When Erdogan came to power in Turkey, he empowered a resurgence of Islamic influence that had been subtly re-emerging in Turkish society, a trend that had begun during Turgut Ozal's leadership. This shift represented a significant departure from the secular principles of Kemalism that had dominated the country's political landscape for decades.

This transformation suggests a complex interplay between Islamism and the secular state, highlighting how political dynamics can evolve. Under Erdogan's leadership, the revival of Islamic values became more pronounced, reshaping the cultural and political fabric of Turkey and challenging the established secular order.