More than a political party: The AK Party’s 25-year story

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), often referred to as the “servant” of the nation, is set to commemorate its 25th anniversary on August 14 with a grand event in Ankara. The gathering, scheduled to take place at Başkent Nation's Garden, aims to reflect on the party’s political legacy while outlining its future direction. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to deliver a speech during the event, which will be marked by a rally-like atmosphere and a specially composed song emphasizing themes of national pride, service, and the future. The anthem will incorporate Erdoğan’s enduring slogan: “We came not to be masters of this nation, but to serve it.” The event will feature a uniquely designed T-shaped stage, serving as the centerpiece for performances, musical tributes, and visual presentations chronicling the AK Party’s journey since its inception in 2001. These elements will showcase both historical milestones and the party’s aspirations for Turkey’s continued development. The celebration is anticipated to draw approximately 150,000 attendees, with a notable emphasis on the participation of women. The AK Party’s women’s wing is organizing the involvement of roughly 50,000 women, many of whom will wear traditional attire symbolizing the seven distinct geographical regions of Turkey. This inclusion underscores the party’s focus on cultural representation and unity within the nation. As the AK Party prepares for this milestone, senior officials are increasingly concentrating on the party’s upcoming challenges and strategic goals. AK Party Deputy Chair Efkan Ala emphasized the transformative impact of the party’s reforms over the last 25 years, stating that they have elevated Turkey from a middle-income to an upper-income status. He argued that the country now requires more advanced reforms to maintain its momentum of progress. “We have prepared these reforms as well. As the AK Party, we will implement them and continue on our path so that we can bring our nation together with the Türkiye Century vision,” Ala remarked. Ala highlighted several major accomplishments attributed to the AK Party’s governance, including shifts in the political landscape, where elected politics have supplanted previous structures of political tutelage. He noted that the popular will has become pivotal in shaping the nation’s governance. Among the key developments under the AK Party’s leadership were the initiation of European Union accession talks, the removal of restrictions on the headscarf, and the restoration of Hagia Sophia for religious purposes. Additionally, the country has made strides in its defense sector, transitioning from being reliant on foreign imports to becoming a significant exporter of military equipment. Economic growth has been another focal point of the AK Party’s achievements. According to Ala, Turkey’s GDP has surged from $238 billion to over $1.6 trillion during the AK Party’s tenure. Major infrastructure projects such as Marmaray, the Eurasia Tunnel, Istanbul Airport, and the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge stand as testaments to the party’s investment in modernization and connectivity. Looking ahead, Ala mentioned that a committee appointed by President Erdoğan has finalized its work on drafting a new civilian constitution. The AK Party is now poised to engage in dialogue with other political entities and societal groups to push forward with the constitutional reform process. “We have concluded our work,” Ala stated, expressing optimism about finalizing the new constitution through collaborative efforts. The August 14 program promises to blend reflections on the AK Party’s 25-year history with forward-looking messages centered on public service, national unity, and Turkey’s evolving trajectory. The event is expected to reinforce the party’s narrative of continuous progress and commitment to the nation’s future.