Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party (abbreviation of Turkish initials of Justice and Development Party) came to power in 2002, a year after the formation of the AK Party. Since then, he has been trying to centralize power around his office. He has reportedly curtailed freedom of speech and expression.

Under the leadership of the AKP, the country has bent towards Islamism. Several laws were passed to enforce Islamic values instead of secular Turkish values.

While Turkey and US militaries share a close partnership, Erdogan has a tense relationship with western leaders, including US President Barack Obama.

When Erdogan had come to power in 2002, he accused several army officers and placed many of them on trial.

Erdogan has always wanted to rewrite the Constitution to create US style presidency in Turkey, which have alienated many of his supporters.

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