The default assumption voiced repeatedly by both Western diplomats and Western journalists in recent months had been that Turks and the West both "want him [Erdogan] out"
It is the single most important election since the first multi-party election was held in 1946, and also comes on the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic
These could be the last elections in the country if its president wins again, according to the influential advisor, pundit and journalist. Democracy itself and the Kurdish issue are the main factors.
The 34-year-old socialist's win is a seismic development, proving that tax rises for the rich to fund social programmes, and unwavering advocacy for Palestinian rights, are politically viable stances
Those who are able to bury their dead are among the lucky. For others, not knowing the fate of their missing loved ones or receiving mutilated corpses impossible to identify adds insult to injury.