Erdogan, the most influential Muslim in the world

Turkey's President, Recep Tayip Erdogan, tops the list of most influential Muslims in the world, followed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Jordanian King Abdullah II, broadcast Turkish media.

The 10th Jubilar “List of 500 most influential Muslims for 2019” was published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, headquartered in Jordan.

The report says Erdogan became Turkey's first direct elected president in August 2014, and he won the second term in the first round of this year's presidential elections, with 86 per cent voter turnout. During Erdogan's mandate, Turkey has achieved unprecedented economic growth, constitutional changes and has again increased to one of the world's greatest powers, the statement said.

Turkey under Erdogan's leadership has focused on strengthening relations and co-operation with countries on all seven continents, especially with its neighbours, including Greece. In Africa, Turkey has opened more than 20 new embassies and consulates.

When Somalia suffered from hunger and drought, Turkey sent her a boost, and Erdogan became the first non-Afrika leader to visit the country after two decades, the report reported. Erdogan, at the edition of the list of 500 most influential Muslims in the world for 2016 and 2017, was in eighth place, while his edition 2018 was in fifth place.