Political Geography: Turkey / Topic: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Author:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Publication Date:: 01-2014
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Abstract:: While Erdogan saw the relationship between his Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Fethullah Gülen’s movement as a natural reflection of mobilized Islamic conservative forces, the relationship has been a subject of debate and many leaders of the party felt that a clash between the two sides was inevitable. Although the movement’s rhetoric has been centred on distancing itself from politics, it has not hidden its desire to play a political role or be represented within the state apparatus. The Gülen movement was helpful to Erdogan in the past in his campaign against the Kemalist current in the administration and the army, but with the demise of this common threat, differences have emerged between the former allies on the administration of the Turkish state.
Topic:: Domestic Politics, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Political Parties
Political Geography:: Turkey and Middle East

Author:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Publication Date:: 03-2014
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Abstract:: A massive wiretapping operation by Gulen affiliates in the government has uncovered alleged corruption by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family, leading to renewed escalation of the crisis between the two sides. These allegations are meant to undermine Erdogan and his party (Justice and Development or AKP) politically and tarnish his image as a clean leader. Erdogan has responded by denying the allegations and labelling them unethical, escalating an ongoing exchange of attacks on moral credibility between the two sides.
Topic:: Domestic Politics, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Fethullah Gülen, Polarization, and Political Crisis
Political Geography:: Turkey and Middle East

Author:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Publication Date:: 05-2014
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Abstract:: There are several scenarios proposed as analysts examine Turkey’s upcoming presidential race. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) recently enjoyed a victory in local elections, and it is highly likely that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will capitalize on this victory by running for Turkey’s presidency in August. This is the first time in the Turkish republic’s history that the president will be elected by a direct vote of the of the people rather than by the parliament. This paper addresses several questions that would follow any announcement by Erdogan stating his intention to run for the presidency. First, there is the question of Gul’s fate if Erdogan will run for the presidency and whether or not some type of deal will be negotiated on the exchange of roles between the two. Second, there is a question of whether or not Erdogan will win the presidency in the first round of voting or be forced to a second round of voting in which all opposition parties will rally behind a single candidate. Finally, there is a question of what kind of president Erdogan will be if he wins and the nature of the presidency Turkey will see in the coming years.
Topic:: Politics, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Presidential Elections
Political Geography:: Turkey and Middle East

Author:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Publication Date:: 07-2014
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Abstract:: Turkey’s presidential elections on 10 August 2014 will not only be the country’s first direct election for the presidency, but also the first election with no candidate from the traditional Kemalist party. There are currently three candidates in the running: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, jointly nominated by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and Salahuddin Dimirtash, co-chair of the Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP).
Topic:: Domestic Politics, Kurds, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Presidential Elections
Political Geography:: Turkey and Middle East

Author:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Publication Date:: 08-2014
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Al Jazeera Center for Studies
Abstract:: Recep Tayyip Erdogan was sworn in as Turkey’s president on 28 August 2014. The day before, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) agreed to nominate one person, Ahmet Davutoglu, to take Erdogan’s place as prime minister and party leader. As Turkey’s former foreign minister who was also a superior academic, it is important to examine Davutoglu’s rise to the top position in the Turkish political establishment and government as well as the tasks that lay ahead of him. This position paper examines his journey from academia to politics, why Davutoglu was chosen by Erdogan and the AKP and what he must do to maintain the AKP and Turkish government’s momentum.
Topic:: Government, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Political Parties
Political Geography:: Turkey and Middle East

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