Childhood and Education Journey of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. From birth to education, explore key events.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is a Turkish politician serving as President since 2014. He co-founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2001 and served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014. He also served as mayor of Istanbul (1994-1998). His tenure has been marked by socially conservative policies and increasing authoritarianism, democratic backsliding, and suppression of dissent.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1905: Birth of Ahmet Erdoğan

In 1905, Ahmet Erdoğan, Erdoğan's father, was born.

1924: Birth of Tenzile Erdoğan

In 1924, Tenzile Erdoğan, Erdoğan's mother, was born.

1926: Mehmet Erdoğan Born

In 1926, Mehmet, the half-brother of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1929: Hasan Erdoğan Born

In 1929, Hasan, the half-brother of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

February 1954: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Born

In February 1954, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was born. He is a Turkish politician who has been the president of Turkey since 2014.

1955: Emine Erdoğan Born

In 1955, Emine Erdoğan (née Gülbaran) was born in Siirt.

1958: Mustafa Erdoğan Born

In 1958, Mustafa, the brother of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1965: Graduation from Primary School

In 1965, Erdoğan graduated from Kasımpaşa Piyale Primary School.

1965: Vesile Erdoğan Born

In 1965, Vesile, the sister of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1973: Graduation from İmam Hatip High School

In 1973, Erdoğan graduated from Istanbul İmam Hatip High School.

July 1978: Erdoğan Marries Emine Gülbaran

On July 4, 1978, Erdoğan married Emine Gülbaran (later Emine Erdoğan).

1979: Ahmet Burak Erdoğan Born

In 1979, Ahmet Burak Erdoğan, son of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1980: Death of Havuli Erdoğan

In 1980, Havuli Erdoğan, father's first wife, died.

1981: Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan Born

In 1981, Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan, son of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1983: Esra Erdoğan Born

In 1983, Esra Erdoğan, daughter of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1985: Sümeyye Erdoğan Born

In 1985, Sümeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was born.

1988: Death of Father Ahmet Erdoğan

In 1988, Ahmet Erdoğan, Erdoğan's father, passed away.

July 1999: Release from prison

In July 1999, Erdoğan was released from prison.

1999: Released 'This Song Doesn't End Here' Album

In 1999, the day Erdoğan went to prison, he released an album called This Song Doesn't End Here. After his release, Erdoğan sought refuge in Tetovo, Macedonia.

2002: Erdoğan Speaks on Homosexual Rights and Freedoms

In 2002, Erdoğan stated that "homosexuals must be legally protected within the framework of their rights and freedoms", and that the treatment they get on television screens is inhumane.

2003: "Come on girls, [let's go] to school!" Campaign

In 2003, the Turkish government, in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the "Come on girls, [let's go] to school!" campaign to address the gender gap in primary school enrollment, with a focus on providing quality basic education for girls, especially in southeast Turkey.

2003: Amnesty Granted to Expelled Students

In 2003, the parliament granted amnesty to students expelled from universities before 2003. The amnesty applied to students dismissed on academic or disciplinary grounds.