To Fikret, London,
Yes you may have the youngest population & yes maybe your economy is growing the fastest in Europe, but you must see it is because Turkey started from a much lower base.
What happens when it all levels out & becomes similar in standards to the rest of the EU. ?
When Turkey has to compete with the big wider world ? You maybe glad there is the EU protecting you in some way.
At present globalisation is creeping in bringing all those big internationals, who in turn bring opportunities in the labour market.
This shows confidence in the country & also the knowledge it's an economically good move earlier than later.
Education better be a priority for the chosen government to cope with it all & it's going to be a tricky maneuver for them to get their house in order for acceptance by the EU.

Maggie Millington, Brittany, France

why most of the people think that turkey will be an islamic state?
thats not the case.

the reason that AKP got all this support is not because of their islamic side of their party, they got it since they have done good job at economy. now people in turkey can afford to buy houses,cars etc.and also better standard of living.
If Akp carries on like this at the economy they will be stronger at the next elections.
another point is they(turkish people) have given opportunities to other parties but at the end those parties have massed up. so far akp have been doing the better than the others, can't say they didn't make mistakes ,but they have done more good things than their mistakes.

If turkey will not join the EU because of Akp leave turkey be it's own. What will Eu offer turkey ? If turkeys economy get better in the next 5 years turkey will not need to join the EU.

huseyin, mugla, turkey

The modern Turkey of Ataturk was founded by European descendants of the ottoman Empire's european possesions.
This Turkey creeping in slowly to power now, is the other, asiatic Turkey, sweeping in from the desserts and hinterland that borders Iran, Iraq and Syria, not forgeting various Stans, whence from they came several centuries ago, to destroy Costantinopol!
I have hope in the Turkey I like and respect, and it's magnificent army!

jondi saka, London,

In May and June of 2007, TV news reported that there were "millions of Turks who rallied against Islam in Turkey". From yesterday's election result, I think it is safe to say that those media reports were slighty out of the mark. The reality is that millions of Turks turned out to vote for an Islamic party and they want to bring back Hijab upon women. If that is their democratic choice that let them wear the scarf. This was clearly a win for the hijab.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

first of all 22nd July elections surprised me a lot unexpectedly through vote distribution while hoping more in favour of Republican People's Party(CHP) against AK party. Justice & Development (AK) Party can be in power for next 5 years but during this period we Turkey will live more democracy problems.To be sure having majority seats in the parliament might be glorious for AK party but unfortunately AK party will use this chance in a bad way such as changing constitution in few seconds for their aspirations, not respect publics, increasing corruption, not taking care with poors, human & women rights in turkey and income distribution, education both high schools and university not explaining the real figures whats happening on economy. i think more strange events will happen ın the parliament against AK party by Republican People's Party (CHP)and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). "Peace at home, Peace in the world."

erkan, ankara, turkey

finally, the Turkish people chased his future...
despite of all CHP's and TSK's works and efforts AKP and Turkey wins...

emre, Bolu, Turkey

Turkey has come a long way. I hope this election does not reverse this and that she does not revert to a strict Islamic regime.

ibbo, Leeds, UK

Some of the comments really make me happy, e.g.James from London. Turkey try to find a place in European vision. And people please realize Turkey won't be a Islamic country with the AKP. When they achieved sth for democracy we supported them. But they can never create a Islamic country from Turkey. Nobody in Turkey can never let it.

Sevgi Bala, Ä°stanbul, Turkey

huseyin,izmir

I vote for CHP,but I am not suprised with this results...I think if R.Tayyip Erdogan and AKP continues reforms this percentage %46.7 will rise...

HUSEYÄ°N, izmir, turkey

Most of the turkısh people are centralist...I mean turks run with blowing wind to same way.....Today is Ak PArty's day..but nobody knows what will happen tomorrow...search the history.....

eray, istanbul,

Although this election is a landslide victory of AK Party, it is also a crushed defeat of Baykal's CHP. It seems that Baykal's CHP and some of his supporters now are trying to have legitimate reasons to military coup. Neither Democracy benefits from this action nor People of Turkey.
Both the part in power and oppositons should have a ability of common scopes for future generations.

Adil Ekinci, Istanbul, Turkey

It does not go unnoticed that the election of the akp coincides with a worsening religious tolerance in Turkey.
Joe, there is no such thing as Islamic Democratic State (same freedoms as we take for granted in the West do not exist in such an entity)

Ken Redpath, Belfast,

I like to reply to those participants who wrote their comments in regards Turkey's general election. First of all thank you very much for your interest in Turkey.

I read your comments on Turkey becoming an EU member, and happy to see peoples general thoughts about Turkeys EU membership too, but sadly, do we actually want to become an EU state is the first question to be answered. We (Turks) are the youngest population in Europe, our economy is growing at the fastest rate and we have the best landscape on this planet (4 SEASON). WHY SHOULD I BOTHER TO BECOME AN EU MEMBER?

Fikret, London , UK

Most of the turkısh people are centralist...ı mean turks run with blowing wind to same way....Today is Ak Party's day but nobody knows what will happen tomorow...search the history..

eray, istanbul,

People guide what they deserve .Thats way AKP is the best recently.

Ruem, Ä°zmir, Turkey

I didn't vote for AKP and I must admit feeling totally crushed by the results when they came in last night. In retrospect though, I don't necessarily think that half the country voted for Erdogan because they believe in him, I believe it is because he has been at the top when the economy has been good and his party has (unfortunately) been seen to do many things which have benefited many Turks. I also want to believe that he has slowly realised that he can't ignore the wishes of the remaining 35 million people who didn't vote for him. So although what he stands for is massively scary for thoroughly modern, educated and Westernised people like myself, my family and friends, I've got my fingers crossed and fervently hope that there is a happy and peaceful medium for a secular state and an Islamic one.

Ayse , Istanbul, Turkey

The conservatives are leading our world: Bush, Merkel, Sarkozy and now Erdogan for other four years in Turkey. Where are the leftists?
Dear Atatürk, I m apologizing for a world like this, i m really sorry for it, really. I am sorry because shameless people aren t.

Deniz, Berlin, Germany

If it's all right for Christian Democrats to govern countries, surely it's all right for Islamic Democrats to govern countries ('democrats' being the important word!). Surely Europe and the rest of the world should be encouraging this development rather than sniping about it.

Joe O'Neill, Bedford, England

the best is akp

muhammed, ankara, turkey

With a culture and history which is not always understood here in the EU Turkey needs to ensure that understanding is spread throughout Europe. Come on documentary makers I can see an opportunity here. One thing is obvious that because a politicians wife wears a headscarf it doesnt mean a nation is heading off into radical Islam any more than Blair going to mass meant we were about to embrace catholisism. As things stand it would seem thet the result is good for democracy. 80% turn out, if only we could emulate such passion.

mike gee, bournemouth, uk

You may hate AKP but you should respect the election results,because the election was conducted in a completely democratic way and whatever you say,this is a real victory,for something that has never been seen for 52 years has been realised. What we should do now is to hope that it will be good for our nation. In fact as long as there are people like Ceyda, who crave for military coup I don2t know how this nation will develop.When a military coup takes place Ceyda doesn't probably know what will happen. Anyway Türkiye has made its decision the election results are the best answer there is no need to talk

tercan, yozgat/nevsehir/konya, türkiye

Vote of public chose the government which for some run the country great , for some horribly wrong.. This kind of polarization can hardly happen in a stable country. I believe -and as a CHP supporter in this election - AKP won the votes and hearts of people by being simple in messages and positive.. Opposition used the old weapon of fear, threat and no solid models against current "wrong policies". Simple people of Turkey-like everywehere else in the world made the usual choice and followed the positive message. Left opposition has been thought another lesson via the democratic channels.. Unless we as their supporters get rid of the "old style politics, faces" and put forward positive figures and models, AKP is there to stay.. All I pray is stability in life style and economy and hope minorities, different ways of living will be respected going forward as well, which makes Turkey a home for us Turks from all origins and beliefs.

Murat Gunenc, London,

I don't think this win was ever in doubt, but I would like to hear the inside story on how they scored so many votes.
We do know inducements are given to get the country people to vote.
After seeing the verbose & well attended rallies I would have thought the CHP could have done much better.
However, I really don't see the EU membership getting any closer yet awhile, still a long way to go before Turkey will be accepted by all member states.

Maggie Millington, Brittany, France

I certainly hope that Erdogan will not introduce strict Islamic laws and force women to wear scarves. If he continues things as they are now he will show real statesmanship but it he brings in islamic laws and goes against the wishes of many of his own citizens I doubt if Turkey will become a member of the EU. May be that will keep him on the straight and narrow. Hopefully.

Renate Baramy, Ramat Hasharon, Israel

I think it is not a defeat for the democracy in Turkey, but good message from the people to the Secular Side to reveale themselves. As far as i know, the commitment of the Republican's Party could not have been satisfied by Turkish People especially for the eastern side. As as result, it was inevitable situation which was dipping deemer since last 4 elections. The another interesting note for the election, Kurdish supported independent candidates could not take votes as much as they expected. Nobody wants terror in Turkey and the terrorist groups anymore. That shows us it is not solution to kill somebody who are innocent

Muhittin Apaydin, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I'am a supporter of AKP. Its a shame that people like Ceyda of Istanbul feel so bitter and carry so much hatred at the results of the election to want 'military coup'. Ceyda, military coup is 'bad', democracy is 'good'. Aspiring to brut force will only damage Turkeys future. My opinion is that your fear stems from unfounded 'negative soundbites' regarding AKP. The solution is for you to face the music and join us to make Turkey a better place.

Yusuf Kilinc, Fethiye, Turkey

An important question for AKP is "how could they afford paying the debts of poor voters and supply them some victuals. Where could they have taken the money from when even the other parties couldn't find the money to move their campaign buses"?...

Tolga, Kirklareli, Turkiye

Let's see if Mr Erdogan again nominates Mr Gul...that would be a 'slap in the face' to the army and the secularists...maybe even enough to incite a 'coup'. Is he and his party now mature enough to cooperate with the large percentage of people who did not vote for the AKP?

Roger Malstead, Wenatchee, WA, USA

I am not a citizen of Turkey but have close friends who keep in touch with me after our visit to this great country. When people in my country speak negatively about Muslims, I am quick to point to Turkey as a shining example of how a Muslim country can be a World example of a proud defender of secularism and determination to remain as a country that is dedicated to Ataturk's visionary foresight that it should remain that way. It saddened me to see Abdullah Gul's wife's head scarf stir up so much difficulty that has brought us to this day of divisiveness based on a picture and not on the measure of the man and Prime Minister Erdogan's leadership of Turkey during very difficult times. I have long felt that Turkey could play a very instrumental role in helping their long time friends in NATO to bring about peace in the Middle East and hope that their influence as a democracy will continue. I do not believe that Erdogan would venture into Islamism as it would undo him and AKP

Patrick, Duncan BC, Canada

I would like to know, on a grass roots level, why people in Turkey support the winning party and leader. We receive lots of labelling data, but few interviews with real people.

Emma H., Ottawa, Can.

To Tony in NY, grow up. What Turkey has done today is admirable. The whole country has stood up and made their choice. They have chosen good government over ideology and emotion. They have chosen a pro-Western economic stance and they have chosen democratically. What more could the West ask? That Turks should renounce the religion which many of them follow privately and instead set fire to effigies of Mohammed? Islam is a great religion which, like all religions, has its own demons to conquer.

Those demons are best conquered through integration, debate and development. Simply slamming to door is a terribly immature idea. If we liberal secularists truly believe we are right, we must be willing to engage with those who disagree with us.

James, London,

I'm Republican People's Party (CHP) voter, right now I would like a military coup from Turkish army. This is the only solution. I can't stand AKP government for another 4 years. They just make me sick.

Ceyda, Istanbul, Turkiye

Almost half of our people(%46,9) show their support to Mr. Erdogan.They think that AKP can maintain the protection of Human rights and democracy,the stability of economics and development of Turkey,On the other side,They also give a very important duty to Mr. Baykal:swimming

Ali Çınar, İstanbul, Turkey

Turkey just said bye-bye to EU, and hello Islam.
Their choice.

Jeremy Sykes, Birmingham, UK,

Half of Turkey is stupid for everyone:)
however I want to say only one thing: This is democracy and we must respect to each other and our opinion, otherwise Ä°t will be fasism

Ahmet Kurdoglu, Ä°stanbul, Turkey

well Europe wake up and smell the Turkish chai and headscarf coming your way in large numbers unless you have realized today that Islamism is getting very close at your doorstep and now is the time to shut the door. AKP party maybe good in a short run for Turkey but their agenda is not Turkey but bringing Islam into EU , wake up EU before its too late.
No to Turkey in EU period.

Tony Slow, New York City,

I am very happy finally people said what needed to be said.
And people in Turkey , they are smart they are not stupid.
And besides who they were going to vote for Mr.Baykal ?
He couldn't even face the his own people , how he was going to govern the country?
No guts no glory'

zeynep, DALLAS, USA

If Mr. Erdogan does have any intent to Islamise
Turkey, a sweeping landslide victory my tend to make him and his party think they have a mandate to do so.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington D.C., USA

I think Turkey waits its bad and black future. In fact I know that is democracy but AK party comes from Islamic origin. They want to change Turkey liked An Islamic Republic.Also they show Turkish image badly to world. I am sad the results because they come again for long 5 years.They continue sell our important industry organization. Our people are unemployed. Our people are poor. Why do they vote AK Party ?? . This is not finished yet. We are all laic Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's youth. We don't forget his fundamental. So from now on We are be gathered and show them our real power

faruk karadag, istanbul, Turkey

i hate you akp.......

abdullah, mersin, turkey

We wanted AKP to govern Turkey but we don't want to see our country as an Islamic republic. Western people didn't understand the soul of our country. We didn't choose an Islamic agenda when choose AKP in election. We did for our democracy and development.

Onur Yıldırım, Istanbul, Turkey

I don't admit their victory. They have just done brain-wash. Our people's education level is too low.
Anyway, we've got many years to see. We will see what they can do... I will be wondering and waiting...

Remzi, Ä°zmir,

I think this election became a strong answer who stand against Justice and Development Party and say concerns of the people changed since 2002 election.And also it is an Islamic answer that this countries people are willing to see a president,a ruler who is close to living his religion.So many people got out the streets to support CHP and what happened??They just lost power and thats all..

Ayhan Koçkaya, Sakarya, Turkey

As we have seen up to now, the ruling AK party has done extremely good job in this election period and election.Today we see the point that democracy won again.As far as all the people concerned, democracy always wins.However,I don't think people always do ! So from now on, AK party is going to evaluate what they have done right or wrong up to now and are going get some points from these events.I hopefully believe they will be negotiating side of Turkish parliament with rest of members of the parliament.That's what we really need and want. Stability,living in peace and good ecenomical conditions,gettin the social rights and justice.The most important thing is to keep secularist body of this country without any doubts and step forward to EU !!!

Arslan Bugra, Adana,