President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday marked the 25th anniversary of Türkiye’s governing Justice and Development (AK) Party, declaring that the movement’s biggest achievements still lie ahead.
Speaking at an anniversary event at the Capital National Garden in Ankara, Erdogan described the milestone as a “very special, historic day” and said the party had transformed Türkiye since its founding in 2001.
“AK Party was born 25 years ago as the hope of our nation,” Erdogan said, emphasising the party’s roots among voters.
From political newcomer to Türkiye’s dominant force
Founded on August 14, 2001, under Erdogan’s leadership after his tenure as Istanbul mayor, the AK Party quickly reshaped Türkiye’s political landscape.
Erdogan said the party had delivered major investments and projects in the economy, health, education and transportation, while strengthening national confidence.
The party’s electoral record has been unmatched in Türkiye’s multiparty era, which began in 1946. Its political journey has produced four prime ministers and two presidents through successive election victories.
Erdogan credited voters with the party’s longevity, saying the movement had used the mandate and resources entrusted to it to develop and strengthen the country.
‘More work to do’
Looking ahead, Erdogan rejected any suggestion that the party should slow down after 25 years in power.
“We have accomplished great things over a quarter century, but it is not finished,” he said. “No one should expect us to get tired.”
“We are just getting started,” Erdogan added, saying the movement would help carry Türkiye towards its long-term 2053 and 2071 goals.
He vowed that the AK Party would continue shaping Türkiye’s future, telling supporters: “We still have a lot of work to do.”
Erdogan was unanimously elected chairman at the AK Party's Founders' Board meeting. The party's political journey began, eventually producing four prime ministers and two presidents through a series of electoral victories
