AK Party Celebrates 23 Years of Leadership
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party is marking the 23rd anniversary of its founding, celebrating a period of sustained political dominance, economic progress, and growing international influence. Established on August 14, 2001, the AK Party has consistently won elections and positioned Türkiye as a key global player under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Founded on August 14, 2001, the AK Party quickly rose to prominence under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was first elected Prime Minister in 2003 and has served as President since 2014. The party’s initial breakthrough came in the November 3, 2002, general election, where it secured a two-thirds majority in parliament, a significant achievement in Türkiye’s political history.
Since its inception, the AK Party has participated in seven general elections—2002, 2007, 2011, 2015, snap elections in November 2015, June 2018, and most recently in May 2023—emerging victorious each time. These consistent electoral successes have ensured the party’s dominant role in shaping Türkiye’s political landscape.
Over the past 23 years, the AK Party has been instrumental in transforming Türkiye’s international and regional standing through a multidirectional and proactive foreign policy. Under Erdogan’s leadership, Türkiye has strengthened its ties with European, Turkic, and Muslim nations, and expanded its relationships with global actors, enhancing its influence on the international stage.
Significant strides were made in Türkiye’s EU accession process, particularly with the initiation of formal negotiations in 2005. The AK Party’s tenure also saw Türkiye playing a key role in mediating regional conflicts, such as facilitating peace talks between Israel and Syria in 2008, and between various factions in Lebanon.
Economically, Türkiye expanded its global relations, opening new markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while becoming a major player in global trade. The AK Party also positioned Türkiye as a leader in humanitarian efforts, providing significant aid to war-torn regions and becoming the largest donor relative to national income.
Türkiye’s emergence as a regional energy leader was marked by projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), solidifying its role as an energy transit hub. The AK Party also managed to maintain a complex but balanced relationship with Russia, cooperating on projects like the TurkStream pipeline while navigating regional crises.
The AK Party’s proactive stance in global humanitarian initiatives, such as providing aid to Rohingya Muslims and African nations, along with its advocacy for the Palestinian cause, has bolstered Türkiye’s international image. In 2022, Türkiye’s role in brokering the Black Sea Grain Deal during the Ukraine war further highlighted its importance as a mediator in global crises.
As the AK Party celebrates its 23rd anniversary, it reflects on a legacy of stability, progress, and increased global influence. Under the leadership of President Erdogan, the party has not only shaped Türkiye’s domestic policies but also established the country as a significant force in international affairs.
