Abdullah Gul President of Turkey Date of Birth: 29.10.1950 Country: Turkey

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career and Economic Consulting
3. Political Career
4. Founding the Justice and Development Party
5. Premiership and Political Beliefs
6. Family and Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Born on October 29, 1950, in Kayseri, Turkey, Abdullah Gül completed his secondary education at his local high school. He then enrolled in Istanbul University, where he pursued a degree in economics. Seeking further knowledge, Gül continued his studies in England.

Academic Career and Economic Consulting

Upon returning to Turkey, Gül taught economics at Sakarya University. From 1983 to 1991, he served as an economic advisor to the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Political Career

In 1991, Gül entered politics as a member of Necmettin Erbakan's Islamist Welfare Party. Two years later, he became the party's deputy chairman. When Erbakan formed a government, Gül became a minister without portfolio.

Founding the Justice and Development Party

In 2001, when the Welfare Party was banned by Turkey's Constitutional Court, Gül joined the newly founded Justice and Development Party (AKP), which shared the same political platform.

Premiership and Political Beliefs

After the AKP's victory in the 2002 snap parliamentary elections, Gül became Prime Minister. As a devout Muslim, Gül adhered to moderate Islamic principles.

Family and Personal Life

Abdullah Gül is married to Hayrünnisa Gül, a homemaker. While attempting to enroll in university in 1997, Hayrünnisa was denied entry due to her Muslim headscarf, hindering her pursuit of higher education. Together, the couple raised three children.