About
Tansu Çiller is a Turkish academic, economist, and politician who served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Turkey from 1993 to 1996. She holds the distinction of being Turkey's only female prime minister. As the leader of the True Path Party, she also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Çiller is known for her economic policies and her role in Turkish politics during a turbulent period.
Career Timeline
Enters Politics from Academia
Leaves prestigious professorship at Boğaziçi University to join True Path Party. Brings economic expertise but limited political experience.
Becomes Turkey's First Female PM
Makes history as Turkey's first and only female Prime Minister at age 47. Rapid rise to power generates enormous domestic and international attention.
Navigates Economic Crisis
Implements controversial economic reforms during severe financial crisis. Maintains power through turbulent period but faces growing criticism over economic policies and coalition instability.
Loses Prime Minister Position
Coalition government collapses after three tumultuous years. Steps down as PM but continues as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in subsequent governments.
True Path Party Loses Elections
Party fails to enter parliament in watershed election won by AKP. Political influence declines significantly though personal wealth remains substantial.
Historic Figure in Turkish Politics
Remains significant as Turkey's only female Prime Minister despite being out of active politics for two decades. Her historic role and continued prominence in Turkish political discourse maintains solid B-tier recognition.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026