H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan

A Popular Reformist

In September 2010, over 58% of voters supported Erdogan’s constitutional referendum which made changes to the constitution in order to bring the constitution into compliance with European Union Standards hence facilitating Turkey’s EU membership process. Erdogan is also leading groundbreaking initiatives by introducing a number of democratic measures in regards to the country’s judicial system, the Kurdish issue, non-Muslim minorities, Alawites, freedom of press, free political association, zero tolerance to torture, and the fight against coup attempts.

A Mediator

Erdogan insists on a role for Turkey as a mediator and bridge between cultures and civilizations. The Alliance of Civilizations initiative of the United Nations—that Erdogan established with the Spanish president, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero—has become a key forum for international, intercultural, and interreligious dialogue and cooperation.  It has continued to develop deeper relations with key players in the Arab world, the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Arab World

Turkey’s position during the various uprisings in the Arab Spring has always been to side with the people. Erdogan and other high-level officials have visited Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya post-revolution to show their continuing support for the transition to democracy.   Erdogan is hailed for his strong opposition toward the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, and his criticism of Israel’s May 31 raid on a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, which killed nine Turkish nationals. With Israel refusing to apologise, relations have deteriorated to the point where ambassadors have been recalled, and military cooperation frozen.

Global Relations

Under Erdogan, Turkish foreign relations have taken on a global perspective. Starting with the adoption of a ‘good neighbor policy’—in August 2009, Turkey has focused on building stronger relations with all of its seven land-contiguous neighbors (especially Greece) and also all of those countries bordering the Black Sea (an important trading hub and a geopolitically significant area). In Africa, it has opened up over twenty new embassies and consulates and when Somalia suffered from a crippling famine and drought in  2011, Erdogan not only gave aid, but also became the first leader from outside Africa to visit Somalia in nearly two decades. While Turkey has about 45 % of its foreign trade with European countries, it is developing strong trade relations with other regions and attracting investment from all over the world.

He supports the Free Syrian Army and has hosted their leaders and trained their fighters

-His persistent wrangling with Israel keeps him popular in the Arab World

-Turkey remains an admirable model for a confluence of Islam and democracy.