Understanding Sümeyye Erdoğan: Her Role and Controversies Amidst India-Turkey Relations
Background on Sümeyye Erdoğan
Sümeyye Erdoğan has recently gained attention in India following the country's actions against Turkey's alleged support for Pakistan. Although Turkey did not directly engage, it was reported that Turkish drones were utilized by Pakistan in attacks against India, all of which were successfully intercepted. Furthermore, Turkish President Erdoğan has openly backed Pakistan during the ongoing tensions with India.
India's Response to Turkish Involvement
In light of these developments, India promptly canceled its contract with Çelebi Aviation Holding, a prominent Turkish airport services provider operating at several major airports in the country. The Indian government announced the immediate revocation of security clearance for the company, citing national security concerns. This decision was made after reports indicated that the Pakistani military had employed Turkish drones in recent conflicts. Additionally, it has been reported that Sümeyye Erdoğan has financial interests in Çelebi Aviation Holding.
Who Is Sümeyye Erdoğan?
Born on August 22, 1985, in Istanbul, Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar is the youngest daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Emine Erdoğan. She completed her early education at Araklı İmam Hatip High School in Trabzon and later pursued higher studies in the United States, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and politics from Indiana University Bloomington, followed by a master's in economics from the London School of Economics. She also studied Arabic at Jordan University.
Political Involvement
Sümeyye served as a political advisor to her father during his time as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014, particularly in 2013. She has three siblings: Ahmet Burak, Necmettin Bilal, and Esra. Additionally, she worked as a consultant for the Justice and Development Party (AKP), focusing on foreign relations before shifting her attention to civil society initiatives. In 2013, she co-founded the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM), which advocates for women's rights and gender equality. In 2010, she became a partner in the food company Doruk Izgara with her brother Bilal Erdoğan. On May 14, 2016, she married Selçuk Bayraktar, a notable Turkish engineer and CEO of Baykar, with whom she has two children.
Connection to Çelebi Airport Services
There are unverified claims suggesting that Sümeyye Erdoğan holds ownership stakes in Çelebi Airport Services, making the termination of its operations in India a significant issue that could affect the Turkish President. However, the Indian government has not confirmed her involvement, and Turkey has not commented on the matter. The company has denied any claims regarding her ownership, stating that the Turkish shareholding is exclusively held by the founding Celebjoğlu family, with no political affiliations.
Military Ties Between Turkey and Pakistan
Turkey has supplied Bayraktar drones, which were reportedly used by the Pakistan Air Force during India's Operation Sindoor, where over 500 drones were launched against key Indian air bases. Fortunately, Indian defense forces managed to intercept all of them, averting potential damage. This incident underscored the military collaboration between Turkey and Pakistan and raised concerns about how President Erdoğan and his family might benefit from international defense contracts.
Controversies Surrounding Sümeyye Erdoğan
Sümeyye's public life has faced scrutiny, particularly during the 2013 corruption scandal in Turkey, known as the 17–25 December Corruption and Bribery Operation. Critics alleged her involvement in orchestrating social media campaigns and engaging in dubious financial activities. While these allegations remain contentious and unproven, the scandal marked a significant political crisis, implicating high-ranking officials and associates of the ruling AKP, including Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar.