The Ankara provincial branch of Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) organized an Iftar Dinner for Neighborhood Chiefs and Administrations, bringing together local officials, Members of Parliament (MPs), and senior party leadership. The event, framed as a gesture of unity during Ramadan, aimed to strengthen grassroots connections and discuss community-focused policies.
ÇİFTÇİ,Muhittin,Ankara, Türkiye – March 8, 2025
The Ankara Provincial Branch of Türkiye’s ruling AK Party marked International Women’s Day with a ceremony celebrating women’s “sacrifice, faith, and devotion” in shaping society. Provincial Chairman Hakan Han Özcan delivered a tribute emphasizing women’s roles as “architects of cities, nurturers of families, and guides to the future.”
“With the love of a mother, you beautify our cities. With elegance and nobility, you raise generations for our beloved Ankara,” Özcan stated, praising women’s resilience in balancing familial and societal duties. The event featured floral tributes and calls for unity, with banners reading, “With You, We Are Stronger.”
Global Reactions: Praise and Skepticism
The AK Party’s messaging drew polarized responses. The UN Women’s Türkiye office acknowledged the “symbolic recognition” but urged “concrete actions” to address systemic issues like gender-based violence and low female labor participation (34.2% in 2024, per TÜİK). Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee criticized the event as “performative,” citing Türkiye’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021 as a “step backward.”
Domestically, opposition leaders offered mixed reviews. CHP’s Ankara spokesperson, Ayşe Tekin, called the tribute “a veneer over policies that fail to empower women economically.” In contrast, MHP representatives applauded the AK Party’s “traditional values-centered approach.”
Controversy Over Implementation
Women’s rights activists highlighted contradictions. “Celebrating women’s labor while opposing laws for equal pay and parental leave is hypocritical,” said Canan Güllü, president of the Federation of Turkish Women’s Associations. Her remarks followed recent protests in Istanbul demanding reinstatement of the Istanbul Convention.
International Comparisons
The U.S. State Department’s annual human rights report noted Türkiye’s “persistent gender gaps in political representation,” with women holding just 20.1% of parliamentary seats. Conversely, Saudi Arabia’s state media praised the event as “aligned with Vision 2030’s female empowerment goals,” drawing backlash from Turkish feminists.
AK Party’s Defense
Özcan dismissed critiques, asserting, “Our policies prioritize family integrity, which empowers women.” He highlighted state-funded childcare expansions and microcredit programs for female entrepreneurs. However, critics argue these initiatives lack scalability, particularly in rural areas.
A Call for Balance
Political analyst Seda Demiralp remarked, “The AK Party’s rhetoric resonates with conservative bases, but urban, educated women demand tangible reforms.” She noted that Türkiye ranks 114th in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Gender Gap Index, below Iran and Morocco.
Conclusion: Symbolism vs. Substance
While the AK Party’s ceremony underscored women’s cultural significance, global observers stress that symbolic gestures must align with legislative action. As Ankara’s skyline lit with purple lights for Women’s Day, the disconnect between praise and policy loomed large—a reflection of Türkiye’s ongoing struggle to harmonize tradition with modern equality demands.
Edited for accuracy and global context; includes contributions from Reuters and AFP.
This report blends local political narratives with international critiques, offering a nuanced perspective on Türkiye’s gender equality discourse.
The Justice and Development Party (AK Party)’s Keçiören Güçlükaya Neighborhood Organization brought together local residents, party members, and community leaders for a Ramadan iftar dinner, emphasizing solidarity and grassroots engagement in one of Ankara’s vibrant districts.
Held at a local event hall in Keçiören, the gathering underscored the AK Party’s focus on fostering connections at the neighborhood level. Attendees broke their fast together, participated in evening prayers, and engaged in discussions on local issues, reflecting the party’s emphasis on unity during the holy month.
Neighborhood representatives highlighted the event’s role in addressing community needs, from infrastructure improvements to social welfare initiatives. “Ramadan is a time for compassion and togetherness. This iftar is not just a meal but a symbol of our commitment to walking side by side with our citizens,” said a local AK Party official during the event.
The iftar also served as an informal forum for residents to voice concerns and share ideas directly with party organizers. Topics ranged from urban development projects in Güçlükaya to youth programs aimed at empowering the district’s younger population.
“Events like these remind us that politics begins at the grassroots. Listening to our neighbors’ stories fuels our work,” remarked a volunteer from the neighborhood teşkilat (organization).
The AK Party’s neighborhood-level iftar initiatives, a hallmark of its community engagement strategy, blend traditional Ramadan practices with modern political outreach. In Keçiören—a district known for its dynamic demographic mix—such gatherings aim to bridge generational and cultural gaps while reinforcing the party’s local presence.
As Ramadan continues, the Güçlükaya branch plans to organize additional charitable activities, including food distribution drives and visits to elderly residents. The iftar event, attendees noted, set a collaborative tone for ongoing efforts to address community challenges.
This small-scale yet symbolic gathering highlights the AK Party’s broader strategy of embedding itself within the social fabric of Turkey’s neighborhoods, using cultural and religious touchpoints to deepen ties with citizens.
In a significant development following the 28th Term Parliamentary General Elections held on May 14, 2023, Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has emerged as the only party to increase its number of parliamentary seats. Initially securing 268 seats in the election, the AK Party’s representation in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) has now risen to 272, thanks to defections from other parties and independent members.
The AK Party’s gains came after three lawmakers joined its ranks:
Serap Yazıcı Özbudun, a former member of the Future Party (Gelecek Partisi) and Antalya MP.
Mehmet Selim Ensarioğlu, an independent Istanbul MP.
Ünal Karaman, an independent Konya MP.
These additions have reduced the number of independent MPs in the parliament to 10. The AK Party’s growing strength was further highlighted during its 8th Ordinary Grand Congress, where the party celebrated its expanded presence in the legislature.
The distribution of seats in the Turkish parliament now stands as follows:
AK Party: 272 seats
Republican People’s Party (CHP): 133 seats
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Parti): 57 seats
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): 47 seats
İYİ Party: 28 seats
New Path Party (Yeni Yol Partisi): 24 seats (a coalition of Future Party, DEVA Party, Saadet Party, and Çatı Party)
Independent MPs: 10 seats
Welfare Party (Yeniden Refah Partisi): 4 seats
Free Cause Party (HÜDA PAR): 4 seats
Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP): 3 seats
Democracy and Progress Party (Demokrasi ve Atılım Partisi): 2 seats
Emek Party (Emek Partisi): 2 seats
Democratic Regions Party (Demokratik Bölgeler Partisi): 2 seats
Future Party (Gelecek Partisi): 2 seats
Saadet Party: 1 seat
Democratic Left Party (DSP): 1 seat
Democrat Party: 1 seat
The AK Party’s ability to increase its parliamentary seats despite a highly competitive election underscores its enduring influence in Turkish politics. The defections to the AK Party reflect a broader trend of political realignment, as smaller parties and independent MPs seek to align themselves with the ruling party to secure greater influence and resources.
The CHP, Turkey’s main opposition party, remains the second-largest party in parliament with 133 seats. However, its inability to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and expand its base has raised questions about its strategy and leadership. The DEM Parti, which represents pro-Kurdish interests, holds 57 seats, maintaining its position as a significant player in Turkish politics.
The rise of the New Path Party, a coalition of smaller opposition parties, highlights the fragmentation within Turkey’s opposition bloc. With 24 seats, the coalition aims to present a united front against the AK Party, but internal disagreements and ideological differences continue to pose challenges.
The shift in Turkey’s parliamentary composition has drawn attention from international observers. Analysts note that the AK Party’s strengthened position could lead to more decisive policymaking, particularly in areas such as economic reform, foreign policy, and constitutional amendments. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for reduced checks and balances in a parliament increasingly dominated by the ruling party.
The AK Party’s growing parliamentary presence is likely to bolster President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s agenda, including efforts to address economic challenges and implement constitutional reforms. The party’s ability to attract defectors from other parties and independent MPs demonstrates its political acumen and organizational strength.
For the opposition, the current seat distribution highlights the need for greater unity and a clearer vision to challenge the AK Party’s dominance. The fragmentation among smaller parties and the lack of a cohesive opposition strategy remain significant obstacles to overcoming the ruling party’s entrenched position.
The latest changes in Turkey’s parliamentary seat distribution reflect the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the country’s political landscape. As the AK Party consolidates its power, the opposition faces an uphill battle to present a viable alternative to voters. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the opposition can overcome its internal divisions and mount a credible challenge to the ruling party’s hegemony.
For now, the AK Party’s strengthened position in parliament signals a new phase in Turkish politics, one that could shape the country’s trajectory for years to come.
The Big Congress of the AK Party will be held on Sunday
The AK Party, which came to power with the first general election it entered on November 3, 2002, 15 months after it was founded, and has ruled the country for 23 years, is the 8th AK Party. The Ordinary Grand Congress will be held on February 23 with the main slogan "AK in Name, Future in Light".
August November3, 2002 The AK Party, founded on August 14, 2001 under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, took power alone by taking 34.28 percent of valid votes in the elections, 2002 Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Due to Erdogan's political ban, the first AK Party government formed under the prime ministership of Abdullah Gul is the 58th AK Party government in Turkey. He had a government.
Erdogan, who could not enter the November 3 elections due to a political ban, was elected as a deputy in the renewal elections held in Siirt on March 8, 2003. 58, headed by Rose. After the resignation of the government on March 11, 2003, Erdogan became the 59th President on March 14, 2003. He established the Republican Government of Turkey.
The AK Party, the ruling party, held its first local election exam on March 28, 2004. According to the results of the Provincial General Assembly election, he came first with 41.7 percent of the vote.
The first congress was held in October 2003
AK Party, 1. The 59th Ordinary Grand Congress. He did it on October 12, 2003, about 7 months after the formation of the government, and Erdogan, who received all the valid votes, was elected chairman. 2 In the ruling AK Party. The Ordinary Grand Congress was held on November 11, 2006. At this congress, Erdogan became the chairman again by receiving all the valid votes.
The 23rd of the Parliament. In the elections held on July 22, 2007 to determine the term deputies, the AK Party again came to power alone and became the third of the party headed by Erdogan, the 60th in Turkey. The government was established.
AK Party, 3. It held its Regular Grand Congress on October 3, 2009. Erdogan was once again elected chairman at this congress.
In the June 12, 2011 general elections, the AK Party won 49.83 percent of the vote and came to power alone for the fourth time, while Turkey's 61st. His government was established under the prime ministership of Erdogan.
The first extraordinary congress of the AK Party
AK Party, on September 30, 2012, 4. He held the usual Big Congress. Erdogan, who entered all four congresses as prime minister, was re-elected as chairman.
In August 10, 2014, Erdogan became the first President elected directly by the will of the people in the presidential election, and then the 1st President held on August 27, 2014. Ahmet Davutoğlu was elected chairman at the Extraordinary Grand Congress and then 62. He formed the government.
The AK Party failed to govern alone despite receiving 40.87 percent of the votes in the general elections on June 7, 2015. The 5th General Assembly held on September 12, 2015, in which Davutoglu was re-elected chairman. After the Ordinary Grand Congress, the AK Party won power alone in the early elections on November 1, 2015, and after the election, the 64th AK Party won power. The government was established.
AK Party's 2. An Extraordinary Great Congress
At the party, the 2nd held on May 22, 2016. There was another flag change with the Extraordinary Congress. Binali Yildirim, who is one of the founders of the party and has been a companion to Erdogan since his mayoral term, was elected AK Party Chairman and 65. He became the Prime Minister by forming the government.
The historic vote on April 16th
Turkey has entered a new era with the popular vote held on April 16, which was described as "historic". With the "yes" vote by 51.41 percent and "no" vote by 48.59 percent on April 16, 2017, the provision "The President-elect shall be dismissed from his party" in the Constitution was abolished and the way for party membership was opened for President Erdogan. In addition, the people decided to switch to the Presidential Government System.
Dec May 2, 2017, President Erdogan came to the AK Party Headquarters after a break of 979 days, signed the membership declaration and became a member of the AK Party.
Erdogan is president again
After President Erdoğan returned to the party, the decision was made to hold an extraordinary congress on May 21, 2017. AK Party's 3. Erdogan, who received all the valid 1414 votes at the Extraordinary Grand Congress, was re-elected Chairman of the party he founded.
6 In the AK Party. The regular Grand Congress was held on August 18, 2018. Erdogan, 6. He received all 1380 valid votes at the Regular Grand Congress.
COVID-19 pandemic, 7. Caused the usual Large Congress process to be prolonged
7 In the AK Party. The usual Big Congress process started in December 2019 with the slogan "Walk on the path you believe in". January March 2020, the plans of the AK Party, which aims to complete the provincial and district congresses and start the big congress process, were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which began to have an impact all over the world and in Turkey in March 2020.
The congresses were postponed for a while taking into account the decisions of the Scientific Committee and the progress in the number of cases. After the decrease in the number of cases, the congresses were resumed in August by following the mask and distance rules.
President and AK Party Chairman Erdogan attended 12 provincial congresses face-to-face and other provincial congresses via live connection. After the completion of the provincial congresses in the AK Party, on March 24, 2021, the 7th. The usual Big Congress was held.
President Erdogan, taking all of the valid 1428 votes, re-entered the 7. he was elected Chairman of the AK Party for the first time.
4 Following the 2023 General Election. An Extraordinary Big Congress was held
The Presidential Election held on May 14, 2023 and the 28th. The AK Party, which emerged as the first party from the ballot box in the General Elections of the term, will be the 4th on October 7, 2023. He held an Extraordinary Great Congress.
At the congress, President Erdogan was re-elected chairman. At the Extraordinary Grand Congress, 49 of the current members of the Central Decision and Board of Directors (MKYK) did not take part in the new MKYK, while 26 names retained their place. 18 women and 57 men entered the MKYK lists.
The main slogan of the Great Congress is "AK in the Name, the Future in the Light"
Sunday February 23rd, the AK Party will hold 8. In the ordinary Large Congress process, district congresses started on October 12 and provincial congresses started on November 30.
Istanbul 8, which was held on February 7. The AK Party, which has completed the congress process in 81 provinces with the ordinary Provincial Congress, will hold the 8th AK Party Congress on February 23 at Ankara Sports Hall. Preparations for the regular Grand Congress are underway.
The main slogan of the congress, which was decided as "AK in name, Future in Light", is expected to be voted by 1607 delegates. It is also planned to introduce the new song of the AK Party and to screen a short film at the congress.
400 thousand delegates were asked questions with artificial intelligence support
Within the scope of the ongoing congress activities under the leadership of the Organization Presidency, "Common Mind Meetings" were organized in the provinces where district congresses were completed. With 400 thousand delegates in the districts, questions were directed to the delegates of the Big Congress about party politics. The answers given by the delegates were interpreted with the support of artificial intelligence.
It is aimed that the keywords that will be revealed with the responses received will contribute to the shaping of the AK Party's roadmap for the new period.
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