Recep Tayyip Erdogan

About Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The Turkish leader who transformed the country from a secular democracy into a more conservative and authoritarian state. Erdogan served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014 and President from 2014. He initially pursued EU membership and economic reforms, presiding over years of growth. Over time, Erdogan became increasingly authoritarian, cracking down on protests, media, and the judiciary. A failed coup in 2016 led to massive purges. Erdogan switched Turkey from a parliamentary to a presidential system, concentrating power in his own hands. He pursued an aggressive foreign policy, intervening in Syria, Libya, and the Eastern Mediterranean. His relationship with NATO has been contentious.