Since the founding of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, Turkey’s political leaders have been decisive in shaping the development of their country’s democratic patterns and processes. Beginning with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Political Leaders and Democracy in Turkey analyzes the origins, political careers, beliefs and policies of 11 of modern-day Turkey’s most influential leaders. The chapters offer an insight into the complex and fascinating world of Turkish political leadership and the transition to, and consolidation of, democracy. This addition to Turkish studies and comparative politics undertakes a systematic study of the role political leaders have played in shaping the successes, as well as the shortcomings, of Turkey’s grand democratic experiment.