Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the 12th and current President of Turkey, having held the office since August 28, 2014. Born on February 26, 1954, in Istanbul, he previously served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014 and as Mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. Erdoğan co-founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2001, leading it to multiple electoral victories. His tenure has been marked by significant political and economic reforms, as well as controversies related to democratic backsliding and foreign policy challenges.

Erdoğan's strategic goals include positioning Turkey as a leading regional power through assertive foreign policies, fostering economic growth and infrastructural development, and promoting conservative social values domestically. His 'Century of Türkiye' vision aims to elevate Turkey's global standing by its centennial in 2023, emphasizing sovereignty, technological advancement, and cultural influence.