History of Abdullah Gül

Abdullah Gül is a prominent figure in Turkish politics, having served in various high-profile roles, including as the 11th President of Turkey. His political journey is emblematic of the shifts and transformations that have characterized Turkish political life over the past few decades. Born on October 29, 1950, in Kayseri, a conservative city in central Turkey, Gül's upbringing was reflective of a traditional milieu that would later influence his political ideology and career.

Gül pursued higher education at Istanbul University, where he studied economics. This foundation in economics not only equipped him with analytical skills but also provided him with the tools necessary for effective governance. His academic pursuits didn't end in Turkey; Gül furthered his studies in the United Kingdom, earning a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Exeter. This international exposure broadened his perspective and provided him with insights into Western economic and political systems, which would later be instrumental in shaping his approach to governance.

Gül's political career began in earnest in the early 1990s. He joined the Welfare Party (Refah Partisi), which was a significant political movement in Turkey at the time, advocating for a mix of moderate Islamism and nationalism. It was under the leadership of Necmettin Erbakan that the Welfare Party gained prominence, ultimately forming a coalition government in 1996, with Erbakan as Prime Minister. Gül served as a Minister of State in this government. However, the Welfare Party's tenure was short-lived. In 1997, the military issued a memorandum leading to Erbakan's resignation, an event often referred to as Turkey's "post-modern coup." The Welfare Party was subsequently banned, but Gül's career was far from over.

In the wake of the ban, Gül, along with other members, formed the Virtue Party (Fazilet Partisi), which also faced challenges, including another ban by the Turkish Constitutional Court in 2001. This persistent cycle of party dissolutions led to the founding of the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi or AKP) in 2001 by figures like Gül and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, among others. The AKP represented a new brand of politics, one that aimed to blend democratic governance with a respect for religious values, attracting a broad segment of Turkish society.

The AKP's rise was meteoric. In the 2002 general elections, the party secured a decisive victory, capturing nearly two-thirds of the seats in parliament. Initially, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faced legal obstacles that prevented him from immediately taking up the role of Prime Minister. During this interim period, Abdullah Gül became the Prime Minister, the first representative of this new political movement to do so. His tenure was not long, as legal obstacles were soon cleared for Erdoğan’s entry into parliament and subsequent appointment as Prime Minister. Gül then assumed the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role in which he served from 2003 to 2007.

As Foreign Minister, Gül played a pivotal role in advancing Turkey's bid for European Union membership. His efforts were crucial in initiating accession talks in 2005, reflecting his commitment to aligning Turkey with Western political and economic standards. This period also saw significant domestic reforms aimed at democratizing Turkey's political landscape, which were partly driven by the EU accession criteria.

In 2007, Abdullah Gül made history by being elected as the 11th President of Turkey. His election was not without controversy. Deep-seated apprehensions about his Islamist past prompted tension and debate within Turkey’s secular establishment. Nevertheless, Gül's presidency marked a continuation of the AKP's influence on Turkish politics. His presidency was a period characterized by efforts to balance Turkey's rich Islamic heritage with its secular, democratic ideals.

Gül's tenure as president spanned seven years until 2014. His leadership style was often described as conciliatory, and he was seen as a figure who sought to bridge divides within Turkish society. However, his term also included challenges such as increasing polarization and debates over secularism versus religion in public life.

After his presidency, Gül became somewhat of a senior statesman, occasionally weighing in on political matters but largely remaining outside the active political arena. His legacy is complex; he is credited with contributing to Turkey’s economic growth and fostering greater political stability, yet he has also faced criticism for his association with the broader political trends under the AKP’s rule, including concerns over democratic backsliding.

Abdullah Gül's political career reflects the broader narrative of Turkey’s modern political history—a journey from military coups and political bans to democratization and economic liberalization. His work, both domestically and internationally, underscores the influence of global dynamics on national politics, illustrating how leaders can leverage international engagements to foster domestic reforms. Ultimately, Gül's political life is a testament to the nuanced and ever-evolving landscape of Turkish governance.