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Image: Turkish Presidency/Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Handout/AA/picture allianceImage: Turkish Presidency/Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Handout/AA/picture alliance

Justice and Development Party (AKP)

The Justice and Development Party is Turkey's largest political party. It was forged in 2001 by the merger of several conservative, Islamist and nationalist parties.The party is led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Ambulances wait in line outside of Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. at the outskirts of Ankara, Turkey

Ambulances wait in line outside of Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. at the outskirts of Ankara, Turkey

Kurdistan Workers' Party claims deadly Ankara attack

The PKK has claimed responsibility for this week's attack on Turkish defense firm TUSAS that killed five people.

Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen is pictured at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania in this December 28, 2004

Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen is pictured at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania in this December 28, 2004

Turkey's Fethullah Gulen: A cleric with political clout

Gulen, a former ally of the Turkish president turned archenemy who died Sunday, had been living in US exile since 1999.

Bulent Mumay poses in his home in Istanbul, looking out a window

Bulent Mumay poses in his home in Istanbul, looking out a window

EU lawmakers urge Turkey to clear DW journalist Bulent Mumay

Veteran reporter Bulent Mumay refuses to live in fear, but a suspended jail sentence means he must watch his back.

A YouTube screenshot reading 'Seriat? (Sharia?) Diamond Tema vs Asrin Tok' and featuring head shots of two young men

A YouTube screenshot reading 'Seriat? (Sharia?) Diamond Tema vs Asrin Tok' and featuring head shots of two young men

Turkey: a democratic future or Sharia?

Diamond Tema has received millions of death threats since a video debate on Sharia law was uplaoded.

Two women hold signs with pictures of men, they also hold red carnations

Two women hold signs with pictures of men, they also hold red carnations

Turkey: 'Saturday Mothers' protest forced disappearances

Every week, a group known as the "Saturday Mothers" gathers in Istanbul demanding justice for their loved ones

Turkey's streets are filled with people celebrating after the opposition's victory.

Turkey's streets are filled with people celebrating after the opposition's victory.

Does Erdogan's defeat signal hope for Turkish diaspora?

The recent electoral defeat for the president's party has sparked renewed optimism among the Turkish diaspora.

Istanbul's mayor and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate Ekrem Imamoglu waves in front of supporters

Istanbul's mayor and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate Ekrem Imamoglu waves in front of supporters

'Turning point' for Erdogan's Turkey: How the opposition won

Turkey's economic woes are why so many voters turned against long-sitting President Erdogan, experts say.

CHP supporters celebrating

CHP supporters celebrating

Turkish opposition expands into Erdogan strongholds

Erdogan’s AKP suffers its worst election defeat since taking power in 2002.

Republican People's Party, or CHP, supporters cheer outside the City Hall in Ankara.

Republican People's Party, or CHP, supporters cheer outside the City Hall in Ankara.

Turkey's opposition makes huge gains in local elections

The Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's main opposition party, has chalked up major gains in local elections.

Ekrem Imamoglu | Bürgermeister von Istanbul

Ekrem Imamoglu | Bürgermeister von Istanbul

Erdogan's AKP seeks to retake Istanbul in local elections

Turkey votes Sunday in nationwide local elections expected to measure the country's political mood.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan greets the crowd with a wave at his party's campaign rally

Recep Tayyip Erdogan greets the crowd with a wave at his party's campaign rally

Erdogan's farewell? Turkey's leader hints at retirement

Ahead of local elections, Turkey's president has said he is retiring from politics. Will he actually go through with it?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkey: Erdogan says March election his 'last'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled willignness to step down after a little over two decades in power.

Erdogan supporters holding up an Erdogan photo and brandishing Turkish national flags

Erdogan supporters holding up an Erdogan photo and brandishing Turkish national flags

Germany: 'DAVA' party woos voters with Turkish roots

Fighting Islamophobia and strengthening "traditional values" are core issues in DAVA's election program.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, photographed from behind, standing at a podium on stage in front of a large hall full of people.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, photographed from behind, standing at a podium on stage in front of a large hall full of people.

Turkey: Internet censorship before local elections

Local elections will be held in Turkey on March 31. In the run-up, Internet censorship has been tightened still further.

Erdogan on stage, speaking into a microphone, viewed from the crowd past several blurred, raised, waving hands

Erdogan on stage, speaking into a microphone, viewed from the crowd past several blurred, raised, waving hands

Turkey: Erdogan keeps up tough talk after election victory

Even after election victory, Turkey's President Erdogan is still in campaign mode. Will he keep his hard-line course?

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey and Leader of Justice and Development Party (AKP) addresses the crowds gathered near his home at Kisikli village of Uskudar in Istanbul, Turkey.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey and Leader of Justice and Development Party (AKP) addresses the crowds gathered near his home at Kisikli village of Uskudar in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey election: Erdogan victorious after historic runoff

Erdogan has secured yet another term in office, after an historic election which went to a runoff.

Erdogan supporters tout their support for the incumbent as results come in from Turkey's presidential election runoff

Erdogan supporters tout their support for the incumbent as results come in from Turkey's presidential election runoff

Turkey election: Germany, US congratulate Erdogan

Leaders around the world expressed their regards to Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he won another term.

Türkei Wahlplakat Präsidentschaftswahl Erdogan Kilicdaroglu

Türkei Wahlplakat Präsidentschaftswahl Erdogan Kilicdaroglu

Crucial runoff vote: Erdogan vs. Kilicdaroglu

The Turkish election enters the final straight: Erdogan faces his challenger, Kilicdaroglu, in the second round Sunday.

Wahlen in der Türkei

Wahlen in der Türkei

Turkey's runoff election: Nationalism, fake news, xenophobia

The presidential campaign in Turkey is getting dirty ahead of the runoff elections.

Umit Ozdag and Kemal Kilicdaroglu shaking hands

Umit Ozdag and Kemal Kilicdaroglu shaking hands

Turkey election: Anti-migration leader backs Erdogan rival

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the opposition's Kemal Kilicdaroglu have each racked up high-profile endorsements.

A person walks past billboards of Turkish President and People's Alliance's presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan

A person walks past billboards of Turkish President and People's Alliance's presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkey election: Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu head to a runoff

Turkey faces a runoff vote for the first time, with no presidential candidate able to secure an absolute majority.

A sea of Turkish and AKP flags

A sea of Turkish and AKP flags

Turkey: Erdogan 'accepts' possible runoff — as it happened

Erdogan said his ruling alliance had won a "majority" while admitting he was ready for a possible second round.

Shattered glass and a large stone seen from the inside of the bus of opposition politician and Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu

Shattered glass and a large stone seen from the inside of the bus of opposition politician and Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu

Turkey elections: Opposition campaign bus pelted with stones

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul, had his campaign bus pelted with stones in the conservative stronghold of Erzurum.

Erdogan's supporters holding up his picture amid a sea of Turkish flags at a rally in Germany

Erdogan's supporters holding up his picture amid a sea of Turkish flags at a rally in Germany

Why many Turks in Germany still vote for Erdogan

Why do many Turks living in Germany continue to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

Türkei | Eingestürzte Schulen im Erdbebengebiet - Antakya

Türkei | Eingestürzte Schulen im Erdbebengebiet - Antakya

Turkish quake victims doubt government's rebuilding promises

Government promises to rebuild houses destroyed in an earthquake within a year are met with skepticism.

Kilicdaroglu is seen holding hands on stage with mayors Ekrem Imamoglu and Mansur Yavas

Kilicdaroglu is seen holding hands on stage with mayors Ekrem Imamoglu and Mansur Yavas

Turkey vote: Who's running against Erdogan?

Turkish voters go to the polls on May 14 and could well reject long-time President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

People walk past collapsed buildings in Hatay, Turkey

People walk past collapsed buildings in Hatay, Turkey

Turks blame government negligence for quake devastation

Many grieving Turks are asking why more wasn't done to prepare for the inevitable. DW spoke with some of the survivors.

The German consulate in Istanbul

The German consulate in Istanbul

Turkey summons German envoy over consulate closure

Turkey has accused Western countries of waging "psychological warfare" and trying to harm the local tourism industry.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkey: A 100-year-old democracy with ups and downs

The scheduled election in 2023 could usher in a turning point in Turkish history in the country's centenary year.

Man with a white turban-like hat walks in front of a large Turkish flag

Man with a white turban-like hat walks in front of a large Turkish flag

Turkey's AKP under scrutiny for ties to religious radicals

The Ismail Aga group's influence on the ruling party is in focus after news of the forced marriage of a 6-year-old girl.

A man, woman and two children sit on a bench, out of focus, behind a wire fence with clothing hung on it

A man, woman and two children sit on a bench, out of focus, behind a wire fence with clothing hung on it

Germany: Dramatic increase in number of Turkish refugees

With the political and economic situation in Turkey increasingly tense, more and more Turks are fleeing to Germany.

Turkish pop star Gulsen performs during a concert in Aydin, Turkey on March 27, 2022

Turkish pop star Gulsen performs during a concert in Aydin, Turkey on March 27, 2022

Turkish singer rejects 'hatred' charges in court hearing

Pop singer Gulsen faces up to three years in jail for allegedly "inciting hatred" during a concert.

Kombobild Kemal Kilicdaroglu und Ekrem Imamoglu und Mansur Yavas

Kombobild Kemal Kilicdaroglu und Ekrem Imamoglu und Mansur Yavas

Turkey's opposition desperately seeks an electable leader

Turkey's opposition has joined forces to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but it still needs a strong candidate.

Turkish pop singer Gulsen

Turkish pop singer Gulsen

Turkey: Arrest of pop star over joke met with criticism

The Turkish singer Gulsen has been arrested months after making a joke about religious schools.

Person wearing rainbow flag faces off with Turkish police

Person wearing rainbow flag faces off with Turkish police

Turkish authorities release Pride detainees

Organizers of an LGBTQ Pride parade in Istanbul say 373 arrested there Sunday have been released.

Turkey threatens to block DW

Turkey's broadcasting watchdog is demanding that DW, VOA and Euronews apply for a license within 72 hours.

A HDP supporter holding up two photos of former party co-leader Selahattin Demirtas

A HDP supporter holding up two photos of former party co-leader Selahattin Demirtas

Turkey begins trial of pro-Kurdish politicians

Turkey is pushing ahead with a trial against opposition lawmakers despite an international outcry.

Turkish Kurds in Istanbul celebrating Newroz calling for more rights

Turkish Kurds in Istanbul celebrating Newroz calling for more rights

Turkish Kurds appalled by potential HDP ban

Residents in the Kurdish metropolis of Diyarbakir are shocked by the Turkish judiciary's decision to push for the ban.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan video address

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan video address

Erdogan foments nationalism after Turks die in Iraq

Last week, 13 Turkish citizens were killed in Iraq during military operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party.

A man in a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey, drinking a glass of the Turkish national drink Yeni Raki.

A man in a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey, drinking a glass of the Turkish national drink Yeni Raki.

Last call for Istanbul's meyhane bar culture?

The people of Istanbul are worried new government restrictions could spell the end for their beloved local hangouts.

Türkei Istanbul | Canan Kaftancioglu

Türkei Istanbul | Canan Kaftancioglu

Turkey's Erdogan threatens rivals with jail

Canan Kaftancioglu inflicted a defeat on Erdogan in Istanbul in 2019. Now the president is threatening revenge in court.

Turkish CHP opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu (r) and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, also CHP, greet supporters

Turkish CHP opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu (r) and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, also CHP, greet supporters

Turkey's opposition on the rise

Turkey's largest opposition party has gotten backing for snap election calls, now President Erdogan is under pressure.

A peron's eye with the Turkish flag and theTwitter symbol superimposted upon it

A peron's eye with the Turkish flag and theTwitter symbol superimposted upon it

User safety or censorship behind Turkey's new digital rules?

Turkey has taken drastic action against social media platforms — and cited Germany as an example in the process.

Netflix cancels production in Turkey after gay row

Netflix has decided to cancel a new series in Turkey — over a gay character. There may be further trouble in store.

Turkish court rules Hagia Sophia will be turned back into a mosque

Turkish court rules Hagia Sophia will be turned back into a mosque

Turkish court allows Hagia Sophia to revert to mosque

Straight after the ruling nullifying its status as a museum, President Erdogan signed a decree to open it for worship.

Hülya Schenk

Hülya Schenk

Opinion: Turkish leader Erdogan crackdowns amid coronavirus

Hülya Schenk

To stem the virus, Turkey is granting amnesty to 90,000 detainees — but not jailed journalists and political prisoners.

Two hands wrapped in a chain held up above a Turkish flag

Two hands wrapped in a chain held up above a Turkish flag

Turkey's Pelican group: A state within a state

After government pressure, Turkey's judiciary has punished a critical news outlet. Is a secret group influencing judges?

Ekrem Imamoglu holding his fist in the air during a speech

Ekrem Imamoglu holding his fist in the air during a speech

Istanbul mayor struggles with obstacles

Ekrem Imamoglu has been the mayor of Istanbul for five months, but President Erdogan has not lost his grip on the city.

Rabia Naz Vatan holds up a book

Rabia Naz Vatan holds up a book

Suicide or murder — what happened to 11-year-old Rabia?

Rabia Naz's father refuses to believe her death was a suicide, raising accusations against the police and judiciary.

Erdogan in his palace

Erdogan in his palace

Erdogan's AKP basks in glow of loyal think tank

A study published by a Turkish think tank with close ties to President Erdogan, has denounced DW journalists.