WP: Earthquake’s tragic aftermath puts spotlight on Turkey’s leader

Source:Washington Post Date:09Feb2023

Erdogan could end up fighting an uphill battle. “Erdogan in the past two decades has built an image of the feared autocrat, one who is also effective at governance,” Cagaptay said. That image may be crumbling as he faces his own 1999 moment.

The aftermath of the 1999 quake “challenged the ideological standing of the 80-year-old Kemalist state established by Ataturk,” Cagaptay added, explaining that it shook Turkish faith in the state’s capacity to address problems and take care of its citizens.

“Just like the Kemalist state came down like a house of cards, unless we see dramatic relief, citizens in Turkey will question whether Erdogan is also a paper tiger,” he said.

Wise words