The Unofficial Role of Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan in Turkeys Diplomacy and Soft Power
Analytical reports indicate a noticeable increase in the domestic and foreign trips of Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan, the son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in recent months.
His latest trip to Malaysia, which included meetings with the Prime Minister and senior officials of that country as well as a speech in Kuala Lumpur, has received widespread media coverage.
Although Bilal Erdoğan has previously denied entering the official political arena and introduced himself as a business figure with a background in economics and management, an examination of his numerous trips suggests the pursuit of specific strategic goals.
The activities of the Turkish President’s eldest son are categorized into four main areas: business activities with family members and partners; managing relations with religious and Sufi orders in Turkey on behalf of the President; expanding scientific and academic cooperation through Ibn Haldun University; and cultural and ancestral activities focusing on Turkic-speaking countries.
Some unconfirmed news also suggests his possible role in arms sales negotiations and achievements of the Turkish defense industry.
Bilal Erdoğan has traveled to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tatarstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar in recent months, in addition to Malaysia.
Political analysts believe evidence shows that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has assigned his son non-partisan missions, sometimes beyond the duties of some cabinet members and the ruling party.
Bilal Erdoğan has also announced his intention to host the world’s most important ethnic and indigenous sports event in Turkey in 2027 and has consulted with sports ministers from 15 countries for this purpose.
Reports indicate that despite benefiting from state and party support and family ties, he tries to show himself as affiliated with civil and non-governmental organizations and plays a role in Turkey’s soft power sphere.
