Is Turkey’s Erdogan a leader worth emulating?

Picture this: As elections draw near, the leader of a country and the ruling political party start jailing its key opponents. But that, naturally, leads to protests.

So, the government unleashes its security forces to crush it. The leader blames the opposition for "disturbing the peace" and tries to regulate social media to only support its side of the argument. 

This could easily be a description of the numerous nations that have seen democratic backslides in recent years, or even Bangladesh under the Hasina regime. But in this case, we are talking about the situation in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

Erdogan is definitely a mercurial figure in modern global politics. His leadership has transformed Turkey into a regional power, modernised its infrastructure and bolstered its economy.

However, his tenure has also been marked by increasing authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and democratic backsliding. 

The recent arrest of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges has sent shockwaves across the nation and the world. Critics say this move was politically motivated and has sparked protests which has led to the arrest of 1,113 people so far.

But still, many aspiring and established politicians around the world look up to the strongman of Turkey. So, is Erdogan a leader worth emulating?

The strongman of Turkey

Since rising to power in 2003 as Turkey's prime minister and later as president, Erdogan has spearheaded a series of economic reforms that significantly improved Turkey's GDP and reduced poverty. 

Under his Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkey experienced rapid urban development, better healthcare, and significant advancements in transportation, including ambitious projects like Istanbul's third bridge and new airport.

Erdogan's rise to power came on the heels of Turkey's 2001 economic crisis, and his early years delivered a remarkable recovery. Under his leadership, real GDP grew by 64% between 2002 and 2012, with per capita GDP rising 43%, averaging 3.6% annual growth. 

Inflation, a persistent issue, fell from 32% in 2002 to 9.0% by 2004, while public debt dropped from 74% of GDP to 39% by 2009. These gains, bolstered by Finance Minister Ali Babacan's policies, attracted foreign investment and stabilised the economy, earning Erdogan praise as a pragmatic reformer.

Socially, Erdogan's government expanded access to education and healthcare. Compulsory education was extended to 12 years, and the number of universities climbed from 98 in 2002 to 186 by 2012. Initiatives like the "Come on girls, let's go to school!" campaign with UNICEF and the Fatih project — distributing 620,000 smart boards and tablets — underscored his commitment to education. Healthcare reforms, including the 2003 Health Transformation Program and free services for those under 18, improved quality of life for millions. Infrastructure boomed too, with airports doubling from 26 to 50 and the world's longest suspension bridge, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, opening in 2022.

Erdogan has also demonstrated remarkable diplomatic agility. 

Under his leadership, Turkey has positioned itself as a key player in international affairs, balancing relationships with both the West and non-Western allies such as Russia and China. His ability to leverage Turkey's strategic location between Europe and the Middle East has made Ankara an important actor in regional geopolitics.

Erdogan has also cultivated a strong sense of national identity. His emphasis on Turkish nationalism and conservative values has resonated with a large segment of the population, particularly those who felt alienated by Turkey's historically secular elite. This ability to connect with the masses has contributed to his political longevity.

Economic growth at the cost of political freedom: Ring a bell?

Despite his strengths, Erdogan's leadership has been accompanied by serious concerns about democratic erosion. 

Critics argue that his governance style has increasingly leaned toward authoritarianism. The 2016 coup attempt against him served as a catalyst for an extensive crackdown on political opponents, journalists, academics, and civil society organizations. Tens of thousands were arrested, and media outlets were shut down or taken over by government-aligned entities.

His government has also curtailed judicial independence and expanded executive powers, particularly after Turkey transitioned to a presidential system in 2018. The new system, which grants the president significant control over the judiciary and parliament, has led to concerns that Turkey is moving away from democracy toward a more centralized autocratic model. 

Critics point to his suppression of dissent, exemplified by the March 2025 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on dubious corruption charges. 

This move, widely seen as political retaliation after Imamoglu's 2019 electoral upset, triggered mass protests and the detention of over 1,100 people. Opposition figures like Selahattin Demirtaş of the HDP have faced similar fates, with prison sentences for "insulting the president".

Freedom of expression has suffered significantly under his rule. Reporters Without Borders ranks Turkey among the worst countries in terms of press freedom, with independent journalists facing frequent harassment, imprisonment, or exile. Political opponents, such as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, have faced legal challenges seemingly designed to sideline potential challengers to Erdogan's rule.

Erdogan's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, a treaty combating violence against women, drew ire from human rights groups, as did violent protest crackdowns targeting Kurds, women, and LGBT communities. Economic mismanagement — high inflation and a plummeting lira — has fueled accusations of corruption, further eroding trust.

Erdogan's appeal beyond Turkey

Despite these criticisms, Erdogan's model of governance remains influential. Many leaders in emerging economies admire his ability to blend strong economic performance with assertive nationalism and religious conservatism. 

His approach has found admirers even in Bangladesh, where leaders of the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP) have publicly expressed admiration for the AKP's political model. They view Erdogan's blend of economic growth, centrist policies, and assertive foreign policy as a blueprint for strengthening national identity and governance. 

Samantha Sharmin, NCP's senior joint convenor, told TBS that their party would be on the same lines as Turkey's AKP, Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf and India's Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal.

NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain however has said the conditions that fostered the creation of these political movements were also present in Bangladesh, however it does not mean that they will replicate those parties. "Bangladesh has its own unique context, and we aim to set a distinct example," he told Al Jazeera.

Erdogan's leadership presents a paradox. His economic reforms and geopolitical maneuvering have propelled Turkey to greater prominence, but his suppression of democratic institutions raises serious concerns. 

Erdogan's leadership model is a cautionary tale. His early reforms show what decisive leadership can achieve, but his later years reveal the risks of unchecked power. 

Leaders seeking to emulate him must weigh whether short-term gains justify long-term instability. As Turkey navigates its current turmoil, Erdogan remains a figure of both inspiration and warning.