From Victimization to Omnipotence: The Pathos of Erdoğan as a Constituent Symbol of the Neo-Ottomanist Narrative

This chapter begins with an analysis of the cult of Erdoğan and his journey from victimhood to omnipotence as the basis of the Neo-Ottomanist narrative and the national emotional mood it addresses. The claim of victimhood has dominated Erdoğan’s political discourse and actions for almost the entirety of the first decade of his leadership. To gain insights into Erdoğan’s leadership, it is essential to ask how he became the symbol of this national emotional trait, and how he gained increasing support by embodying and reflecting the emotions of the people in his political discourse, personal style and behaviour.