History of Abdullah Gül

Abdullah Gül is one of Turkey’s prominent political figures whose career has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Turkish politics in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Born on October 29, 1950, in Kayseri, a city in central Turkey, Gül's political journey reflects both the continuity and change in Turkey's political landscape. He became an essential player in the transformation of Turkey from a period of military coups and secularist policies towards a more democratic and globally engaged nation.

Gül's academic background laid a foundation for his political career. He received a degree in economics from Istanbul University and later pursued doctoral studies at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. This education provided him with a broad understanding of global economic trends and development paradigms, which later influenced his policy decisions.

Gül’s political career began as a member of the National Salvation Party (MSP) founded by Necmettin Erbakan, a pivotal figure in Turkish Islamism. However, the party was closed following the military coup in 1980, marking a pattern in Turkish politics where the military periodically intervened to preserve what it saw as the Kemalist nature of the state.

In the post-coup environment, Gül joined the Welfare Party (RP) in the 1980s, once again under the leadership of Erbakan. In this period, Gül developed his political ideology while ascending the ranks of the party. The RP gained significant traction and became part of a coalition government in 1996 with Erbakan as the Prime Minister. However, this government was short-lived, falling due to the military's intervention in what is known as the "post-modern coup" of 1997, which forced Erbakan to resign.

Gül’s career faced another turning point in 2001 with the establishment of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) alongside Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other founders. Distancing themselves from the overtly Islamist policies of their predecessors, the AKP presented itself as a modern, conservative democratic party. This shift proved to be a successful strategy in the 2002 general elections, where the AKP won a sweeping victory.

Gül first served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Erdoğan's premiership. His tenure as foreign minister was marked by a pragmatic and proactive foreign policy aiming to position Turkey as a central player on the global stage. He emphasized EU accession, strengthened relations with Middle Eastern neighbors, and worked to resolve long-standing regional conflicts.

In 2007, when the secular establishment objected to Erdoğan becoming president due to concerns over his Islamist past, the AKP nominated Gül for the presidency. His candidacy sparked controversy; secularists opposed his appointment due to his previous affiliation with Islamist politics and the fact that his wife wore a headscarf, which became a contentious symbol of political Islam in a staunchly secularist state. Despite initial parliamentary gridlock and public protests, Gül eventually assumed office as Turkey’s 11th president after a constitutional amendment allowed the president to be elected via a public vote, bypassing the parliament deadlock.

As president, Gül sought to embody the role of an impartial and balanced statesman, often acting as a moderating force during times of political crisis. His presidency was marked by a commitment to democratic reforms and EU accession processes, although his tenure also coincided with increasing allegations of authoritarianism within the ruling AKP under Erdoğan.

Gül's presidency (2007-2014) was a transformative period for Turkey domestically and internationally. During this time, Turkey experienced significant economic growth and infrastructure development, which the AKP government largely promoted. However, Gül’s tenure also included challenges such as increasing polarization within Turkish society, the 2013 Gezi Park protests, and tensions over press freedom and human rights issues.

After completing his term as president in 2014, Gül stepped back from active politics. His successor, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, transitioned from prime minister to president, continuing to wield significant influence over Turkish politics. Gül’s post-presidency period has been marked by a somewhat ambivalent relationship with his former party. While not explicitly opposing Erdoğan, Gül has occasionally voiced veiled criticisms of the government’s policies and the direction of Turkish democracy.

Abdullah Gül’s legacy is multifaceted. He is credited with helping to bridge democratic principles with Turkey's unique cultural and religious context, advocating for Turkey’s integration into the European Union, and pushing for a more assertive foreign policy. However, his association with a government that critics claim strayed from democratic ideals complicates his legacy. Nonetheless, Gül remains an influential figure in Turkish political history, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of navigating a modern democratic state amid deep-rooted cultural and ideological divides.