Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Rise Explored in New ARD Documentary Series

The German public broadcaster ARD has released a four‑part documentary series titled “Erdoğan” in its Mediathek on 29 June 2026. The series, directed by Kristina Karasu and Michael Wech, traces Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s trajectory from his early days as a mayor of Istanbul’s working‑class district Kasımpaşa to his two‑decade rule as Turkey’s president.

The programme combines rare archival footage with interviews of former allies, journalists and other witnesses. It covers key moments such as the 2013 Gezi Park protests, the failed 15 July 2016 military coup, the subsequent state of emergency and the consolidation of power through presidential decrees. The series is available in German and Turkish, a first for ARD, and the directors note that many potential Turkish interviewees declined participation over fear of reprisals.

Critics point out that the documentary downplays the Kurdish issue, the 2023 earthquake’s impact on Kurdish regions, and Turkey’s military actions in Syria, focusing instead on Erdogan’s personal story and his relationships with figures such as Silvio Berlusconi and Barack Obama.