Binali Yıldırım is a significant figure in modern Turkish politics, known for his close alliance with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his role in shaping Turkey’s infrastructure and political landscape. As the last Prime Minister of Turkey before the country transitioned to a presidential system, Yıldırım’s career reflects both his technical expertise and his political adaptability.
Early Life and Education
Binali Yıldırım was born on December 20, 1955, in Refahiye, Erzincan Province, Turkey. Coming from a modest background, Yıldırım pursued an education in naval architecture and marine engineering at Istanbul Technical University, later earning a master’s degree in shipbuilding and ocean engineering in Sweden. His academic focus on maritime studies shaped much of his later political career, particularly in transportation and infrastructure development.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
Before stepping into politics, Yıldırım worked in the maritime sector and became a general manager at İDO (Istanbul Fast Ferries Company). His success in this role highlighted his managerial skills and attracted the attention of the newly established Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In 2002, Yıldırım entered the Turkish parliament as a deputy from Istanbul, marking the beginning of his political journey.
Minister of Transport, Maritime, and Communication
One of Yıldırım’s most influential roles was serving as Minister of Transport, Maritime, and Communication. He held this position for more than a decade across different AKP governments. During his tenure, Yıldırım spearheaded massive infrastructure projects that reshaped Turkey’s connectivity, including:
- Expansion of high-speed rail networks.
- Development of modern highways and bridges, such as the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge.
- Oversight of Istanbul’s third airport project (Istanbul Airport).
- Enhancement of Turkey’s maritime and telecommunications sector.
His work earned him the reputation of being the architect of Turkey’s transportation revolution, significantly boosting his popularity within the party and the public.
Prime Minister of Turkey (2016–2018)
In May 2016, following Ahmet Davutoğlu’s resignation, Binali Yıldırım was appointed as the 27th Prime Minister of Turkey. His premiership coincided with one of the most turbulent times in Turkish history.
Key moments of his tenure included:
- July 15, 2016 coup attempt: Yıldırım played a crucial role in coordinating government response, standing firmly against the coup plotters.
- 2017 constitutional referendum: He campaigned actively for the transition from a parliamentary system to a presidential system, which ultimately abolished the prime minister’s office.
- Strengthening Turkey’s foreign relations, particularly with Russia and regional powers, after periods of tension.
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly
After the office of Prime Minister was abolished in 2018, Yıldırım was elected as the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly. This position allowed him to continue playing a vital role in Turkish politics, ensuring a smooth legislative transition to the presidential system.
2019 Istanbul Mayoral Election
In 2019, Yıldırım ran as the AKP candidate for Mayor of Istanbul, a highly significant political race. Despite his long career and strong backing from the ruling party, he narrowly lost to Ekrem İmamoğlu, marking a major political shift in Turkish local politics.
Legacy and Contributions
Binali Yıldırım’s legacy is deeply tied to Turkey’s modernization efforts in transportation and communication. His career reflects:
- Dedication to infrastructure development, positioning Turkey as a regional hub.
- Loyalty to President Erdoğan and the AKP, making him one of the party’s most trusted figures.
- His role as the last Prime Minister of Turkey, symbolizing the end of an era in Turkish governance.
Conclusion
Binali Yıldırım remains an influential name in Turkish politics, remembered both for his role in major infrastructure transformations and as a key political ally of Erdoğan. While his prime ministership was short-lived due to structural changes in Turkey’s governance system, his contributions as a minister and political leader continue to shape the country’s development.