Erdoğan Turns 72: Türkiye Celebrates a Long-Serving Leader
Erdoğan Turns 72: Türkiye Celebrates a Long‑Serving Leader
🎂 Thursday · online celebrations · 24 years in power
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, one of Türkiye’s most influential politicians, turned 72 on Thursday. While he did not mark the birthday personally, supporters celebrated online, sharing videos and songs honoring the “Reis” (chief) and his remarkable political journey from the streets of Istanbul to the halls of power in Ankara.
📅 24 years at the helm
Erdoğan first led the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) to victory in 2002 and has served as either prime minister or president ever since. His tenure, spanning 24 years, has been marked by significant developments across the country, as well as a political style blending tradition with a focus on the needs of the people.
⚽ From Kasımpaşa to mayor
Born in Kasımpaşa, a working-class district of Istanbul, Erdoğan was passionate about football in his youth and entered politics through youth activism in the 1970s. He rose steadily, becoming Istanbul mayor in 1994, where he gained national recognition by addressing long-standing city issues like water shortages and pollution.
🔐 Setback and comeback
1999 imprisonment – After a brief imprisonment in 1999 over a controversial poem, Erdoğan founded the AK Party in 2001. Since then, he has navigated numerous political challenges, including attempts to close his party, threats from extremist groups, and nationwide protests, solidifying his position as a central figure in Turkish politics.
🏀 Still active at 72
Even at 72, Erdoğan maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying sports such as basketball, sometimes playing with government officials and even NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of modern Turkish leadership continues to inspire supporters across the nation.
“From Kasımpaşa to the presidency — he never forgot the people. That’s why we call him Reis.” — online supporter message
📌 political timeline
- 1994 – Istanbul mayor
- 1999 – brief imprisonment
- 2001 – founded AK Party
- 2002 – first election victory
- 2014 – became president
# leader_profile
name : Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
born : 1954 · Kasımpaşa, Istanbul
title : President of Türkiye (2014– ) · PM (2003–2014)
party : AK Party (founder 2001)
His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of modern Turkish leadership continues to inspire supporters across the nation.
