Drawing on original research, including in-depth interviews with President Abdullah Gül himself as well as his wife and close circle of colleagues and friends, this fascinating account offers readers a portrait of a man who has been at the heart of the political, economic and cultural developments, which have brought Turkey to international prominence in recent years.

In 2002 Abdullah Gül’s democratically elected party gained power and challenged Turkey’s political and religious legacy. Shortly after Gül became a key player in Turkey's attempts to receive an accession date for the European Union. In 2007 he became the first president of Turkey who was also a devout Muslim – causing political commentators to hail his victory as a "new era in Turkish politics" – and he has, ever since, been a major figure in Turkey’s diplomatic relationships in the Middle East and international political arena.

An essential source for students of contemporary Turkish culture and society, Gerald MacLean’s absorbing account of this enigmatic individual is written to be accessible to a wide circle of readers, and throws light on important episodes of Turkey’s recent history.