Erdogan Reveals Secrets Behind Turkey's Total Transformation Over 25 Years in Power

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) by highlighting the significant transformation Turkey has undergone over the past quarter of a century. Speaking at the commemoration on Friday, Erdogan said the party was entering its second quarter-century with most of its political pledges already realised, claiming that around 90 per cent of commitments in the party programme and election manifestos had been fulfilled. ‘Let no one expect us to grow weary,’ he said.

Erdogan stressed that the achievements of the past 25 years were not a reason for the AK Party to ease its pace, insisting there was still much work to be done to carry Turkey into the next phase of development. He placed particular emphasis on the increased self-sufficiency of Turkey’s defence industry, recalling how the country once depended on imports for even basic infantry rifles. Today, he noted, Turkey is capable of producing its own warships, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, tanks, missiles and submarines.

Beyond defence, Erdogan highlighted progress in the economy, healthcare, education and transport, describing the projects built under AK Party rule as the greatest development drive in modern Turkish history. He said the government had used its electoral mandate and state resources to expand the economy, accelerate development and strengthen Turkey’s position. Erdogan also recalled the party’s founding on 14 August 2001, under a slogan that roughly translates to ‘Closed to darkness, open to light.’