A research on charismatic leadership in the Turkish Century persepektive : The case of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

As Turkey enters the second century of its Republic, a profound transformation has been observed within its political and societal structures. This transformation has extended beyond structural reforms or economic development goals, encompassing a redefinition of leadership models, political representation, and ideological orientations. Within this context, the "Century of Türkiye" vision, introduced by the Justice and Development Party, has been evaluated as both a political strategy and a cultural reconstruction project. At the center of this vision, the charismatic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been identified as a decisive element. This study analyzes Erdoğan's leadership through the theoretical framework of Max Weber's concept of charismatic authority, while also highlighting the hybrid nature of his leadership style, which intersects with transformational, visionary, and servant leadership models. The research explores how Erdoğan's emotional bond with the public, his crisis management reflexes, rhetorical power, and use of symbolic politics contribute to the consolidation of his charismatic image. Additionally, it is shown that the "Century of Türkiye" narrative plays a crucial role in institutionalizing this leadership style. Thus, the study aims to reveal how charismatic leadership is shaped not only by individual traits but also through sociocultural context and political vision. Keywords: Charismatic Leadership, Century of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan