Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Turkey's Youth Question Erdoğan's Vision Amid Economic and Political Disillusionment
Imagine you only ever knew one way of doing things, like a strict set of rules at home.
That's how many young people in Turkey feel about their country under President Erdoğan.
They were promised good jobs, freedom, and a bright future, but many are finding it hard to get jobs even after finishing school.
They also feel like they don't have much say in how things are run, and some are becoming less religious.
Recently, when a popular opposition leader was arrested, many young people protested, showing they are unhappy.
They want to see changes that make them feel relevant and give them a real chance for a better future, or they might look elsewhere, either by leaving the country or finding new ways to get their voices heard.
The government has a chance to make reforms to address these issues.
Turkey's youth, "Generation Erdoğan," are increasingly disillusioned with the economic and political landscape.
High youth unemployment and those not in education or training (32% for 18-24 year olds) highlight economic challenges.
Protests, largely led by students, erupted following the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu, signifying broader generational frustration.
Young Turks are becoming more secular and detached from the conservative agenda associated with Erdoğan's rise.
There's a risk of losing an entire generation's loyalty if the state fails to provide economic opportunity and political relevance.
- Who
- Turkey's young generation, born and raised under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's rule ('Generation Erdoğan')
- What
- Expressing disillusionment and questioning the country's future due to joblessness, political repression, and economic stagnation.
- When
- Recent months, with protests occurring in March and April of this year.
- Where
- Across Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey.
- Why
- Perceived economic entrapment, lack of upward mobility, curtailed freedoms, authoritarian drift, and a growing detachment from the conservative, Muslim-populist agenda that underpinned Erdoğan's rise.
- Inflation Rate
- Near 40 percent
- Youth Not Employed or in Education/Training (Ages 18-24)
- 32%
- Graduate Unemployment
- Exceeds general unemployment in Turkey (only European country with this trend)
- Key Protests Triggered By
- Arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu
- Notable Past Youth Mobilization
- 2013 Gezi movement