Top > World > 2006 > October > 2006-10-20

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan Admitted to Hospital

The 52 year-old Turkish Prime Minister, Tayyip Erdogan was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after he collapsed due to a sharp drop in his sugar levels. Erdogan, a devout Muslim, fasts during the holy month of Ramadan and doctors think that the fall in his sugar levels, combined with extreme tiredness caused him to faint. Doctors have assured the Turkish nation that there is nothing to be concerned about and that they were simply keeping Erdogan in hospital under observation. Television footage has been screened showing Erdogan discussing his situation with doctors in the hospital.

Tayyip Erdogan is a popular and slightly controversial figure in Turkish politics. Jailed once for reading a poem that was considered too religious for the secular country, Erdogan has risen fast in the political ranks of his country and was elected Prime Minister in 2003. Although he is dominant and charismatic in his country?s political scene, Erdogan has come under fire for trying too much to push the role of religion in his state. For this reason, political rivals and allies alike have suggested that he not run for presidency in 2007, as he intends to do.

Although Erdogan?s collapse came as a surprise to many, the Turkish population is not overly concerned about their prime minister?s general health. Erdogan is a former football player and follows a strict exercise and dietary regiment that keeps him fit. In addition, Erdogan is a frequent traveler who spends much of his time abroad, developing international ties. In the past weeks, he has visited several countries including the United States and Saudi Arabia.