1200w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/06/01/gettyimages-1494412223-607baf62628b70171885e085884e605f5a1a31dc-s1600-c85.jpg 1600w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/06/01/gettyimages-1494412223-607baf62628b70171885e085884e605f5a1a31dc-s1800-c85.jpg 1800w" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" type="image/jpeg"/>

Men drink chai in the street the day after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Men drink chai in the street the day after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey.

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

In the months ahead of the election, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced criticism for his government's response to devastating earthquakes and for crushing inflation.

Yet, he still managed to come out ahead in this week's runoff election, extending his two-decade tenure leading Turkey by another five years.

His victory was a case study in how to use populism, intimidation and division to harness a democracy and stay in power.

NPR's Fatma Tanis breaks down his victory and what it means for democracy in Turkey and more broadly.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This episode was produced by Connor Donevan. It was edited by Larry Kaplow and Adam Raney. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Northern California
Public Media Newsletter

Get the latest updates on programs and events.