2007 saw Turkey at a political crossroads. Like a suspenseful drama, the nation watched with bated breath as Abdullah Gül, a leading figure in the Justice and Development Party (AKP), ascended to the presidency despite the grumbling opposition and secularist frenzy. This wasn't just any election; it was Ground Zero for Turkey’s future. And the liberals were in a panic.
The year 2007 was marked with tension as Turkey geared up for its presidential elections. Abdullah Gül, previously Turkey's Foreign Minister, was poised to become the next President. However, the man of the hour did not come without his haters. The secular factions trembled as Gül had an Islamist background. Yep, it was his party’s Islamic roots in the past that sent shivers down everyone's spine. But it was time for them to realize the undeniable sway of the majority, which was ready to steer Turkey in a new direction.
Now, this election took place within the walls of Turkey's parliamentary system, a key detail that explains the spectacle of chaotic opposition. To become President, Gül needed to secure a sufficient parliamentary vote. But the CHP (Republican People's Party) was not going to let him glide into the presidential palace without some noise. It’s as if they thought Turkey’s definition of democracy included rejecting what the majority wanted.
The opposition first threw a wrench in the works by boycotting the parliamentary sessions. They didn’t want to hand a victory so easily to Gül. As if a standoff could somehow magically change the ground realities. Instead, this act of defiance led to a situation where the General Election was moved up to July. And this is where things got interesting.
In essence, the opposition made the classic mistake of underestimating Erdoğan’s AKP. They believed a populous growing in conservative pride would simply let the rulers of an old secular order dictate the pace. Spoiler alert: they were mistaken. The general elections saw the AKP come back stronger, securing 46.6% of the vote. That’s right, folks, they tried to stop the storm with a paper umbrella, and the elements were ruthless.
After weathering this futile resistance, AKP had an overwhelming mandate. Thus, the second time around in August, Abdullah Gül finally became the President. But not before a memorable spectacle of secularists, dazed and confused, processing a reality where tradition and national values had a renewed voice. One can almost hear the incredulous murmurs—how could this happen?
There were those who squawked about secularism being in danger. Yet, in truth, they were being served a reminder that the diversity of voices didn’t guarantee only one type. Gül represented a different voice—one that echoed the sentiments of many Turkish citizens forgotten by previous leaders. His presidency signaled a growing embrace of Turkey’s populous roots over elite selective preferences.
The 2007 election was indicative of a pattern we keep seeing: over and again, the underestimation of conservative forces in democracies. These forces carry the heartbeat of tenacious citizens steadfast in values others dismiss as outdated or overly sentimental. Whether it’s nationhood, family, or traditions, there’s nothing wrong with caring for these virtues, say conservatives around the world.
When AKP rose to power with Abdullah Gül at the helm, they brought an undeniable shift. The country saw modernization that did not fret about merging cultural identity with progress. The opposition’s calls were mainly an aversion to change, not the safeguarding of ideals. Except, nobody told the electorate their votes weren’t "in"
In reality, Gül had a profoundly pragmatic approach during his tenure. Instead of dismantling Turkey’s fabric as feared, he continued to advocate for Turkey’s entry to the European Union—a dream proponents of secularism themselves harbored. Strange how what some labeled sinister was just a path to fulfilling broader ambitions.
The catchword here is representation. Abdullah Gül’s election to presidency established that global meltdowns best capture mysteries when you don’t even try understanding the reality on the ground. Universal values of democracy celebrate a variety of voices, not just those that appease an insular worldview.
The 2007 presidential election in Turkey became an affair where the will of the majority overcame manufactured panic and doomsday predictions. Imagine what lessons the world can learn from these elections that sail dramatically over the heads of skeptics. One pragmatic politician comfy with modernity and tradition alike was all it took to change Turkish politics' course.
This wasn't merely a presidential election; it was democracy at its finest. So, when you notice similar tremors elsewhere, remember to embrace the spectacle. It's a chance for nations to rediscover why forsaking long-held values is rarely the way forward.