Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Biography

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the current President of Turkey, a role he has held since 2014, following over a decade as Prime Minister. Born on February 26, 1954, in Istanbul, Erdoğan rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential leaders in Turkey’s modern history. He attended Marmara University and began his political career in the 1970s. Erdoğan first gained national prominence as the Mayor of Istanbul in 1994, where his pragmatic approach to governance earned him widespread support. As the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdoğan has overseen significant economic growth, infrastructure development, and a shift toward more conservative social policies in Turkey. However, his tenure has also been marked by controversies, including crackdowns on media freedom, allegations of corruption, and increasing centralization of power. Despite criticism from international observers, Erdoğan remains a dominant force in Turkish politics. He is known for his charismatic leadership style and ability to mobilize popular support. In addition to politics, Erdoğan enjoys football and poetry, reflecting his lifelong interests beyond the political arena. His legacy continues to shape Turkey’s domestic and international trajectory, making him a pivotal figure in the 21st-century political landscape.