Turkish politics set to commemorate 24 years of the AK Party's revolutionary impact
On Thursday, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will celebrate its 24th anniversary, marking two decades of significant reforms and advancements in Turkey.
Education
One of the most notable achievements of the AK Party has been in the education sector. The party introduced a 12-year mandatory education system, extending from the previous eight years. This move aimed to ensure a more comprehensive and holistic education for the younger generation.
The AK Party also lifted bans on headscarves for university and middle school students, promoting equality in education and later in public sectors. The number of universities expanded to 209, ensuring at least one university in each of Turkey’s 81 provinces. The government began offering free textbooks to primary and middle school students, marking a first in Turkish education policy.
Health Care
While specific health care reforms are not detailed in the latest search results, the AK Party is credited with building large city hospitals, which has modernized Turkey’s health infrastructure and increased access to care.
Energy
The party has driven Turkey toward energy independence and security by orchestrating major natural gas discoveries. A large reserve off the Sakarya province was found, capable of meeting the needs of 3 million households. Additionally, 75 billion cubic meters of natural gas were discovered in the Black Sea. Oil was also discovered and produced in Gabar Mountain, with production surpassing 78,000 barrels daily.
The government supports green energy transition goals via incentives from institutions such as the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mining Research Institute.
Defense Industry
A major accomplishment is the development of a national defense industry that now manufactures UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and UCAVs (unmanned combat aerial vehicles). Turkey has also produced its domestically made automobile and launched satellites into space, signaling advances in technological capabilities and strategic autonomy.
Beyond Sectors
Beyond these sectors, the AK Party’s leadership has emphasized overall economic growth, infrastructure improvements with highways, bridges, rail lines, and airports, and a strengthened international position for Turkey.
These accomplishments reflect a broad strategy focusing on modernization, technological innovation, and national self-confidence, transforming Turkey’s internal landscape and global standing over more than two decades.
During the celebrations, the AK Party will discuss its achievements, its future roadmap, and its plans to continue promoting the terror-free Türkiye initiative to the population. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to attend the main event in Ankara and unveil new reforms set to be introduced in 2026.
Moreover, it is anticipated that more than four mayors from other parties will switch sides to the AK Party during the celebrations, continuing the party's streak of successive election victories in two decades. The AK Party, under the leadership of President Erdogan, is working toward achieving the Century of Türkiye vision.
- In the realm of education, the AK Party's 12-year mandatory education system, replacing the previous eight years, has been a significant advancement.
- The Party has expanded Turkey's health infrastructure by building large city hospitals, while specific healthcare reforms are not detailed.
- The AK Party has driven Turkey towards energy independence, with major natural gas discoveries in Sakarya and the Black Sea, as well as oil production in Gabar Mountain.
- In the defense industry, Turkey has developed a national defense industry that manufactures UAVs and UCAVs, and has also launched satellites into space.
- Beyond sectors like education, health, and defense, the AK Party under President Erdogan's leadership has emphasized overall economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and a strengthened international position for Turkey.
