Recep Tayyip Erdogan is one of the most influential and controversial political figures in Turkey's history. Born in 1954 in Istanbul, he started life far from the political spotlight, growing up in a modest family by the Black Sea. To make extra money as a young boy, Erdogan sold lemonade and sesame buns. Little did anyone know that this young hustler would rise to become the President of Turkey and lead the country through a tumultuous journey of growth, power, and crisis.
Erdogan’s political career began in 1994 when he became the mayor of Istanbul. His leadership transformed the city, winning him widespread support. However, his rise was temporarily interrupted in 1999 when he was jailed for reading a nationalist poem. Upon his release, Erdogan founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2001 and became Turkey’s Prime Minister in 2003. His administration focused on modernizing the economy, building infrastructure, and lifting millions out of poverty.
But as his power grew, so did his critics. In the early 2010s, protests erupted, fueled by growing concerns over Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian style and efforts to impose conservative, religious values. The 2013 Gezi Park protests signaled a major shift in his leadership, with many accusing him of undermining Turkey’s secular roots.
Erdogan faced his most defining moment in 2016 when a coup attempt nearly toppled him from power. Rebel soldiers tried to overthrow the government, but Erdogan survived, rallying his supporters and emerging stronger. The aftermath saw a fierce crackdown, with thousands arrested or dismissed from their jobs. His response to the coup attempt strengthened his grip on power, leading to a 2017 referendum that granted him sweeping presidential powers.
In foreign policy, Erdogan has played a delicate balancing act. Though Turkey is a NATO member, he has developed close ties with Russia, raising eyebrows among Western allies. His role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has kept him in the international spotlight. Erdogan’s support base remains strong, particularly in rural areas, where he is affectionately called "Reis," or “the Chief.” Despite facing criticism for his economic policies and handling of natural disasters, he remains a formidable political force, winning the 2023 presidential election and showing no signs of stepping down. His journey from a street vendor to one of the world’s most powerful leaders proves his resilience and political prowess.
