The Justice and Development Party (AKP) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of political dominance in Turkey. Since its founding, the party has been the central force in Turkish politics, overseeing extensive infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and a transition in the country's foreign policy approach. Supporters of the party credit its leadership with modernizing the nation’s economy and expanding Turkey's influence on the international stage.

However, the legacy of the party remains a subject of intense debate. While Al Jazeera reports that the party has strengthened democratic institutions and driven national development, critics and opposition groups often characterize this same period as one of democratic backsliding and increased centralization of power. The party’s journey has been marked by a shift from its early reformist agenda toward a more nationalist and assertive governance style. As the AKP looks toward its future, it faces the challenge of maintaining its political base amidst changing economic conditions and evolving public sentiment regarding its long-term impact on Turkish society. The narrative surrounding the party’s anniversary highlights the deep polarization within the country, with the party’s own framing of 'renewal' contrasting sharply with the concerns raised by its detractors regarding civil liberties and institutional independence.