Biographical Timeline
Life & Legacy Chronology
Early Life & Roots
Recep Tayyip Erdogan was born on February 26, 1954, in Istanbul. He spent his early childhood in Rize before returning to Istanbul, where he attended Kasimpasa Piyale Primary School and Imam Hatip School.
Academic Graduation
Graduated from Marmara University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. During this period, he was actively involved in football and amateur youth political organizations.
Mayor of Istanbul
Elected as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality on March 27, 1994. He initiated massive environmental, transport, and municipal planning reforms, resolving chronic water shortage and waste management crises.
Founding of the AK Party
Founded the Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) on August 14, 2001, aiming for political stability, economic growth, and democratization of Türkiye.
Prime Minister of Türkiye
Became the Prime Minister of Türkiye on March 14, 2003. He held this position for three consecutive terms (2003-2014), implementing widespread reforms in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
First Popularly Elected President
Elected as the 12th President of the Republic of Türkiye on August 10, 2014, in the country's first direct popular vote for the presidency.
Transition to Presidential System
Re-elected as President on June 24, 2018, under the new presidential system of government, streamlining decision-making and administrative efficiency.
Centennial Re-election
Elected again in May 2023, marking the beginning of the "Century of Türkiye" on the centennial anniversary of the Republic.