]". Al Jazeera. 11 December 2017.</ref> [[Naftali Bennett]] dismissed the threats, claiming "Erdoğan does not miss an opportunity to attack Israel".<ref name="Naftali Bennett">{{cite news|title=Jerusalem: Turkey warns Trump against crossing 'red line'|work=[[BBC News]]|date=5 December 2017 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42232158}}</ref> In April 2019, Erdoğan said the [[West Bank]] belongs to Palestinians, after Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] said he would annex [[Israeli settlement]]s in the occupied [[Palestinian territories]] if he is re-elected.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan says West Bank belongs to Palestinians |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinian-settlements-turkey/turkeys-erdogan-says-west-bank-belongs-to-palestinians-idUSKCN1RK0N9 |work=Reuters |date=8 April 2019}}</ref> Erdoğan condemned the [[Israel–United Arab Emirates normalization agreement|Israel–UAE peace agreement]], stating that Turkey was considering suspending or cutting off [[Turkey–United Arab Emirates relations|diplomatic relations]] with the [[United Arab Emirates]] in retaliation.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Daren |last2=Gumrukcu|first2=Tuvan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-emirates-turkey/turkey-may-suspend-ties-with-uae-over-israel-deal-erdogan-says-idUSKCN25A0ON|title=Turkey may suspend ties with UAE over Israel deal, Erdogan says|date=14 August 2020|work=Reuters}}</ref> The relations shifted back to normality since 2021, when the two countries started improving relations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilks |first=Andrew |title=Turkey 'playing a balancing act' between Tel Aviv and Tehran |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/23/turkey-playing-a-balancing-act-between-tel-aviv-and-tehran |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> In March 2022, Israeli president [[Isaac Herzog]] visited Turkey, meeting Erdoğan.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Herzog advances Israel-Turkey ties in meeting with Erdogan |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-700676 |access-date=17 August 2022 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The two countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations in August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turkey, Israel to restore full diplomatic relations |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/17/turkey-israel-to-restore-full-diplomatic-relations |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Erdoğan condemned the Israeli attacks in the Gaza strip during the [[Gaza war]], saying they are a violation of human rights, which led to accusations of hypocrisy as Turkey itself severely bombed [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)|Kurdish]] areas at the same time, including many civilian targets.<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdoğan's criticism of Israeli airstrikes branded as hypocrisy over Turkish bombing of Kurds in Syria |url=https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/10/11/erdogans-criticism-of-israeli-airstrike-branded-hypocrisy-over-turkish-bombing-of-kurds-in-syria/ |access-date=12 October 2023 |agency=TURKISH MINUTE |date=11 October 2023}}</ref> Erdoğan said that Israel's bombing and [[Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip (2023–present)|blockade of the Gaza Strip]] in retaliation for Hamas’ attack was a disproportionate response amounting to a "massacre."<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan calls Israeli siege and bombing of Gaza a 'massacre' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/11/turkeys-erdogan-calls-israeli-siege-and-bombing-of-gaza-a-massacre |work=Al Jazeera |date=11 October 2023}}</ref> On 25 October 2023, Erdoğan said that [[Hamas]] was not a terrorist organisation but a liberation group fighting to protect Palestinian lands and people.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan says Hamas is not terrorist organisation, cancels trip to Israel |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-says-hamas-is-not-terrorist-organisation-2023-10-25/ |work=Reuters |date=25 October 2023}}</ref> On 15 November 2023, he condemned Israel as a "terrorist state" and accused it of committing [[Palestinian genocide accusation|genocide against the Palestinians]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Türkiye to ensure those responsible for Gaza massacre face trial in international courts: Turkish president |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkiye-to-ensure-those-responsible-for-gaza-massacre-face-trial-in-international-courts-turkish-president/3054444 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |date=15 November 2023}}</ref> ==== Syrian Civil War ==== {{See also|Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war|Turkey–Islamic State conflict}} [[File:President Barack Obama meeting with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.jpg|thumbnail|right|Erdoğan meeting US President [[Barack Obama]] during the [[2014 Wales summit]] in [[Newport, Wales|Newport]], Wales]] Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Syria significantly deteriorated due to the [[Syrian civil war]]. Initially, while tens of thousand of Syrian refugees already crossed the border to Turkey, Turkish officials tried to convince Syrian President [[Bashar al-Assad]] to make significant reforms to alleviate the conflict and calm down the protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ahmet Davutoğlu 8 yıl sonra konuştu 3 saat baş başa görüştüm |url=https://www.internethaber.com/ahmet-davutoglu-8-yil-sonra-konustu-3-saat-bas-basa-gorustum-2103235h.htm |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=Internethaber |date=20 May 2020 |language=tr-TR}}</ref> The last of such meetings happened on 9 August 2011, during a seven-hour meeting between Assad and Turkey's [[Ahmet Davutoğlu]], giving the latter the title of 'the last European leader who visited Assad'.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aydin |first1=Enis |title=Former Head of AKP Davutoğlu on Erdogan's Syria U-turn: "Putin is coercing Turkey" - |url=https://middleeasttransparent.com/en/former-head-of-akp-davutoglu-on-erdogans-syria-u-turn-putin-is-coercing-turkey/ |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=Middle East Transparent |date=15 August 2022}}</ref> Turkey got involved in a violent conflict with [[Islamic State]] (IS) as part of the [[spillover of the Syrian civil war]]. IS executed a [[Turkey–Islamic State conflict|series of attacks against Turkish soldiers and civilians]]. In an ISIS-video, where two Turkish soldiers were burned alive, Turkish President Erdoğan was verbally attacked by ISIS and threatened with the destruction of Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |title=ISIS video shows Turkish troops 'burned alive' |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2016/12/23/ISIS-video-shows-Turkish-troops-burned-alive- |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=Al Arabiya English |date=23 December 2016 |language=en}}</ref> Turkey joined the [[international military intervention against the Islamic State]] in 2015. The [[Turkish Armed Forces]]' [[Operation Euphrates Shield]] was aimed at IS, and areas around [[Jarabulus]] and [[al-Bab]] were conquered from IS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-turkey-bombing-kurds-20150729-story.html#page=1|title=Turkey steps up bombing – but on Kurds, not Islamic State|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first1=Jeremiah|last1=Bailey-Hoover|first2=Patrick J.|last2=McDonnell|date=29 July 2015}}</ref> In January 2018, the Turkish military and its allies [[Syrian National Army]] and [[Sham Legion]] began [[Operation Olive Branch]] in [[Afrin District|Afrin]] in Northern Syria, against the Kurdish armed group YPG.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/erdogan-operation-syria-afrin-begun-180120120424928.html|title=Erdogan: Operation in Syria's Afrin has begun|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-afrin/turkish-army-hit-village-in-syrias-afrin-with-suspected-gas-kurdish-ypg-observatory-idUSKCN1G02JE Turkish army hit village in Syria's Afrin with suspected gas: Kurdish YPG, Observatory]. Reuters. 16 February 2018.</ref> In October 2019, the United States gave the go-ahead to the [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria]], despite recently agreeing to a [[Northern Syria Buffer Zone]]. [[US intervention in the Syrian civil war|US troops in northern Syria]] were withdrawn from the border to avoid interference with the Turkish operation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Bill |last2=Neuman |first2=Scott |title=In Major Policy Shift, U.S. Will Stand Aside As Turkish Forces Extend Reach in Syria |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/07/767777899/in-major-policy-shift-u-s-will-stand-aside-as-turkish-forces-extend-reach-in-syr |publisher=[[NPR]] |date=7 October 2019}}</ref> After the U.S. pullout, Turkey proceeded to attack the [[Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pence heads to Turkey as Erdogan rejects calls for ceasefire in Syria |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pence-heads-to-turkey-as-erdogan-rejects-calls-for-ceasefire-in-syria/a-50851292 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=16 October 2019}}</ref> Rejecting criticism of the invasion, Erdoğan claimed that [[NATO]] and [[European Union]] countries "sided with terrorists, and all of them attacked us".<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan Criticizes Western Allies Over Syrian Operation Ahead of Putin Meeting |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_erdogan-criticizes-western-allies-over-syrian-operation-ahead-putin-meeting/6177940.html |publisher=VOA News |date=21 October 2019}}</ref> Erdoğan then filed a criminal complaint against French magazine ''[[Le Point]]'' after it accused him of conducting [[ethnic cleansing]] in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2019 |title=Turkey's Erdogan sues French magazine over 'eradicator' cover |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/10/25/turkeys-erdogan-sues-french-magazine-over-eradicator-cover |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 2019 |title=Erdogan files complaint against French magazine over ethnic cleansing comment |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-france-idUSKBN1X41GT |access-date=1 June 2022}}</ref> With Erdogan's control of the media fanning local nationalism,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kasapoglu |first=Cagil |date=15 October 2019 |title=Turkey-Syria offensive: Turks embrace nationalist mood |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50053526 |access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> a poll by Metropoll Research found that 79% of Turkish respondents expressed support for the operation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 November 2019 |title=Public support for Turkey's Syria offensive at 79 percent: Poll |url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/politics/2019/11/18/public-support-for-turkeys-syria-offensive-at-79-percent-poll/ |website=[[Gazete Duvar]]}}</ref> ==== China ==== {{See also|China–Turkey relations}} [[File:Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states Summit gets underway in Samarkand 02.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan, Chinese President [[Xi Jinping]] and other leaders at the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]] summit on 16 September 2022]] Bilateral trade between Turkey and China increased from $1 billion a year in 2002 to $27 billion annually in 2017.<ref name="wapochina">{{cite news|last1=Taylor|first1=Adam|title=U.S. ally Turkey may have a new best friend in Beijing|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/05/16/u-s-ally-turkey-may-have-a-new-best-friend-in-beijing/|access-date=17 May 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=16 May 2017}}</ref> Erdoğan has stated that Turkey might consider joining the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]] instead of the European Union.<ref>{{cite news|title=China says would consider Turkish membership of security bloc|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-turkey-idUSKBN13G0SS|access-date=17 May 2017|work=Reuters|date=21 November 2016}}</ref> In 2009, Erdoğan accused China of "genocide" against the [[Uyghurs]] in [[Xinjiang]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Erdogan Has Abandoned the Uyghurs |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/03/02/why-erdogan-has-abandoned-the-uyghurs/ |work=Foreign Policy |date=2 March 2021}}</ref> In 2019, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning what it described as China's "reintroduction of concentration camps in the 21st century" and "a great cause of shame for humanity".<ref name="NYT-Turkey">{{Cite news|last=Qin|first=Amy|date=10 February 2019|title=Turkey Urges China to End Mass Detention of Muslims|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/10/world/asia/china-turkey-uighurs.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210100607/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/10/world/asia/china-turkey-uighurs.html |archive-date=10 February 2019 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title='Shame for humanity': Turkey urges China to close Uighur camps|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/2/10/shame-for-humanity-turkey-urges-china-to-close-uighur-camps|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=10 February 2019 |access-date=12 April 2021}}</ref> Later that year, while visiting China, Erdoğan said that there were those who "exploited" the Uyghur issue to strain relations between China and Turkey.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Westcott |first=Ben |date=5 July 2019 |title=Erdogan says Xinjiang camps shouldn't spoil Turkey-China relationship |work=[[CNN]] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/05/asia/turkey-china-uyghur-erdogan-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref> Since then the Turkish government has largely toned down its criticisms of China's treatment of Uyghurs, and cracked down on Uyghur activists at China's behest, and has expanded deportations of Uyghurs to China.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 January 2021 |title=Turkish Opposition Challenge Erdogan Over Uighur Silence |work=VOA News |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/europe_turkish-opposition-challenge-erdogan-over-uighur-silence/6201354.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Basu |first1=Zachary |last2=Allen-Ebrahimian |first2=Bethany |date=1 March 2022 |title=Turkey rejected Uyghur citizenship applications over "national security" risks |work=[[Axios (website)|Axios]] |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/03/01/turkey-rejected-uyghur-citizenship |access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Browne |first=Gareth |date=26 July 2020 |title=How Turkey is sending Muslim Uighurs back to China without breaking its promise |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/26/turkey-sending-muslim-uighurs-back-china-without-breaking-promise/ |access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref> ==== Japan ==== {{Further|Japan–Turkey relations}} [[File:20181201summit04.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan meeting with Japanese Prime Minister [[Shinzo Abe]] (2018)]] ==== Qatar blockade ==== {{See also|Qatar diplomatic crisis}} In June 2017 during a speech, Erdoğan called the [[Qatar diplomatic crisis|isolation of Qatar]] as "inhumane and against Islamic values" and that "victimising Qatar through smear campaigns serves no purpose".<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey's Erdogan decries Qatar's 'inhumane' isolation|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40261479|work=BBC News|date=13 June 2017}}</ref> ==== Myanmar ==== In September 2017, Erdoğan condemned the [[persecution of Muslims in Myanmar]] and accused [[Myanmar]] of "[[Rohingya genocide|genocide]]" against the Muslim minority.<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdoğan accuses Myanmar of 'genocide' as thousands of Rohingya flee to Bangladesh |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/02/erdogan-accuses-myanmar-of-genocide-against-rohingya |work=The Guardian |date=2 September 2017}}</ref> ==== United States ==== {{See also|Turkey–United States relations}} [[File:Meeting between US President Biden and Turkish President Erdogan together with foreign ministers Blinken and Cavusoglu at G20 in Rome.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan in a meeting with US President [[Joe Biden]], Turkish Foreign Minister Çavusoğlu and US Secretary of State Blinken, October 2021]] Over time, Turkey began to look for ways to buy its own missile defense system and also to use that procurement to build up its own capacity to manufacture and sell an air and missile defense system. Turkey got serious about acquiring a missile defense system early in the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|first Obama administration]] when it opened a competition between the Raytheon Patriot PAC 2 system and systems from Europe, Russia, and even China.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey Cancels T-Loramids Program After Eight Years |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/168852/more-on-turkey%E2%80%99s-cancellation-of-t_loramids-program.html |access-date=10 January 2020 |work=defense-aerospace.com |date=16 November 2015}}</ref> Taking advantage of the new low in US-Turkish relations, Putin saw his chance to use an [[S-400 missile system|S-400]] sale to Turkey, so in July 2017, he offered the air defense system to Turkey. In the months that followed, the United States warned Turkey that a S-400 purchase jeopardized Turkey's [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement|F-35 purchase]]. Integration of the Russian system into the NATO air defense net was also out of the question. Administration officials, including [[Mark Esper]], warned that Turkey had to choose between the S-400 and the F-35, that they could not have both. The S-400 deliveries to Turkey began on 12 July. On 16 July, Trump mentioned to reporters that withholding the F-35 from Turkey was unfair. Said the president, "So what happens is we have a situation where Turkey is very good with us, very good, and we are now telling Turkey that because you have really been forced to buy another missile system, we're not going to sell you the F-35 fighter jets".<ref>{{cite web |title=Lawmakers say Trump is locked into Turkey sanctions |url=https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2019/07/16/trump-cuts-off-f-35-for-turkey-and-lawmakers-say-sanctions-are-coming/ |website=Defense News |access-date=10 January 2020 |date=19 July 2019}}</ref> The U.S. Congress made clear on a bipartisan basis that it expected the president to sanction Turkey for buying Russian equipment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Townsend |first1=Jim |title=The Tale of Turkey and the Patriots |url=https://warontherocks.com/2019/07/the-tale-of-turkey-and-the-patriots/ |access-date=10 January 2020 |work=War on the Rocks |date=22 July 2019}}</ref> Out of the F-35, Turkey considered buying Russian [[Fifth-generation fighter|fifth-generation jet fighter]] [[Sukhoi Su-57|Su-57]]. On 1 August 2018, the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned two senior [[Cabinet Erdoğan IV|Turkish government ministers]] who were involved in the detention of American pastor [[Andrew Brunson]].<ref>{{cite news |title=US sanctions Turkish officials over detained pastor |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-administration-to-sanction-turkish-officials-over-imprisonment-of-american-pastor-andrew-brunson/ |work=Politico |date=1 August 2018}}</ref> Erdoğan said that U.S. behavior would force Turkey to look for new friends and allies.<ref>"[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/dont-force-turkey-to-look-for-other-friends-erdogan-addresses-us-in-nyt-article-135685 US changing strategic NATO partner with pastor, Turkish President Erdoğan says]". ''[[Hürriyet Daily News]]''. 11 August 2018.</ref> The [[Turkey–United States relations|U.S.–Turkey tensions]] appeared to be the most serious diplomatic crisis between the NATO allies in years.<ref>{{cite news |title=US sanctions Turkey over Pastor Brunson detention |url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/us-sanctions-turkey-over-pastor-brunson-detention-1.756238 |work=The National |date=1 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey, US in diplomatic crisis after ministers hit by sanctions |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/turkey-us-in-diplomatic-crisis-after-ministers-hit-by-sanctions/articleshow/65243086.cms |work=The Times of India |date=2 August 2018}}</ref> [[File:P20240614AS-1003.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan and Biden at the [[50th G7 summit]] in Italy, 14 June 2024]] Trump's former national security adviser [[John Bolton]] claimed that President [[Donald Trump]] told Erdoğan he would 'take care' of the investigation against Turkey's state-owned bank [[Halkbank]], accused of bank fraud charges and laundering up to $20 billion on behalf of Iranian entities.<ref>{{cite news |title=John Bolton urged to elaborate on Trump-Erdoğan claims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/john-bolton-urged-to-elaborate-on-trump-erdogan-claims |work=The Guardian|first=Bethan|last=McKernan |date=18 June 2020}}</ref> Turkey criticized [[The Room Where It Happened|Bolton's book]], saying it included misleading accounts of conversations between Trump and Erdoğan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey says Bolton's book 'misleading' on Erdogan-Trump conversations |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-usa-bolton/turkey-says-boltons-book-misleading-on-erdogan-trump-conversations-idUSKBN23V3BI |work=Reuters |date=25 June 2020}}</ref> In August 2020, the former vice president and presidential candidate [[Joe Biden]] called for a new U.S. approach to the "autocrat" President Erdoğan and support for Turkish opposition parties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey slams Biden's past call for U.S. to back Erdogan opponents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-biden-turkey-idUSKCN25B0XS |work=Reuters |date=15 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How will a Biden presidency affect Turkey? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/8/how-would-a-biden-presidency-affect-turkey |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=8 November 2020}}</ref> In September 2020, Biden demanded that Erdoğan "stay out" of the [[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]] between [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Armenia]], in which Turkey supported the Azeris.<ref name=KellyNagornoKarabakh>Laura Kelly, [https://thehill.com/policy/international/518794-biden-says-turkey-must-stay-out-of-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict Biden says Turkey must stay out of Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict], ''The Hill'' (29 September 2020).</ref> Meanwhile, Erdoğan wants to realize the [[Zangezur corridor]] land route in the southern Caucasus,<ref>{{cite news |title=President Erdogan says Türkiye wants to realize Zengezur corridor 'as soon as possible' |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/president-erdogan-says-turkiye-wants-to-realize-zengezur-corridor-as-soon-as-possible/3001633# |work=Anadolu Ajansi |date=27 September 2023}}</ref> a geopolitical corridor from Europe through Central Asia, all the way to China.<ref>{{cite news |title=We Just Saw What the World Is About to Become |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/opinion/nagorno-karabakh-russia-turkey.html |work=The New York Times |date=9 October 2023}}</ref> ==== Venezuela ==== {{See also|Turkey–Venezuela relations}} Relations with Venezuela were strengthened with recent developments and high level mutual visits. The first official visit between the two countries at presidential level was in October 2017 when Venezuelan President [[Nicolás Maduro]] visited Turkey. In December 2018, Erdoğan visited Venezuela for the first time and expressed his will to build strong relations with Venezuela and expressed hope that high-level visits "will increasingly continue".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-s-erdogan-visits-venezuela-vows-to-enhance-ties-22171 |access-date=11 January 2020 |title=Turkey's Erdogan visits Venezuela, vows to enhance ties |date=4 December 2018}}</ref> Reuters reported that in 2018 23 tons of mined gold were taken from Venezuela to Istanbul.<ref name="8tons">{{cite news|last1=Pons|first1=Corina|last2=Armas|first2=Mayela|date=27 February 2019|title=Exclusive: Venezuela removed 8 tons of central bank gold last week – legislator|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold-exclusive/exclusive-venezuela-removed-8-tons-of-central-bank-gold-last-week-legislator-idUSKCN1QG2QG|access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611003806/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold-exclusive/exclusive-venezuela-removed-8-tons-of-central-bank-gold-last-week-legislator-idUSKCN1QG2QG |archive-date=11 June 2022}}</ref> In the first nine months of 2018, Venezuela's gold exports to Turkey rose from zero in the previous year to US$900 million.<ref name="CNBCGold">{{cite news|last1=Rampton|first1=Roberta|last2=Holland|first2=Steve|date=1 November 2018|title=Trump signs sanctions order targeting Venezuela's gold exports|publisher=CNBC|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/01/reuters-america-update-1-trump-signs-sanctions-order-targeting-venezuelas-gold-exports.html|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402215414/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/01/reuters-america-update-1-trump-signs-sanctions-order-targeting-venezuelas-gold-exports.html |archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the [[Venezuelan presidential crisis]], Erdoğan voiced solidarity with [[Venezuela]]'s President [[Nicolás Maduro]] and criticized U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, saying that "political problems cannot be resolved by punishing an entire nation."<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan slams Venezuela sanctions, Maduro defends gold exports |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-turkey-erdogan/turkeys-erdogan-slams-venezuela-sanctions-maduro-defends-gold-exports-idUSKBN1O22QM |work=Reuters |date=4 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan offers support for Venezuela's Maduro |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-turkey/turkeys-erdogan-offers-support-for-venezuelas-maduro-idUSKCN1PI0FJ |work=Reuters |date=24 January 2019}}</ref> Following the [[2019 Venezuelan uprising attempt]], Erdoğan condemned the actions of lawmaker [[Juan Guaidó]], tweeting "Those who are in an effort to appoint a postmodern colonial governor to Venezuela, where the President was appointed by elections and where the people rule, should know that only democratic elections can determine how a country is governed".<ref name=Yahoo>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/1-maduro-ally-turkey-berates-183215511.html|title=Maduro ally Turkey berates Venezuelan opposition for uprising call|date=30 April 2019|website=[[Yahoo News]]|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1123274099965476865 |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 30 April 2019 |via= Twitter |title= Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}}</ref> ==== Ukraine and Russian invasion of Ukraine ==== [[File:Signing Ceremony of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Istanbul.png|thumb|Signing of the [[Black Sea Grain Initiative|grain export deal]] between Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and the UN in Istanbul, 2022]] [[File:Володимир Зеленський у Львові зустрівся з президентом Туреччини та генеральним секретарем ООН 58.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan with Ukrainian President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyi]] and UN Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] in Lviv, Ukraine, on 18 August 2022]] In 2016, Erdoğan told his [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] counterpart [[Petro Poroshenko]] that Turkey would not recognize the [[annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation]]; calling it "Crimea's occupation".<ref>[http://www.rferl.mobi/a/russia-turkey-poroshenko-erdogan-crimea-russia-recognize/27935596.html Erdogan Tells Poroshenko Turkey Won't Recognize Crimea As Russian], [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] (20 August 2016)</ref> During the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Erdoğan functioned as a mediator and peace broker.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Idiz |first1=Semih |title=Ukraine war boosts Erdogan's 'new Atlanticism,' but for how long? - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/03/ukraine-war-boosts-erdogans-new-atlanticism-how-long |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=www.al-monitor.com |date=31 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Osterlund |first1=Paul Benjamin |title=Turkey, a mediator in Ukraine, mends its own ties with neighbours |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/30/turkey-a-mediator-in-ukraine-mends-its-own-ties-with-neighbours |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=www.aljazeera.com |date=30 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On 10 March 2022, Turkey hosted a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and Russia on the margins of [[Antalya Diplomacy Forum]], making it the first high-level talks since the invasion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey hosts first meeting of top Russian, Ukrainian diplomats since invasion |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/turkey-hosts-first-meeting-of-top-russian-ukrainian-diplomats-since-invasion/ |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=www.euractiv.com |date=10 March 2022}}</ref> Following the [[Peace negotiations in the Russian invasion of Ukraine#Renewal of peace talks: 29–30 March 2022|peace talks]] in Istanbul on 29 March 2022, Russia decided to leave areas around [[Kyiv]] and [[Chernihiv]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia pledges to scale down military activity near Kyiv, Chernihiv—as it happened |url=https://www.dw.com/en/russia-pledges-to-scale-down-military-activity-near-kyiv-chernihiv-as-it-happened/a-61286047 |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=DW.COM |date=29 March 2022}}</ref> On 22 July 2022, together with [[United Nations]], Turkey [[Black Sea Grain Initiative|brokered a deal between Russia and Ukraine]] about clearing the way for the export of grain from Ukrainian ports, following the [[2022 food crises]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bayer |first=Lili |date=3 April 2023 |title=Turkey is the headache NATO needs |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-nato-sweden-finland-is-the-headache-nato-needs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601101839/https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-nato-sweden-finland-is-the-headache-nato-needs/ |archive-date=1 June 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023 |work=[[Politico]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wieting |first1=Ayse |title='A beacon of hope': Ukraine, Russia sign grain export deal |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/deal-for-ukraine-grain-exports-due-to-be-sealed-in-istanbul/2022/07/22/6a0329ee-098c-11ed-80b6-43f2bfcc6662_story.html |access-date=2 August 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=22 July 2022}}</ref> On 21 September 2022, a record-high of 215 Ukrainian soldiers, including fighters who led the defence of the [[Azovstal Iron and Steel Works]] in [[Siege of Mariupol|Mariupol]], had been released in a [[prisoner exchange]] with Russia after mediation by Turkish President Erdoğan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine Announces Exchange Of 215 Prisoners Of War |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/ukraine-announces-exchange-of-215-prisoners-of-war-01663799406?tesla=y |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=www.barrons.com |agency=AFP}}</ref> As part of the agreement, the freed captives stay in Turkey until the war is over.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Swaminathan |first1=Sneha |title=Ukraine announces the exchange of 215 prisoners of war |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-announces-the-exchange-of-215-prisoners-of-war-518562 |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=WION |date=22 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref> While Turkey has closed the [[Bosphorus]] to Russian naval reinforcements, enforced United Nations sanctions<ref>{{cite news |title=International report - Turkey's ambiguous application of United Nations' sanctions on Russia |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/podcasts/international-report/20220404-turkey-s-ambiguous-application-of-united-nations-sanctions-on-russia |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=RFI |date=4 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref> and supplied Ukraine with military equipment such as [[Baykar Bayraktar TB2|Bayraktar TB2]] drones and [[BMC Kirpi]] vehicles, it didn't participate in certain sanctions like closing the Turkish airspace for Russian civilians and continued the dialogue with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdoğan walks a fine line as the Ukraine war's double agent |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-recep-tayyip-erdogan-fine-line-ukraine-russia-war/ |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=POLITICO |date=17 August 2022}}</ref> Erdoğan reiterated his stance on Crimea in 2022 saying that [[international law]] requires that Russia must return Crimea to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Rhea |last1=Mogul |first2=Jack |last2=Guy |first3=Adrienne |last3=Vogt |first4=Aditi |last4=Sangal |date=23 August 2022 |title=Turkey's Erdogan says return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-08-23-22#h_a464f4704f71e89c36e97206e220d32b |access-date=23 August 2022 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> On 18 February 2025, Erdoğan stated that Turkey would be the "ideal host for [[Peace negotiations in the Russian invasion of Ukraine|possible talks between Russia, Ukraine and the USA]]," arguing that Turkey is seen as a "reliable mediator" by both Russia and Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last=Solaker |first=Gülsen |date=21 February 2024 |title=Can Turkey play a role in Ukraine's future? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/can-turkey-play-a-role-in-ukraines-future/a-71691084 |access-date=23 February 2025 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref> === Events === ==== Coup d'état attempt ==== {{Main|2016 Turkish coup attempt}} On 15 July 2016, a coup d'état was attempted by the military, with aims to remove Erdoğan from government. By the next day, Erdoğan's government managed to reassert effective control in the country.<ref name="WSJ-attempted-coup">{{cite news|last1=Levin |first1=Ned |last2=Candemir |first2=Yeliz |title=Turkey's Erdogan Reasserts Control After Attempted Coup |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/turkeys-erdogan-reasserts-control-after-attempted-coup-1468658670 |access-date=16 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716102935/http://www.wsj.com/articles/turkeys-erdogan-reasserts-control-after-attempted-coup-1468658670 |archive-date=16 July 2016 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=16 July 2016 |location=Istanbul |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead}}</ref> Reportedly, no government official was arrested or harmed, which, among other factors, raised the suspicion of a [[false flag]] event staged by the government itself.<ref>{{cite web|title=Critics Raise False Flag After Failed Military Coup in Turkey|date=16 July 2016|url=http://www.vocativ.com/341593/critics-raise-false-flag-after-failed-military-coup-in-turkey/|publisher=Vocativ|access-date=16 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Fontanella-Khan |first1=Amana |title=Fethullah Gülen: Turkey coup may have been 'staged' by Erdoğan regime |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/16/fethullah-gulen-turkey-coup-erdogan |access-date=16 July 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716221649/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/16/fethullah-gulen-turkey-coup-erdogan |archive-date=16 July 2016 |location=Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[File:160801-D-PB383-016 US-General Joseph F. Dunford Jr. tours parts of the Turkish Grand National Assembly that were destroyed during the failed July 15 coup in Ankara.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Grand National Assembly of Turkey|Turkish parliament]] was bombed by jets during the failed coup of 2016.]] Erdoğan, as well as other government officials, has blamed an exiled cleric, and a former ally of Erdoğan, [[Fethullah Gülen]], for staging the coup attempt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/turkey-military-coup/who-u-s-based-cleric-fethullah-gulen-blamed-turkey-coup-n610681|title=This U.S.-Based Cleric Is Being Blamed for Coup Attempt|date=16 July 2016 |publisher=NBC News}}</ref> [[Süleyman Soylu]], Minister of Labor in Erdoğan's government, accused the US of planning a coup to oust Erdoğan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/215046|title=US government behind Turkish coup attempt, Turkish minister says|date=16 July 2016 |publisher=Arutz Sheva}}</ref> Erdoğan, as well as other high-ranking Turkish government officials, has issued repeated demands to the US to extradite Gülen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/11/politics/turkey-us-fethullah-gulen-ultimatum/index.html|title=Turkey's Erdogan demands US hand over cleric|author=Euan McKirdy and Hande Atay Alam|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=11 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/turkey-fethullah-gulen-extradition-coup-attempt|title=Turkey officials to demand extradition of Fethullah Gülen from US|author=Patrick Wintour |date=28 July 2016|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Following the coup attempt, there has been a significant deterioration in Turkey-US relations. European and other world leaders have expressed their concerns over the situation in Turkey, with many of them warning Erdoğan not to use the coup attempt as an excuse to crack down on his opponents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/17/turkey-coup-plot-president-erdogan-rounds-up-thousands-of-soldie/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/17/turkey-coup-plot-president-erdogan-rounds-up-thousands-of-soldie/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Turkey coup attempt: World leaders warn President Erdogan not to use uprising as excuse for crackdown as more than 6,000 arrested|first1=Henry|last1=Bodkin|first2=David|last2=Millward|first3=Josie|last3=Ensor|first4=James|last4=Rothwell|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=17 July 2016|access-date=28 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The rise of ISIS and the collapse of the Kurdish peace process had led to a sharp rise in terror incidents in Turkey until 2016. Erdoğan was accused by his critics of having a 'soft corner' for ISIS.<ref>{{cite news|author=Simon Tisdall |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/29/turkey-pays-price-erdogan-blindness-to-isis-threat |title=Turkey paying a price for Erdoğan's wilful blindness to Isis threat |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=15 July 2016}}</ref> However, after the attempted coup, Erdoğan ordered the Turkish military into Syria to combat ISIS and Kurdish militant groups.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kareem Shaheen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/24/turkey-launches-major-operation-against-isis-in-key-border-town |title=Turkey sends tanks into Syria in operation aimed at Isis and Kurds |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 August 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> Erdoğan's critics have decried purges in the education system and judiciary as undermining the rule of law<ref>{{cite news|last=Macdonald |first=Alastair |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-eu-mogherini-idUSKCN0ZY0EZ |title='No excuse' for Turkey to abandon rule of law: EU's Mogherini |work=Reuters |date=18 July 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> however Erdoğan supporters argue this is a necessary measure as Gulen-linked schools cheated on entrance exams, requiring a purge in the education system and of the Gulen followers who then entered the judiciary.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/08/05/fethullah-gulen-race-top-over-turkey-erdogan-secularism-schools/ |title=Fethullah Gulen's Race to the Top Is Over |magazine=Foreign Policy |date=5 August 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/elections/2015/06/15/turkey-21-suspects-detained-in-civil-service-exam-cheating-scandal |title=Turkey: 21 suspects detained in civil service exam cheating scandal |newspaper=Daily Sabah |date=15 June 2015 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> Erdoğan's plan is "to reconstitute Turkey as a presidential system. The plan would create a centralized system that would enable him to better tackle Turkey's internal and external threats. One of the main hurdles allegedly standing in his way is Fethullah Gulen's movement ..."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/erdogans-global-anti-gulen-drive-hits-pakistan/|title=Erdogan's global anti-Gulen drive hits Pakistan|last=Salman|first=Rafi|date=20 November 2016 |website=Asia Times |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> In the aftermath of the [[2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt]], a groundswell of national unity and consensus emerged for cracking down on the coup plotters with a National Unity rally held in Turkey that included Islamists, secularists, liberals and nationalists.<ref>{{cite web|last=McKirdy |first=Euan |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/08/europe/turkey-coup-unity-rally/ |title=Turkey's Erdogan tells million-strong unity rally: I support death penalty |publisher=CNN|date=8 August 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/turkey-istanbul-pro-democracy-rally-160807095400728.html |title=President Erdogan and opposition unite in Turkey rally |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=7 August 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> Erdoğan has used this consensus to remove Gulen's followers from the bureaucracy, curtail their role in NGOs, Turkey's Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Turkish military, with 149 Generals discharged.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/turkey-purges-military-leaders-in-wake-of-failed-coup |title=Turkish generals resign as government prepares to overhaul armed forces |newspaper=The Guardian |date=28 July 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> In a foreign policy shift Erdoğan ordered the Turkish Armed Forces into battle in Syria and has liberated towns from IS control.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Orhan |last1=Coskun |first2=Nick |last2=Tattersall |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-dabiq-idUSKBN12G0UK |title=Turkish operations in Syria to continue after Dabiq liberated: Erdogan's spokesman |work=Reuters |date=16 October 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> As relations with Europe soured over in the aftermath of the attempted coup, Erdoğan developed alternative relationships with Russia,<ref>{{cite news|author=Shaun Walker in Moscow and Jennifer Rankin in Brussels |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/erdogan-meets-putin-leaders-seek-mend-ties-jet-downing-russia-turkey |title=Erdoğan and Putin discuss closer ties in first meeting since jet downing |newspaper=The Guardian |date=9 August 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/one-year-halt-in-turkey-russia-ties-over-turkish-pm.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106951&NewsCatID=510 |title=One-year halt in Turkey, Russia ties 'over': Turkish PM |work=Hürriyet Daily News |date=6 December 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> Saudi Arabia<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/954596/saudi-arabia |title=KSA welcomes Erdogan's success against coup attempt |newspaper=Arab News |date=21 November 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> and a "strategic partnership" with [[Pakistan–Turkey relations|Pakistan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/turkey-pakistan-vow-to-strengthen-ties-further/687871 |title=Turkey, Pakistan vow to strengthen ties further |publisher=Aa.com.tr |date=17 November 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/27-Nov-2016/pakistan-turkey-reaffirm-commitment-to-intensify-mutual-cooperation |title=Pakistan, Turkey reaffirm commitment to intensify mutual cooperation |publisher=Radio.gov.pk |date=27 November 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420210758/http://www.radio.gov.pk/27-Nov-2016/pakistan-turkey-reaffirm-commitment-to-intensify-mutual-cooperation |archive-date=20 April 2017}}</ref> with plans to cultivate relations through free trade agreements and deepening military relations for mutual co-operation with Turkey's regional allies.<ref>{{cite web|author=Yusuf Hati̇p |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/turkey-pakistan-free-trade-deal-to-be-ready-in-dec/685961 |title=Turkey, Pakistan free trade deal to be ready in Dec |publisher=Anadolu Agency |date=15 November 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=David Rider |url=http://www.marsecreview.com/2016/10/pakisan-turkey-in-navy-drills/ |title=Pakistan, Turkey in navy drills | Maritime Security Review |publisher=Marsecreview.com |date=31 October 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/167333-Pakistan-to-sell-52-Super-Mushshak-aircraft-to-Turkey |title=Pakistan to sell 52 Super Mushshak aircraft to Turkey | Top Story |work=The News International |date=24 November 2016 |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> ==== 2023 earthquake ==== {{Main|2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes}} On 6 February 2023, a [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes|catastrophic earthquake]] struck south-central Turkey and northwestern Syria,<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan's earthquake: how years of bad government made a disaster worse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/turkey-erdogan-earthquake-how-years-of-bad-government-made-a-disaster-worse |work=The Guardian |date=4 May 2023}}</ref> killing more than 50,000 people in Turkey during his administration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Erdogan again? Amid rubble of Turkey's quake, voters demand to be heard |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/erdogan-again-amid-rubble-turkeys-quake-voters-demand-be-heard-2023-05-09/ |work=Reuters |date=9 May 2023}}</ref> The high death toll was exacerbated by collapsed buildings, many constructed under lax regulations. Post-1999 earthquake reforms introduced stricter codes, but enforcement was weak. Erdoğan’s government issued "amnesties" legalizing substandard buildings for fines, a policy he boasted about in 2019 speeches in Kahramanmaraş and Hatay, claiming to have "solved" housing issues for thousands.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Links |first=Justus |date=2023-05-04 |title=Erdogan’s earthquake: how years of bad government made a disaster worse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/turkey-erdogan-earthquake-how-years-of-bad-government-made-a-disaster-worse |access-date=2025-04-26 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kenyon |first=Peter |date=2023-02-13 |title=Videos show Turkey's Erdogan boasted letting builders avoid earthquake codes |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/02/13/1156512284/turkey-earthquake-erdogan-building-safety |access-date=2025-04-26 |work=[[NPR]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency]] (AFAD), centralized under Erdoğan’s control since a 2017 constitutional change, faced intense scrutiny for its slow and disorganized response. AFAD, led by a theologian with no prior disaster relief experience, was criticized for sidelining NGOs, military, and experienced rescue groups like [[AKUT Search and Rescue Association|AKUT]], requiring all efforts to be approved centrally.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-27 |title=Turkey earthquake: Erdogan seeks forgiveness over quake rescue delays |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64789135 |access-date=2025-04-26 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turkey |first=Alec Luhn / Iskenderun |date=2023-02-18 |title=How Erdoğan’s Grip on Power Made Turkey's Earthquakes Worse |url=https://time.com/6256540/erdogan-turkey-earthquake-response/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=[[TIME]] |language=en}}</ref> == Ideology and public image == {{Main|Public image of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} Early during his premiership, Erdoğan was praised as a role model for emerging Middle Eastern nations due to several reform packages initiated by his government which expanded religious freedoms and minority rights as part of [[Accession of Turkey to the European Union|accession negotiations]] with the [[European Union]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/has-recep-tayyip-erdogan-gone-from-model-middle-east-strongman-to-tinpot-dictator-9252366.html|title=Has Recep Tayyip Erdogan gone from model Middle East 'strongman' to tin-pot dictator?|last=Fisk|first=Robert|date=10 April 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|work=The Independent}}</ref> However, his government underwent several crises including the [[Sledgehammer (coup plan)|Sledgehammer coup]] and the [[Ergenekon trials]], corruption scandals, accusations of media intimidation, as well as the pursuit of an increasingly polarizing political agenda; the opposition accused the government of inciting political hatred throughout the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gülen acquitted of trying to overthrow secular government |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/gulen-acquitted-of-trying-to-overthrow-secular-government.aspx?pageID=438&n=gulen-acquitted-of-trying-to-overthrow-secular-government-2006-05-06 |newspaper=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=6 May 2006 |access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> He has also been described as having "long championed Islamist causes".<ref>{{cite news |last= Kirby |first= Paul |date= 11 May 2023 |title= Turkey's Erdogan fighting to stay in power after 20 years |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13746679 |work= BBC News |access-date= 12 May 2023 |quote= Mr Erdogan has long championed Islamist causes - and was known to give the four-finger salute of Egypt's repressed Muslim Brotherhood.}}</ref> === Erdoğanism === {{Main|Erdoğanism}} The term Erdoğanism first emerged shortly after Erdoğan's [[2011 Turkish general election|2011 general election]] victory, where it was predominantly described as the AKP's [[Economic liberalism|liberal economic]] and [[Conservative democracy|conservative democratic]] ideals fused with Erdoğan's [[demagoguery]] and cult of personality.<ref>{{cite web|last=Awiti |first=Alex |url=http://intpolicydigest.org/2011/10/02/erdoganism-a-word-of-caution/ |title=Erdoganism: A Word of Caution |website=Intpolicydigest.org |date=2 October 2011 |access-date=30 July 2016}}</ref> === Ottomanism === {{See also|Neo-Ottomanism}} [[File:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Mahmoud Abbas.jpg|thumb|180px|Erdoğan meeting Palestinian president Abbas in Erdoğan's [[Presidential Compound (Turkey)|Presidential Palace]]]] As President, Erdoğan has overseen a revival of [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] tradition,<ref name="Calian">{{Cite web|last=Calian|first=Florin George|date=25 March 2021|title=The Hagia Sophia and Turkey's Neo-Ottomanism|url=https://armenianweekly.com/2021/03/24/the-hagia-sophia-and-turkeys-neo-ottomanism/|access-date=28 May 2021|website=The Armenian Weekly|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 October 2020|title=Europe must wake up to Erdogan's neo-Ottoman ambition|url=https://capx.co/europe-must-wake-up-to-erdogans-neo-ottoman-ambition/|access-date=28 May 2021|website=CapX|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Essentials"/> greeting Palestinian president [[Mahmoud Abbas]] with an Ottoman-style ceremony in the [[Presidential Compound (Turkey)|new presidential palace]], with [[Presidential Guard Regiment (Turkey)|guards dressed]] in costumes representing founders of [[16 Great Turkish Empires]] in history.<ref name=Presidency>{{cite web|url=http://www.tccb.gov.tr/sayfa/cumhurbaskanligi/fors/|title=T.C. CUMHURBAŞKANLIĞI : Cumhurbaşkanlığı|author=cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr|work=tccb.gov.tr|access-date=26 February 2015|archive-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004181013/http://www.tccb.gov.tr/sayfa/cumhurbaskanligi/fors/|url-status=dead}}</ref> While Prime Minister of Turkey, Erdoğan's AKP made references to the Ottoman era during election campaigns, such as calling their supporters 'grandsons of Ottomans' ''(Osmanlı torunu).''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taraf.com.tr/politika/akpnin-sarkisinda-uzun-adam-gitti-osmanli-torunu-geldi/|title=AKP'nin şarkısında 'Uzun adam' gitti 'Osmanlı torunu' geldi ! – Taraf Gazetesi|author=Oktay Özilhan|work=Taraf Gazetesi|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208184432/http://www.taraf.com.tr/politika/akpnin-sarkisinda-uzun-adam-gitti-osmanli-torunu-geldi/|archive-date=8 February 2015}}</ref> This proved controversial, since it was perceived to be an open attack against the republican nature of modern Turkey founded by [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]]. In 2015, Erdoğan made a statement in which he endorsed the old Ottoman term ''külliye'' to refer to university campuses rather than the standard Turkish word ''kampüs''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilk-kursun.com/haber/212703/erdogan-kampus-degil-kulliye/|title=Erdoğan: Kampus değil, külliye|work=ilk-kursun.com|access-date=4 March 2015|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603024620/http://www.ilk-kursun.com/haber/212703/erdogan-kampus-degil-kulliye/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many critics have thus accused Erdoğan of wanting to become an Ottoman [[sultan]] and abandon the secular and democratic credentials of the Republic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/recep-tayyip-erdogan-the-new-sultan-now-has-a-new-palace--and-it-has-cost-turkish-taxpayers-400m-9841319.html|title=Recep Tayyip Erdogan: The 'new sultan' now has a new palace – and it has cost Turkish taxpayers £400m|work=The Independent|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925191452/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/recep-tayyip-erdogan-the-new-sultan-now-has-a-new-palace--and-it-has-cost-turkish-taxpayers-400m-9841319.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/erdogan-is-turkeys-new-sultan-1407865770|title=Erdogan Is Turkey's New Sultan|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=13 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21612237-recep-tayyip-erdogans-plans-presidency-next-sultan|title=The next sultan?|date=16 August 2014|newspaper=The Economist}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11380281/Turkeys-president-is-not-acting-like-the-Queen-he-is-acting-like-a-sultan.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11380281/Turkeys-president-is-not-acting-like-the-Queen-he-is-acting-like-a-sultan.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title='Turkey's president is not acting like the Queen – he is acting like a sultan'|date=2 February 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|last1=Akkoc|first1=Raziye}}{{cbignore}}</ref> When pressed on this issue in January 2015, Erdoğan denied these claims and said that he would aim to be more like [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|Queen]] [[Elizabeth II]] of the United Kingdom rather than like an Ottoman sultan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11380355/Turkish-president-Recep-Tayyip-Erdogan-I-want-to-be-like-Queen-of-UK.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11380355/Turkish-president-Recep-Tayyip-Erdogan-I-want-to-be-like-Queen-of-UK.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan: I want to be like Queen of UK|date=30 January 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|last1=Akkoc|first1=Raziye}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In July 2020, after the [[Council of State (Turkey)|Council of State]] annulled the [[Cabinet of Turkey|Cabinet]]'s 1934 decision to establish the [[Hagia Sophia]] as museum and revoking the monument's status, Erdoğan ordered its reclassification as a mosque.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Bethan McKernan |title=Erdoğan leads first prayers at Hagia Sophia museum reverted to mosque |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/24/erdogan-prayers-hagia-sophia-museum-turned-mosque |website=The Guardian |access-date=2 February 2021 |language=English |date=25 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="iletisim">{{Cite web|date=10 July 2020|title=Presidential Decree on the opening of Hagia Sophia to worship promulgated on the Official Gazette|url=http://wt.iletisim.gov.tr/english/haberler/detay/presidential-decree-on-the-opening-of-hagia-sophia-to-worship-promulgated-on-the-official-gazette-of-the-republic-of-turkey/|access-date=17 July 2020|work=Presidency of the Republic of Turkey: Directorate of Communications|language=en}}</ref> The 1934 decree was ruled to be unlawful under both Ottoman and Turkish law as Hagia Sophia's ''[[waqf]]'', endowed by [[Mehmed the Conqueror|Sultan Mehmed II]], had designated the site a mosque; proponents of the decision argued the Hagia Sophia was the personal property of the sultan.<ref>{{cite news|date=10 July 2020|title=Turkey's Erdogan says Hagia Sophia becomes mosque after court ruling|publisher=CNBC|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/10/turkeys-erdogan-says-hagia-sophia-becomes-mosque-after-court-ruling.html|access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref> This redesignation is controversial, invoking condemnation from the Turkish opposition, [[UNESCO]], the [[World Council of Churches]], the [[Holy See]], and many other international leaders.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|date=11 July 2020|title=Church body wants Hagia Sophia decision reversed|language=en|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53375739|access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="BBC2020">{{cite news|date=12 July 2020|title=Pope 'pained' by Hagia Sophia mosque decision|language=en|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53371341|access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="AJ2020">{{cite news|date=10 July 2020|title=World reacts to Turkey reconverting Hagia Sophia into a mosque|language=en|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/world-reacts-turkey-reconverting-hagia-sophia-mosque-200710135637861.html|access-date=10 July 2020}}</ref> In August 2020, he also signed the order that transferred the administration of the [[Chora Church]] to the Directorate of Religious Affairs to open it for worship as a mosque.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2020/gundem/son-dakika-istanbuldaki-kariye-camii-ibadete-aciliyor-5998871/ | title = Kariye Camii ibadete açılıyor | newspaper = [[Sözcü]] | date = 21 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200821084710/https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2020/gundem/son-dakika-istanbuldaki-kariye-camii-ibadete-aciliyor-5998871/ | archive-date = 21 August 2020}}</ref> Initially converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, the building had then been designated as a museum by the government since 1934.<ref name=Yackley>{{cite web |url=https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/court-ruling-converting-turkish-museum-to-mosque-could-set-precedent-for-hagia-sophia |title=Court Ruling Converting Turkish Museum to Mosque Could Set Precedent for Hagia Sophia |last=Yackley |first=Ayla |date=3 December 2019 |publisher=The Art Newspaper |access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="Calian" /> In August 2020, Erdoğan gave a speech saying that "in our civilization, conquest is not occupation or looting. It is establishing the dominance of the justice that Allah commanded in the region. First of all, our nation removed the oppression from the areas that it conquered. It established justice. This is why our civilization is one of conquest. Turkey will take what is its right in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Aegean Sea, and in the Black Sea."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-turkish-conquest-is-spreading-the-justice-of-allah-erdogan-says/#disqus_thread|title=WATCH: Turkish conquest is spreading the justice of Allah, Erdogan says |date=6 September 2020 |publisher=World Israel News|access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref><ref name="Calian"/> In October 2020, he made a statement before the [[Grand National Assembly of Turkey|Grand National Assembly]] that "[[Jerusalem]] is ours", referring to the period of Ottoman rule over the city and the rebuilding of its [[Old City (Jerusalem)|Old City]] by [[Suleiman the Magnificent]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2020-10-09/ty-article/.premium/erdogan-jerusalem-is-ours-what-really-stands-behind-turkey-hagia-sophia-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre/0000017f-e4ad-d7b2-a77f-e7afee730000|last=Bar'el|first=Zvi|title='Jerusalem Is Ours': Behind Erdogan's Remarkable Claim|publisher=Haaretz|date=9 October 2020|access-date=9 May 2023}}</ref> In October 2023 the first church built with government backing in Turkey's 100-year history as a post-Ottoman state was inaugurated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=Erdogan to open modern Turkish state's first new church |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231008-erdogan-to-open-modern-turkish-state-s-first-new-church |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=Erdogan eröffnet erste Kirche seit Republiksgründung |url=https://orf.at/stories/3334094/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=ORF |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2023 |title=Une nouvelle église pour Istanbul, la première en 100 ans de république |url=https://information.tv5monde.com/international/une-nouvelle-eglise-pour-istanbul-la-premiere-en-100-ans-de-republique-2670528 |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=TV5MONDE |language=fr }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> === Authoritarianism === Erdoğan has been the [[de facto]] leader of Turkey since 2002.{{Efn|Erdoğan won the elections in 2002, but was prevented from becoming prime minister until the [[2003 Siirt Province by-election|by-election]] in 2003. In the meanwhile, [[Abdullah Gül]] was chairholder.}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/alon-benmeir/how-turkey-became-a-de-fa_b_9932160.html|title=How Turkey Became a De Facto Dictatorship|last=Ben-Meir|first=Alon|date=12 May 2016|website=HuffPost|language=en-US|access-date=22 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-13746679|title=Erdogan: Turkey's pugnacious president|date=17 April 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=22 June 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4410491/turkey-president-erdogan-history/|title=How Turkey's Erdogan First Came to Power|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=22 June 2018}}</ref> In the more recent years of Erdoğan's rule, Turkey has experienced increasing [[authoritarianism]], [[democratic backsliding]], and corruption,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Yildirim |first1=A. Kadir |last2=Lynch |first2=Marc |date=8 December 2016 |title=Is there still hope for Turkish democracy? |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/12/08/is-there-still-hope-for-turkish-democracy/ |access-date=27 June 2018 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Esen |first1=Berk |last2=Gumuscu |first2=Sebnem |year=2016 |title=Rising competitive authoritarianism in Turkey |url=http://repository.bilkent.edu.tr/bitstream/11693/36632/1/Rising%20competitive%20authoritarianism%20in%20Turkey.pdf |journal=Third World Quarterly |volume=37 |issue=9 |pages=1581–1606 |doi=10.1080/01436597.2015.1135732 |s2cid=155983134 |hdl-access=free |hdl=11693/36632}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 January 2018 |title=Turkey |url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2018/turkey |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707210506/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2018/turkey |archive-date=7 July 2019 |access-date=27 June 2018 |publisher=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref> as well as [[expansionism]], [[censorship]], and banning of [[political party|parties]] or dissent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meakem |first=Allison |date=25 December 2020 |title=Turkey's President Erdogan Spent 2020 Bolstering His Neo-Ottoman Foreign Policy |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/12/25/turkeys-year-of-living-dangerously/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201227075233/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/12/25/turkeys-year-of-living-dangerously/ |archive-date=27 December 2020 |website=[[Foreign Policy]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Steven A. |title=How Erdogan Got His Groove Back |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/04/08/how-erdogan-got-his-groove-back/ |website=[[Foreign Policy]]|date=8 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 March 2021 |title=Democratic decay and uncertainty in Turkey |url=https://diem25.org/democratic-decay-and-uncertainty-turkey/ |website=[[Democracy in Europe Movement 2025]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Peter S. |date=18 August 2018 |title=The West Hoped for Democracy in Turkey. Erdogan Had Other Ideas. |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/18/business/west-democracy-turkey-erdogan-financial-crisis.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Aytaç |first=Selim Erdem |year=2021 |title=Effectiveness of Incumbent's Strategic Communication during Economic Crisis under Electoral Authoritarianism: Evidence from Turkey |journal=American Political Science Review |language=en |volume=115 |issue=4 |pages=1517–1523 |doi=10.1017/S0003055421000587 |issn=0003-0554 |doi-access=free}}</ref> In response to criticism, Erdoğan made a speech in May 2014 denouncing allegations of dictatorship, saying that the leader of the opposition, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was there at the speech, would not be able to "roam the streets" freely if he were a dictator.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/turkiye/76193/Kilicdaroglu__Uc_gun_sussa_huzur_olur.html|title=Kılıçdaroğlu: Üç gün sussa huzur olur|language=tr|trans-title=Kılıçdaroğlu: Three days peace is suspect|date=27 May 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Kılıçdaroğlu responded that political tensions would cease to exist if Erdoğan stopped making his polarizing speeches for three days.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chp.org.tr/?p=148819|title=Genel Başkan Kılıçdaroğlu, 'Diktatörlerin ortak özelliği çok korkak olmalarıdır' dedi ve 'Diktatör değilim' diyen Erdoğan'a, o zaman diktatör bozuntususun" diye seslendi|language=tr|trans-title=President to 'The common features of dictators is that they are too cowardly'|date=27 May 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> One observer said it was a measure of the state of Turkish democracy that Prime Minister [[Ahmet Davutoğlu]] could openly threaten, on 20 December 2015, that, if his party did not win the election, Turkish Kurds would endure a repeat of the era of the [[Gendarmerie Intelligence Organization|"white Toros"]].<ref name="NYRB CdeB">{{Cite journal |last= de Bellaigue |first= Christopher |author-link= Christopher de Bellaigue |year= 2015 |title= The Sultan of Turkey |url= http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2015/12/17/erdogan-sultan-turkey/ |journal= [[The New York Review of Books]] |volume= 62 |number= 20 |pages= 85–87 |access-date= 28 January 2016 }}</ref> In April 2014, the President of the Constitutional Court, [[Haşim Kılıç]], accused Erdoğan of damaging the credibility of the judiciary, labelling Erdoğan's attempts to increase political control over the courts as 'desperate'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/1a4b7676-cc7e-11e3-9b5f-00144feabdc0.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/1a4b7676-cc7e-11e3-9b5f-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Turkey's top judge accuses Erdogan of damaging rule of law|work=Financial Times|date=25 April 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|first=Daniel|last=Dombey}}</ref> During the chaotic [[2007 Turkish presidential election|2007 presidential election]], the military issued an [[E-memorandum]] warning the government to keep within the boundaries of secularism when choosing a candidate. Regardless, Erdoğan's close relations with [[Fethullah Gülen]] and his Cemaat Movement allowed his government to maintain a degree of influence within the judiciary through Gülen's supporters in high judicial and bureaucratic offices.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25885817|publisher=BBC|title=Fethullah Gulen: Powerful but reclusive Turkish cleric|last=Franks|first=Tim|date=27 January 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/battle-lines-drawn-struggle-influence-over-turkish-judiciary-135714630.html|title=Battle lines drawn in struggle for influence over Turkish judiciary|last1=Ozbilgin|first1=Ozbe|last2=Butler|first2=Daren|date=1 September 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|work=Yahoo News}}</ref> Shortly after, an alleged coup plot codenamed [[Sledgehammer (alleged coup plan)|Sledgehammer]] became public and resulted in the imprisonment of 300 military officers including [[İbrahim Fırtına]], [[Çetin Doğan]] and [[Engin Alan]]. Several opposition politicians, journalists and military officers also [[Ergenekon trials|went on trial]] for allegedly being part of an ultra-nationalist organization called [[Ergenekon (organization)|Ergenekon]]. [[File:Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan react to anti-Erdogan supporters outside the White House in Washington 01.jpg|thumb|Erdoğan's supporters outside the White House in [[Washington, D.C.]], 16 May 2017]] Both cases were marred by irregularities and were condemned as a joint attempt by Erdoğan and Gülen to curb opposition to the AKP.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ilkehaber.com/yazdir/haber/yargitay-kosulsuz-kaos-dedi--9772.htm|title=Yargıtay 'koşulsuz kaos' dedi|work=ilkehaber|language=tr|trans-title=Supreme Court in "unconditional chaos"|date=4 December 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> The original Sledgehammer document containing the coup plans, allegedly written in 2003, was found to have been written using [[Microsoft Word 2007]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65959|title=Turkey: What happens after the "Sledgehammer" Verdict|first=Yigal|last=Schleifer|date=25 September 2012|access-date=5 December 2014|work=eurasianet}}</ref> Despite both domestic and international calls for these irregularities to be addressed in order to guarantee a fair trial, Erdoğan instead praised his government for bringing the coup plots to light.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ulusalkanal.com.tr/gundem/akpli-mustafa-elitasin-ergenekon-tertibinde-rol-aldigi-ortaya-cikti-ses-kaydiyla-h8460.html|title=AKP'li Mustafa Elitaş'ın Ergenekon tertibinde rol aldığı ortaya çıktı! Ses kaydıyla|language=tr|trans-title=AKP'li Mustafa Elitaş'ın Ergenekon's scheme stars in voice recording|date=25 January 2013|access-date=5 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113144228/http://www.ulusalkanal.com.tr/gundem/akpli-mustafa-elitasin-ergenekon-tertibinde-rol-aldigi-ortaya-cikti-ses-kaydiyla-h8460.html|archive-date=13 November 2014}}</ref> When Gülen publicly withdrew support and openly attacked Erdoğan in late 2013, several imprisoned military officers and journalists were released, with the government admitting that the judicial proceedings were unfair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aa.com.tr/tr/tag/298101--ilker-basbug-tahliye-edildi|title=İlker Başbuğ serbest bırakıldı|language=tr|trans-title=İlker Başbuğ released|date=7 March 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|work=Anadolu Ajansi}}</ref> When Gülen withdrew support from the AKP government in late 2013, a [[2013 corruption scandal in Turkey|government corruption scandal]] broke out, leading to the arrest of several family members of cabinet ministers. Erdoğan accused Gülen of co-ordinating a "[[parallel state]]" within the judiciary in an attempt to topple him from power. He then removed or reassigned several judicial officials in an attempt to remove Gülen's supporters from office. Erdoğan's 'purge' was widely questioned and criticized by the European Union.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/21/brussels-turkey-prime-minister-erdogan-rewrite-law-judiciary-police|title=Brussels urges Turkish PM Erdogan to redraft law purging police and judiciary|last1=Traynor|first1=Ian|last2=Letsch|first2=Constanze|date=22 January 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In early 2014, a new law was passed by parliament giving the government greater control over the judiciary, which sparked public protest throughout the country. International organizations perceived the law to be a danger to the [[separation of powers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tv.cnnturk.com/video/2014/01/17/programlar/dort-bir-taraf/turkiye-deki-yargi-sistemi-hsyk-yasasinin-gelecegi-ve-17-aralik-sureci-dort-bir-taraf-16-01-2014/2014-01-16T2130/index.html|title=Türkiye'deki yargı sistemi, HSYK 'nın yapısı ve 17 Aralık sürecinde paralel devlet ve yolsuzluk iddiaları masaya yatırıldı.|language=tr|trans-title=The judicial system in Turkey|work=CNN Türk|date=16 January 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Several judicial officials removed from their posts said that they had been removed due to their secularist credentials. The political opposition accused Erdoğan of not only attempting to remove Gülen supporters, but supporters of [[Mustafa Kemal Atatürk]]'s principles as well, in order to pave the way for increased politicization of the judiciary. Several family members of Erdoğan's ministers who had been arrested as a result of the 2013 corruption scandal were released, and a judicial order to question Erdoğan's son Bilal Erdoğan was annulled.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haberfedai.com/haber/12792/bilal-erdogan-artik-yakalanmayacak|title=Bilal Erdoğan artık 'yakalanmayacak'|language=tr|trans-title=Bilal Erdogan is no longer under arrest|date=16 January 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|work=haberfedai|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141011142209/http://www.haberfedai.com/haber/12792/bilal-erdogan-artik-yakalanmayacak|archive-date=11 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Controversy erupted when it emerged that many of the newly appointed judicial officials were actually AKP supporters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/siyaset/37959/Hakim_ve_savcilar_AKP_li_cikti_.html|title=Hakim ve savcılar AKP'li çıktı!|language=tr|trans-title=Judges and prosecutors outed as AKP|work=cumhuriyet|date=5 February 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> İslam Çiçek, a judge who ejected the cases of five ministers' relatives accused of corruption, was accused of being an AKP supporter and an official investigation was launched into his political affiliations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samanyoluhaber.com/gundem/Reza-Zarrabi-tahliye-eden-hakimin-Facebook-bilgileri-sasirtti/1042852/|title=Tahliye kararı veren hakim İslam Çiçek, Facebook'ta Uzun Adam hayranı çıktı! |language=tr|trans-title=Judge Islam Çiçek's decisions vacated, Facebook claims links to Uzun Adam|date=1 May 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|work=amanyolu haber}}</ref> On 1 September 2014, the courts dissolved the cases of 96 suspects, which included Bilal Erdoğan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilkelihaber.com/index.php?id=5589452&ad=%2025%20Aral%FDk%20Yolsuzluk%20Soru%FEturmas%FD%20Kapat%FDld%FD|title= 25 Aralık Yolsuzluk Soruşturması Kapatıldı |language=tr|trans-title=Corruption investigation closed on 25 December|work=ilkelihaber|date=1 September 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> ==== Suppression of dissent ==== {{See also|Censorship in Turkey|Turkey's media purge after the failed July 2016 coup d'état|Purges in Turkey following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt}} [[File:Ntv-Van Media for sales.png|thumb|An [[NTV (Turkey)|NTV]] news van covered in anti-AKP protest graffiti in response to their initial [[Media censorship and disinformation during the Gezi Park protests in Turkey|lack of coverage]] of the [[Gezi Park protests]] in 2013]] Erdoğan has been criticized for his politicization of the media, especially after the 2013 protests. The opposition [[Republican People's Party]] (CHP) alleged that over 1,863 journalists lost their jobs due to their anti-government views in 12 years of [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AKP]] rule.<ref name="hurriyetdailynews.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/1863-turkish-journalists-fired-during-akp-rule-opposition-report-says.aspx?pageID=238&nID=73547&NewsCatID=339|title=1,863 Turkish journalists fired during AKP rule, opposition report says|work=Hürriyet Daily News|date=27 October 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Opposition politicians have also alleged that intimidation in the media is due to the government's attempt to restructure the ownership of private media corporations. Journalists from the [[Cihan News Agency]] and the Gülenist [[Zaman (newspaper)|''Zaman'' newspaper]] were repeatedly barred from attending government press conferences or asking questions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/yavuz-baydar/barring-coverage-assaults_b_6135640.html|title=Barring Coverage, Assaults and Fear: New Reports Signal SOS for Turkish Media|last=Baydar|first=Yavuz|work=[[HuffPost]]|date=10 November 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Several opposition journalists such as [[Soner Yalçın]] were controversially arrested as part of the [[Ergenekon trials]] and [[Sledgehammer (alleged coup plan)|Sledgehammer coup investigation]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bianet.org/english/media/143140-soner-yalcin-imprisoned-journalist-released|title=Soner Yalçın, Imprisoned Journalist, Released|work=bianet|date=27 December 2012|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Veli Ağbaba, a [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] politician, has called the AKP the 'biggest media boss in Turkey'.<ref name="hurriyetdailynews.com" /> In 2015, 74 US senators sent a letter to [[United States Secretary of State|US Secretary of State]], [[John Kerry]], to state their concern over what they saw as deviations from the basic principles of democracy in Turkey and oppressions of Erdoğan over media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/print/2015/03/19/U-S-Senators-urge-Kerry-to-speak-against-Turkey-media-crackdown-.html|title=U.S. Senators urge Kerry to speak against Turkey media crackdown |publisher=[[Al Arabiya]]|date=19 March 2015|access-date=19 March 2015}}</ref> Notable cases of media censorship occurred during the 2013 anti-government protests, when the mainstream media did not broadcast any news regarding the demonstrations for three days after they began. The lack of media coverage was symbolised by [[CNN International]] covering the protests while [[CNN Türk]] broadcast a documentary about penguins at the same time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/09/turkey-mainstream-media-penguins-protests|title=Why Turkey's mainstream media chose to show penguins rather than protests|work=The Guardian|first=Kerem|last=Oktem|date=10 June 2013|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> The [[RTÜK|Radio and Television Supreme Council]] (RTÜK) controversially issued a fine to pro-opposition news channels including [[Halk TV]] and [[Ulusal Kanal]] for their coverage of the protests, accusing them of broadcasting footage that could be morally, physically and mentally destabilizing to children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/23486445.asp|title=RTÜK'ten Halk TV ve Ulusal Kanal'a ceza|language=tr|trans-title=Penalties for public TV and national channel RTUK|date=12 June 2013|last=Özgenç|first=Meltem|work=Hürriyet Daily News|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Erdoğan was criticized for not responding to the accusations of media intimidation, and caused international outrage after telling a female journalist ([[Amberin Zaman]] of ''[[The Economist]]'') to know her place and calling her a 'shameless militant' during his [[2014 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presidential campaign|2014 presidential election campaign]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/know-your-place-you-shameless-militant-turkish-prime-minister-tells-female-journalist-9656896.html|title=Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan tells female journalist: 'Know your place, you shameless militant'|date=8 August 2014|last=Dearden|first=Lizzie|work=The Independent|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> While the [[2014 Turkish presidential election|2014 presidential election]] was not subject to substantial electoral fraud, Erdoğan was again criticized for receiving disproportionate media attention in comparison to his rivals. The British newspaper ''[[The Times]]'' commented that between 2 and 4 July, the state-owned media channel [[Turkish Radio and Television Corporation|TRT]] gave 204 minutes of coverage to Erdoğan's campaign and less than a total of 3 minutes to both his rivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/turkce/haberler/2014/07/140731_erdogan_trt_times.shtml |title=Times: TRT'den Erdoğan'a 204, rakiplerine 3 dakika |work=BBC Turkey|date=31 July 2014|language=tr|trans-title=TIMES: TRT gave Erdogan 204, 3 to his opponent|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> [[File:Yüksekdağ and Demirtaş.jpg|thumb|Opposition politicians [[Selahattin Demirtas|Selahattin Demirtaş]] and [[Figen Yüksekdağ]] had been arrested on terrorism charges.]] Erdoğan also [[Internet regulation in Turkey|tightened controls over the Internet]], signing into law a bill which allows the government to block websites without prior court order on 12 September 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-internet-idUSKBN0H70N920140912|title=Erdogan approves law tightening Turkey's Internet controls|date=12 September 2014|work=Reuters|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> His government blocked [[Twitter]] and [[YouTube]] in late March 2014 following the release of a recording of a conversation between him and his son [[Bilal Erdoğan|Bilal]], where Erdoğan allegedly warned his family to 'nullify' all cash reserves at their home amid the [[2013 corruption scandal in Turkey|2013 corruption scandal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/27/google-youtube-ban-turkey-erdogan|title=Erdogan approves law tightening Turkey's Internet controls|work=The Guardian|date=28 March 2014|first1=Constanze|last1=Letsch|first2=Dominic|last2=Rushe|access-date=5 December 2014}}</ref> Erdoğan has undertaken a media campaign that attempts to portray the presidential family as frugal and simple-living; their palace electricity-bill is estimated at $500,000 per month.<ref name="AlMon lavish">{{cite web | last = Tremblay | first = Pinar | date = 2 April 2015 | title = The Erdogans' lavish lifestyle | url = http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/04/erdogan-familys-attempt-to-appear-modest-backfire.html | website = [[Al-Monitor]] | access-date = 4 April 2015 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150404233617/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/04/erdogan-familys-attempt-to-appear-modest-backfire.html | archive-date = 4 April 2015}}</ref> In 2016, a waiter was arrested for insulting Erdoğan by allegedly saying "If Erdoğan comes here, I will not even serve tea to him.".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/siyaset/650617/_Erdogan_a_cay_vermem__dedigi_icin_tutuklanan_kantin_sorumlumuz_Senol_Buran_TBMM_gundeminde.html/|title='Erdoğan'a çay vermem' dediği için tutuklanan kantin sorumlumuz Şenol Buran TBMM gündeminde |work=Cumhuriyet|date=26 December 2016 }}</ref> In November 2016, the Turkish government<ref name="japantimes.co.jp" /> blocked access to [[social media]] in all of Turkey<ref name="BanReimposed1">{{cite news |title=Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp blocked in Turkey after arrest of opposition leaders|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/facebook-twitter-whatsapp-turkey-erdogan-blocked-opposition-leaders-arrested-a7396831.html|work=The Independent|date=4 November 2016}}</ref> as well as sought to completely block Internet access for the citizens in the southeast of the country.<ref name="BanReimposed2">{{cite news|title=CHP deputy Tanrıkulu slams internet cuts in eastern, southeastern Turkey|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-deputy-tanrikulu-slams-internet-cuts-in-eastern-southeastern-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=105490&NewsCatID=338|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News|date=28 October 2016}}</ref> Since the 2016 coup attempt, authorities arrested or imprisoned more than 90,000 Turkish citizens.<ref>{{cite news |title=2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Turkey |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/turkey/ |work=United States Department of State}}</ref> ====Lawsuits==== In February 2015, a 13-year-old was charged by a prosecutor after allegedly [[Article 299 (Turkish Penal Code)|insulting Erdoğan]] on Facebook.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilk-kursun.com/haber/218880/13-yasindaki-cocuk-erdogana-hakaretten-ifade-verdi/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125748/http://www.ilk-kursun.com/haber/218880/13-yasindaki-cocuk-erdogana-hakaretten-ifade-verdi/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|title=13 yaşındaki çocuk, Erdoğan'a hakaretten ifade verdi – İlk Kurşun Gazetesi|work=ilk-kursun.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacitaslan.com/kucuk-cocuk-erdogana-hakaretten-ifade-verdi-haberi-229378|title=Küçük çocuk Erdoğan'a hakaretten ifade verdi..|date=3 January 2015|website=sacitaslan.com }}</ref>Between 2016<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaheen |first=Kareem |date=2 December 2015 |title=Turkish court asks 'Gollum experts' if Erdoğan comparison is insult |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/02/turkish-court-asks-gollum-experts-if-erdogan-comparison-insult |access-date=9 February 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and 2023 there were trials for insulting the president for having [[Erdoğan–Gollum comparison trials|compared Erdogan to Gollum]], a fictional character of [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings|''Lord of the Rings'']].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 January 2023 |title=Verdict for Şansal for 'insulting President with Gollum' overturned by Regional Court |url=https://m.bianet.org/english/migration/272514-verdict-for-sansal-for-insulting-president-with-gollum-overturned-by-regional-court |website=[[Bianet]]}}</ref> In May 2016, former [[Miss Turkey]] model [[Merve Büyüksaraç]] was sentenced to more than a year in prison for allegedly insulting the president.<ref name="twsBBC1">{{cite web | date= 31 May 2016| publisher= BBC| url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36419723| title= Ex-Miss Turkey sentenced for insulting Erdogan| access-date= 31 May 2016| quote=...Merve Buyuksarac, 27, was found guilty of insulting a public official for postings she made on social media. She denied insulting Mr Erdogan....}}</ref><ref name="twsFrance24">{{cite web| date= 31 May 2016| publisher= France 24| url= http://www.france24.com/en/20160531-ex-miss-turkey-sentenced-insulting-erdogan| title= Ex-Miss Turkey sentenced 'for insulting Erdogan'| access-date= 31 May 2016| quote= ...The Istanbul court sentenced model Merve Buyuksarac, 27, to one year and two months in prison ...| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160601125158/http://www.france24.com/en/20160531-ex-miss-turkey-sentenced-insulting-erdogan| archive-date= 1 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="twsGuardian1">{{cite news | author= Agence France-Presse in Ankara| date= 16 June 2015| newspaper= The Guardian| url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/17/turkish-newspaper-editor-sentenced-for-insulting-president-recep-erdogan| title= Turkish newspaper editor sentenced for insulting president Recep Erdoğan: Ankara court hands down 21-month suspended jail sentence to editor of English-language newspaper after convicting him of insulting the president in a tweet| access-date= 31 May 2016| quote=...In another case that has garnered huge attention, model and former Miss Turkey beauty queen Merve Buyuksarac went on trial in May on charges of insulting Erdoğan....}}</ref> Between 2014 and 2019, 128,872 investigations were launched for insulting the president and prosecutors opened 27,717 criminal cases.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=29 March 2021 |title=Nearly 129,000 people probed for "insulting" Erdoğan in 5 years |url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/nearly-129000-people-probed-for-insulting-erdogan-in-5-years-news-56834 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329085403/https://www.duvarenglish.com/nearly-129000-people-probed-for-insulting-erdogan-in-5-years-news-56834 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |access-date=30 March 2021 |website=www.duvarenglish.com}}</ref> In 2009, Turkish sculptor [[Mehmet Aksoy (sculptor)|Mehmet Aksoy]] created the ''[[Statue of Humanity]]'' in [[Kars]] to promote reconciliation between Turkey and [[Armenia]]. When visiting the city in 2011, Erdoğan deemed the statue a "freak", and months later it was demolished.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turkey-Armenia friendship symbol being demolished|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13199787|access-date=5 March 2015|work=BBC News|date=26 April 2011}}</ref> Aksoy sued Erdoğan for "moral indemnities", although his lawyer said that his statement was a critique rather than an insult. In March 2015, a judge ordered Erdoğan to pay 10,000 [[Turkish lira|liras]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Erdem|first1=Umut|title=Artist 'to party with' Erdoğan's money|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/artist-to-party-with-erdogans-money.aspx?pageID=238&nID=79207&NewsCatID=341|access-date=5 March 2015|work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]|date=5 March 2015}}</ref> === Ziya Gökalp === In 2019, Erdoğan once again publicly recited [[Ziya Gökalp]]'s ''Soldier's Prayer'' poem, as he had done in 1997. According to [[Hans-Lukas Kieser]], these recitations betray Erdoğan's desire to create Gökalp's pre-1923 ideal, that is, "a modern, leader-led Islamic-Turkish state extending beyond the boundaries of the [[Treaty of Lausanne]]".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kieser |first1=Hans-Lukas|authorlink=Hans-Lukas Kieser |title=Europe's Seminal Proto-Fascist? Historically Approaching Ziya Gökalp, Mentor of Turkish Nationalism |journal=Die Welt des Islams |date=2021 |volume=61 |issue=4 |page=415 |doi=10.1163/15700607-61020008|s2cid=241148959 }}</ref> === Women === In 2021, Erdoğan withdrew Turkey from the [[Council of Europe]]'s [[Istanbul Convention]] on violence against women and has attacked groups that defend women.<ref>{{cite news |last= Eski |first= Beril |date= 20 March 2021 |title= Protests as Turkey pulls out of treaty to protect women |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/20/turkey-pulls-out-of-international-accord-designed-to-protect-women |work= The Guardian |access-date= 14 April 2025}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian, 2023">{{cite news |last1= Michaelson |first1= Ruth |last2= Narlı |first2= Deniz |date= 12 May 2023 |title= ‘We’re against LGBT’: Erdoğan targets gay and trans people ahead of critical Turkish election |url= https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/12/lgbt-recep-tayyip-erdogan-targets-gay-trans-rights-critical-turkish-election |work= The Guardian |access-date= 14 April 2025}}</ref> === Views on minorities === ==== LGBT ==== In 2002, Erdoğan said that "homosexuals must be legally protected within the framework of their rights and freedoms. From time to time, we do not find the treatment they get on some television screens humane", he said.<ref>{{cite news |title=LGBT Initiative from Prime Minister Erdoğan! |url=https://www.kaosgl.org/en/single-news/lgbt-initiative-from-prime-minister-erdogan |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=[[KAOS GL]] |date=28 May 2012 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lepeska |first1=David |title=Turkish officials bash gays to counter rising LGBT support |url=https://ahvalnews.com/turkey-lgbti/turkish-officials-bash-gays-counter-rising-lgbt-support |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=Ahval |date=30 April 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Notaro |first1=Pier Cesare |title=Turkey: What Erdoğan's Homophobia Shows Us about His Power |url=https://www.ilgrandecolibri.com/en/turkey-what-erdogans-homophobia-shows-us-about-its-power/ |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=Il Grande Colibrì |date=16 December 2019}}</ref> However, in 2017 Erdoğan has said that empowering [[LGBT rights in Turkey|LGBT people in Turkey]] was "against the values of our nation".<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news |title='It's just the start': LGBT community in Turkey fears government crackdown |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/23/its-just-the-start-lgbt-community-in-turkey-fears-government-crackdown |work=The Guardian |date=23 November 2017}}</ref> In 2020, amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey|COVID-19 pandemic]], Turkey's top Muslim scholar and President of Religious Affairs, [[Ali Erbaş]], said in a Friday Ramadan announcement that the country condemns [[homosexuality]] because it "brings illness", insinuating that same sex relations were responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="lgbt">{{cite news|date=12 May 2020|title=With New COVID-19 Outbreak Linked To Gay Man, Homophobia On Rise In South Korea|work=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrasternlicht/2020/05/12/with-new-covid-19-outbreak-linked-to-gay-man-homophobia-on-rise-in-south-korea/|url-status=live|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625155553/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrasternlicht/2020/05/12/with-new-covid-19-outbreak-linked-to-gay-man-homophobia-on-rise-in-south-korea/|archive-date=25 June 2020}}</ref> Recep Tayyip Erdoğan backed Erbaş, saying that what Erbaş "said was totally right."<ref>{{cite news|date=27 April 2020|title=Erdogan defends Turkey religious chief's anti-gay sermon|publisher=France 24|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200427-erdogan-defends-turkey-religious-chief-s-anti-gay-sermon|url-status=live|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621055152/https://www.france24.com/en/20200427-erdogan-defends-turkey-religious-chief-s-anti-gay-sermon|archive-date=21 June 2020}}</ref> Starting from 2023, Erdoğan began openly speaking against LGBT people, openly saying that his Coalition "are against the LGBT", and accusing the Turkish opposition of being LGBT.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Michaelson |first1=Ruth |last2=Narlı |first2=Deniz Barış |date=12 May 2023 |title='We're against LGBT': Erdoğan targets gay and trans people ahead of critical Turkish election |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/12/lgbt-recep-tayyip-erdogan-targets-gay-trans-rights-critical-turkish-election |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513004241/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/12/lgbt-recep-tayyip-erdogan-targets-gay-trans-rights-critical-turkish-election |archive-date=13 May 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2023, Erdogan blamed LGBTQ+ people for "undermining family values" in Turkey and called his political opponents "gays" in a derogatory manner. Third-party sources criticized this; seeing it as a bid to distract the public from the ruling party's failings—particularly on the country's economy; according to these sources, by targeting Turkey's minority groups, he rallied his base amid [[2018–2022 Turkish currency and debt crisis|the country's ongoing economic troubles]] to raise the prospects of winning the [[2023 Turkish general election|2023 general elections in his country]], which were seen as critical for his nearly 20-year rule.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/05/erdogan-slams-turkeys-lgbtq-community-weaponizes-homophobia-ahead-vote|title=Erdogan slams Turkey's LGBTQ community, weaponizes homophobia ahead of vote|website=Al-Monitor|date=4 May 2023|access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-elections-2023-lgbtq-recep-tayyip-erdogan/|title=Erdoğan finds a scapegoat in Turkey's election: LGBTQ+ people|website=Politico.eu|date=13 May 2023|access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/12/lgbt-recep-tayyip-erdogan-targets-gay-trans-rights-critical-turkish-election|title='We're against LGBT': Erdoğan targets gay and trans people ahead of critical Turkish election|website=The Guardian|date=12 May 2023|access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref> At a campaign rally in the same year Erdoğan stated, "We are against the LGBT".<ref name="The Guardian, 2023"/> ==== Jews ==== While Erdoğan has declared several times that he is against [[antisemitism]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/3941568|title=Erdogan's travels|quote=Mr Erdogan assured Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, that his Justice and Development (AK) party saw anti-Semitism as 'a crime against humanity'. |newspaper=The Economist|date=5 May 2005|access-date=17 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425125820/http://www.economist.com/node/3941568|archive-date=25 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Congress |title=Erdogan: "No place for anti-Semitism in Turkey" |url=https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/news/erdogan-quot-no-place-for-anti-semitism-in-turkey-quot |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=World Jewish Congress |date=5 February 2009 |language=EN}}</ref><ref name="4april2016">{{cite news |title=Erdogan: 'Anti-Semitism is a crime' |url=https://ajn.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-anti-semitism-crime/ |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=The Times of Israel |date=4 April 2016}}</ref> he has been accused of invoking [[antisemitic canard|antisemitic stereotypes]] in public statements.<ref>{{cite book|editor-last1=Rosenfeld|editor-first1=Alvin H.|title=Resurgent antisemitism global perspectives|date=2013|publisher=Indiana Univ. Press|location=Bloomington [u.a.]|isbn=978-0-253-00890-9|page=318|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M3ZJMYiNe0UC&q=%22pronounced%2C+Israel+and+Israel%E2%80%99s+administration%22&pg=PA318}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210518-us-condemns-erdogan-anti-semitic-remarks|title=US condemns Erdogan 'anti-Semitic' remarks|date=19 May 2021|publisher=France24}}</ref> ==Personal life== [[File:Recep Tayyip Erdogan family attended TEKNOFEST Azerbaijan festival in Baku 30 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Erdoğan (center) with his spouse [[Emine Erdoğan|Emine]] (center-right), granddaughter Canan Aybüke (center-left), and son-in-law [[Selçuk Bayraktar]] (left) at [[Teknofest]] festival in [[Azerbaijan]] (2022)]] Erdoğan married [[Emine Erdoğan]] (née Gülbaran; b. 1955, [[Siirt]]) on 4 July 1978.<ref name="milliyeterdoganbio">{{cite news|url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2007/08/29/son/sonsiy47.asp|title=Bakanlar Kurulu'nun özgeçmişi|newspaper=Milliyet|date=29 August 2007|access-date=22 April 2011|language=tr|trans-title=Ministers of the Board's CV}}</ref> They have two sons, [[Ahmet Burak Erdoğan|Ahmet Burak]] (b. 1979) and [[Bilal Erdoğan|Necmettin Bilal]] (b. 1981), and two daughters, [[Esra Erdoğan|Esra]] (b. 1983) and [[Sümeyye Erdoğan|Sümeyye]] (b. 1985).<ref name="milliyeterdoganbio" /> His father, Ahmet Erdoğan, died in 1988 and his mother, Tenzile Erdoğan, died in 2011 at the age of 87.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erdogan's Mother Tenzile Erdogan Dies of Acute Cholecystitis|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/124664/erdogan-39-s-mother-tenzile-erdogan-dies-of-acute-cholecystitis.html|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=Turkish Weekly|date=7 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055103/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/124664/erdogan-39-s-mother-tenzile-erdogan-dies-of-acute-cholecystitis.html|archive-date=8 August 2014}}</ref> Erdoğan has a brother, Mustafa (b. 1958), and a sister, Vesile (b. 1965).<ref name="İşte Ahmet Kaptan'ın bilinmeyen hikayesi">{{cite web|language=tr|url=http://odatv.com/iste-ahmet-kaptanin-bilinmeyen-hikayesi-0412161200_m.html|title=İşte Ahmet Kaptan'ın bilinmeyen hikayesi|publisher=Odatv|date=4 December 2016|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111102551/http://odatv.com/iste-ahmet-kaptanin-bilinmeyen-hikayesi-0412161200_m.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> From his father's first marriage to Havuli Erdoğan (d. 1980), he had two half-brothers: Mehmet (1926–1988) and Hasan (1929–2006).<ref>{{cite book |title=Kayıp Sicil: Erdoğan'ın Çalınan Dosyası |first=Soner |last=Yalçın |author-link=Soner Yalçın |date=June 2014 |publisher=Kırmızı Kedi Publishing House |volume=1 |location=Istanbul |isbn=978-605-4927-40-1 |page=19}}</ref> == Electoral history == {{Main|Electoral history of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Year ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Office ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Type ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 rowspan=2 | Party ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Main opponent ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=2 rowspan=2 | Party ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=4 | Votes for Erdoğan or his party ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" rowspan=2 | Result |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | Total ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | % ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | {{abbr|2=Position|P}}. ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | {{tooltip|2=Change in percentage value since previous election|±%}} |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[1983 Turkish general election|1984]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Member of Parliament]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Welfare Party}};" | | [[Welfare Party|RP]] | [[Hüsnü Doğan]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Motherland Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Motherland Party (Turkey)|ANAP]] | 31,247 | 8.57 | 5th | N/A | style="background-color:#ffccc9;" | Lost |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[1989 Turkish local elections|1989]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Beyoğlu|Mayor of Beyoğlu]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Welfare Party}};" | | [[Welfare Party|RP]] | [[Hüseyin Aslan]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Social Democratic Populist Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Social Democratic Populist Party (Turkey)|SHP]] | 21,706 | 22.83 | 2nd | +17.71 | style="background-color:#ffccc9;" | Lost |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[1991 Turkish general election|1991]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Member of Parliament]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Welfare Party}};" | | [[Welfare Party|RP]] | [[Bahattin Yücel]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Motherland Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Motherland Party (Turkey)|ANAP]] | 70,555 | 20.01 | 5th | +12.69 | style="background-color:#ffccc9;" | Lost |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[1994 Turkish local elections|1994]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Mayor of Istanbul]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Welfare Party}};" | | [[Welfare Party|RP]] | [[İlhan Kesici]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Motherland Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Motherland Party (Turkey)|ANAP]] | 973,704 | 25.19 | 1st | +14.74 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2002 Turkish general election|2002]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Member of Parliament]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Deniz Baykal]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 10,808,229 | 34.28 | 1st | +34.28 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2004 Turkish local elections|2004]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Party leader]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Deniz Baykal]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 13,448,587 | 41.67 | 1st | +41.67 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2007 Turkish general election|2007]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Member of Parliament]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Deniz Baykal]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 16,327,291 | 46.58 | 1st | +12.30 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2009 Turkish local elections|2009]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Party leader]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Deniz Baykal]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 15,353,553 | 38.39 | 1st | {{hyphen}}3.28 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2011 Turkish general election|2011]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Member of Parliament]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 21,399,082 | 49.83 | 1st | +3.25 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2014 Turkish local elections|2014]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Party leader]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 17,802,976 | 42.87 | 1st | +4.48 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2014 Turkish presidential election|2014]] | rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | [[President of Turkey|President]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Independent}};" | | [[Independent politician|Ind.]] | [[Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Independent}};" | | [[Independent politician|Ind.]] | 21,000,143 | 51.79 | 1st | N/A | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2018 Turkish presidential election|2018]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Muharrem İnce]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 26,330,823 | 52.59 | 1st | +0.80 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2019 Turkish local elections|2019]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Party leader]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 19,766,640 | 42.55 | 1st | {{hyphen}}0.32 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2023 Turkish presidential election|2023]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[President of Turkey|President]] | style="text-align:left;" | National | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 27,725,131 | 52.16 | 1st | -0.43 | style="background-color:#9aff99;" | Won |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" | [[2024 Turkish local elections|2024]] | style="text-align:left;" | [[Party leader]] | style="text-align:left;" | Local | style="background-color:{{party color|Justice and Development Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|AK Party]] | [[Özgür Özel]] | style="background-color:{{party color|Republican People's Party (Turkey)}};" | | [[Republican People's Party|CHP]] | 16,339,771 | 35.49 | 2nd | {{hyphen}}7.06 | style="background-color:#ffccc9;" | Lost |- ! style="background-color:#EAECF0;" colspan=13 | |} == Honors, awards and recognitions == {{See also|List of awards and honours received by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|List of honorary doctorates awarded to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} Erdoğan has received numerous national and international awards and honors throughout his political career. These awards and honors reflect his contributions to international relations, cultural dialogue and humanitarian efforts.{{Cn|date=March 2025}} Internationally, he has been recognized with awards such as the [[Medal "In Commemoration of the 1000th Anniversary of Kazan"]] from [[Russia]], the [[Nishan-e-Pakistan]] from [[Pakistan]], and the [[Order of the Republic (Moldova)|Order of the Republic]] from [[Moldova]]. He has also been awarded the [[Order of Leopold (Belgium)|Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold]] from [[Belgium]], the Grand Cordon of the [[National Order of the Ivory Coast]] and the [[National Order of Merit (Guinea)|Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit]] from [[Guinea]]. Domestically, Erdoğan has received accolades including the Outstanding Service award from the [[Turkish Red Crescent]] and the Dialogue Between Cultures Award from the [[President of Tatarstan]]. Additionally, he has been awarded the [[King Faisal International Prize]] for "service to Islam" and the [[UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award|United Nations–HABITAT award]] in memorial of [[Rafik Hariri]]. == Bibliography == {{refbegin}} === Books === * {{cite book |last1=Erdoğan |first1=Recep Tayyip |title=Küresel barış vizyonu |date=17 November 2012 |publisher=Medeniyetler İttifakı Enstitüsü |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HC9RFE0/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2 |isbn=978-6055952389}} * {{cite book |last1=Erdoğan |first1=Recep Tayyip |title=A Fairer World is Possible: A Proposed Model for a United Nations Reform |date=27 October 2021 |publisher=Turkuvaz Kitap |url=https://www.amazon.com/Fairer-World-Possible-Proposed-Nations-ebook/dp/B09KM5C7Z2 |language=English}} ===Articles=== * {{cite journal |last1=Erdogan |first1=Recep Tayyip |title=The Tears of Somalia |journal=[[Foreign Policy]] |date=10 October 2011 |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/10/10/the-tears-of-somalia/}} * {{cite journal |last1=Erdogan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=How to Fix the U.N.—and Why We Should |journal=[[Foreign Policy]] |date=26 September 2018 |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/26/how-to-fix-the-u-n-and-why-we-should/}} * {{cite journal |last1=Erdogan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=À l'heure du centenaire de l'Armistice, la Turquie continue à oeuvrer pour la paix et la stabilité |journal=[[Le Figaro]] |date=10 November 2018 |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/vox/monde/2018/11/10/31002-20181110ARTFIG00082--l-heure-du-centenaire-de-l-armistice-la-turquie-continue-a-oeuvrer-pour-la-paix-et-la-stabilite.php |language=fr}} * {{cite magazine |last1=Erdogan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=Turkey will continue its efforts to shed light on the Khashoggi murder |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/09/30/recep-tayyip-erdogan-turkey-will-continue-its-efforts-shed-light-khashoggi-murder/ |magazine=[[Washington Post]] |date=29 September 2019 |language=en}} * {{cite news|last1=Erdoğan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=Turkey Is Stepping Up Where Others Fail to Act |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=14 October 2019 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/turkey-is-stepping-up-where-others-fail-to-act-11571093850 |issn=0099-9660}} * {{cite magazine |last1=Erdogan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=Road to peace in Libya goes through Turkey |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/road-to-peace-in-libya-goes-through-turkey-khalifa-haftar/ |magazine=[[Politico]] |date=18 January 2020}} * {{cite magazine|last1=Erdoğan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=The West Should Help Turkey End Syria's Civil War |department=Opinion |journal=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] |date=14 March 2021 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-03-15/erdogan-the-west-should-help-turkey-end-syria-s-civil-war}} * {{cite journal |last1=Erdoğan |first1=Recep Tayyip |author-mask=7 |title=Relations between Turkey and Albania |journal=[[Panorama (Albania)|Panorama]] |date=15 January 2022 |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/marredheniet-midis-turqise-dhe-shqiperise/ |language=sq}} {{refend}} == See also == {{Portal|Biography|Turkey|Politics}} * [[List of international prime ministerial trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] * [[List of international presidential trips made by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] == Notes == {{notelist}} == References == {{reflist}} == Further reading == * {{cite book |last1=Akyol |first1=Çiğdem |title=Generation Erdoğan |year=2015 |publisher=Kremayr & Scheriau |isbn=978-3-218-00969-0 |edition=1.}} * {{cite book |last1=Akdoğan |first1=Yalçın |title=Political leadership and Erdoğan |year=2018 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |isbn=978-1-5275-0627-5}} * {{cite book |last1=Bechev |first1=Dimitar |title=Turkey Under Erdogan |date=2022 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-26501-9 |language=en}} * Cagaptay, Soner. ''The new sultan: Erdogan and the crisis of modern Turkey'' (2nd ed. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020). [https://muse.jhu.edu/article/693096/summary online review] * Cagaptay, Soner. "Making Turkey Great Again." ''Fletcher Forum of World Affairs'' 43 (2019): 169–78. [https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/opeds/Cagaptay20190206-FletcherForum.pdf online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712080342/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/opeds/Cagaptay20190206-FletcherForum.pdf |date=12 July 2020 }} * Kirişci, Kemal, and Amanda Sloat. "The rise and fall of liberal democracy in Turkey: Implications for the West" ''Foreign Policy at Brookings'' (2019) [https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FP_20190226_turkey_kirisci_sloat.pdf online] * Tziarras, Zenonas. "Erdoganist authoritarianism and the 'new' Turkey." ''Southeast European and Black Sea Studies'' 18.4 (2018): 593–598. [http://www.academia.edu/download/58131132/Erdoganist_authoritarianism_and_the_new_Turkey.pdf online]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} * Yavuz, M. Hakan. "A framework for understanding the Intra-Islamist conflict between the AK party and the Gülen movement." ''Politics, Religion & Ideology'' 19.1 (2018): 11–32. [http://www.academia.edu/download/56556625/A_Framework_for_Understanding_the_Intra_Islamist_Conflict_Between_the_AK_Party_and_the_G_len_Movement.pdf online]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} * Yesil, Bilge. '' Media in New Turkey: The Origins of an Authoritarian Neoliberal State'' (University of Illinois Press, 2016) [https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/viewFile/8371/2230 online review] == External links == {{Sister project links|c=Category:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|n=y|q=y|s=y |d=y|b=no|v=no|voy=no|wikt=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no}} <!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only --> * {{official website|https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/receptayyiperdogan/}} of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan * {{C-SPAN|1024197}} * {{NYTtopic|people/e/recep_tayyip_erdogan}} * [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/30/welcome-to-demokrasi-how-erdogan-got-more-popular-than-ever Welcome to demokrasi: how Erdoğan got more popular than ever] by ''[[The Guardian]]'' {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=[[Nurettin Sözen]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of mayors of Istanbul|Mayor of Istanbul]]|years=1994–1998}} {{s-aft|after=[[Ali Müfit Gürtuna]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|rows=2|before=[[Abdullah Gül]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Prime Minister of Turkey]]|years=2003–2014}} {{s-aft|after=[[Ahmet Davutoğlu]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-ttl|title=[[President of Turkey]]|years=2014–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-break}} {{s-ppo}} {{s-new|office}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Leader of the Justice and Development Party]]|years=2001–2014}} {{s-aft|after=[[Ahmet Davutoğlu]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=[[Binali Yıldırım]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Leader of the Justice and Development Party]]|years=2017–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-break}} {{s-dip}} {{s-bef|before=[[Tony Abbott]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Chairperson of the [[G20|Group of 20]]|years=2015}} {{s-aft|after=[[Xi Jinping]]}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef|before=[[Ilham Aliyev]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Chairman of the [[Organization of Turkic States]]|years=2021–2022}} {{s-aft|after=[[Shavkat Mirziyoyev]]}} {{s-end}} {{Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}} {{Navboxes top |title=Articles related to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan }} {{Presidents of Turkey}} {{Prime Ministers of Turkey}} {{Heads of state of republics}} {{Current NATO leaders}} {{Current G20 Leaders}} {{Current ECO Leaders}} {{Current heads of government}} {{Cabinet Erdoğan I}} {{Cabinet Erdoğan II}} {{Cabinet Erdoğan III}} {{Cabinet Erdoğan IV}} {{Cabinet Erdoğan V}} {{Members of the 22nd Turkish Parliament}} {{Members of the 23rd Turkish Parliament}} {{Members of the 24th Turkish Parliament}} {{Mayors of İstanbul}} {{Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict}} {{Party Leaders in Turkey}} {{Navboxes bottom}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Erdogan, Recep Tayyip}} [[Category:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan| ]] [[Category:1954 births]] [[Category:20th-century mayors of places in Turkey]] [[Category:21st-century presidents of Turkey]] [[Category:21st-century prime ministers of Turkey]] [[Category:Anti-Western sentiment]] [[Category:Chairmen of the Organization of Turkic States]] [[Category:Deniers of the Armenian genocide]] [[Category:Deputies of Istanbul]] [[Category:Deputies of Siirt]] [[Category:Erdoğan family|Recep Tayyip]] [[Category:Far-right politics in Turkey]] [[Category:Foreign recipients of the Nishan-e-Pakistan]] [[Category:Ig Nobel laureates]] [[Category:Imam Hatip school alumni]] [[Category:Justice and Development Party (Turkey) politicians]] [[Category:Leaders of political parties in Turkey]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Marmara University alumni]] [[Category:Mayors of Istanbul]] [[Category:Members of the 22nd Parliament of Turkey]] [[Category:Members of the 23rd Parliament of Turkey]] [[Category:Members of the 24th Parliament of Turkey]] [[Category:Naqshbandi order]] [[Category:People involved in the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt]] [[Category:People of Adjarian descent]] [[Category:People of the Syrian civil war]] [[Category:Politicians from Istanbul]] [[Category:Recipients of the Collar of Honour]] [[Category:Recipients of the Gagauz-Yeri Order]] [[Category:Recipients of the Heydar Aliyev Order]] [[Category:Recipients of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st class]] [[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Georgia)]] [[Category:Recipients of the Supreme Order of Turkic World]] [[Category:Recipients of the Order of Al-Said]] [[Category:Turkish Islamists]] [[Category:Turkish people of Georgian descent]] [[Category:Turkish political party founders]] [[Category:Turkish Sunni Muslims]]
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