Turkey: Empire of Erdogan

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Factual: Politics

The story of Turkish president Erdogan’s rise to power.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan - the most controversial president in modern Turkish history. What is behind his rise from prison to power - and his ruthless determination to stay at the top?

The inside story of Erdogan’s astonishing rise to power. With first-hand testimony from former president Abdullah Gul, former prime ministers, deputy PMs, party chiefs, opposition figures, analysts and journalists, this two-part series is a gripping and detailed account of the many battles Erdogan has had to fight along the way.

Series 1

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David Morrissey

Gabriel Range

Marta Garcia Aliaga

Sarah Waldron

Turkey: Empire of Erdogan: Series 1: Episode 2

Episode 2

BBC Two - Turkey: Empire of Erdogan, Series 1, Episode 2

Erdogan cracks down hard on dissent, becoming the most powerful leader of modern Turkey.

Erdogan faces a military coup and responds with a brutal crackdown on dissent, taking control of the military and judiciary to become the most powerful president of modern Turkey.

A few months after his brutal crackdown on protestors in Istanbul’s Gezi Park, Erdogan faces another challenge to his rule – a corruption scandal. Blaming it on his one-time ally, cleric Fethullah Gulen, Erdogan continues to consolidate power, becoming president and transforming the office from a largely ceremonial role into a powerful executive position.
 
But in 2016, just as he is about to remove followers of Fethullah Gulen from the military and the security services, there is a violent coup attempt, with swat teams sent to kill Erdogan. They fail, and Erdogan then uses emergency powers to crack down even harder on dissent and increase his power further.
 
On 14 May 2023, Erdogan faces another general election. Polls place Erdogan’s ruling alliance and the opposition too close to call, but many believe Erdogan will do anything to stay in power.


Turkey: Empire of Erdogan: Series 1

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Turkey: Empire of Erdogan

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Episode 2

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