With Erdoğan’s Victory, Turkey’s Startling Slide Into Authoritarianism Continues

Born in 1954, Erdogan rose from humble beginnings, gained prominence in the 1990s, faced conviction after a political poem.

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Erdoğan, after prison sentence, presents himself as reconciler of Islam and democracy, leads AKP to victory, becomes prime minister in 2003.

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The AKP's rise pleased Turks, and the West was hopeful as Erdoğan boosted Turkey's economy and pursued EU membership.

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Erdoğan's democratic image faded as he leaned towards Islamism, clashed with secular parties, and curtailed democratic institutions.

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Erdoğan's initial secular approach gave way to a more Islamist and authoritarian rule, marked by violent crackdowns and purges.

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Erdoğan became the first directly elected president, leading Turkey's transition from a parliamentary to a presidential republic.

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Erdoğan capitalized on a failed coup to consolidate power, leading to a constitutional shift and his presidency under a new system.

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The constitutional changes grant the president expanded powers, eroding checks and balances and consolidating political control.

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