Turkey’s largest airport is worthy of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s name, minister says

ISTANBUL

The ambitious airport project is being built at the expense of huge forests north of Istanbul. AA Photo

Will Istanbul’s third and Turkey’s largest airport be named after Recep Tayyip Erdoğan? Transport Minister Lütfi Elvan believes the current prime minister and future president completely deserves to have the under-construction third airport named after him, arguing that no one could object to such an honor. 

“He has given so much effort over the years. I think that whatever is done will not be worthy of him,” Elvan said on Aug. 13.

Praising Erdoğan as the person who has brought stability and service to the country, he suggested the country was now "highly indebted" to him.

“If there is stability in this country, if we continue to grow and our [economic] competitiveness continues to rise, we owe it all to Erdoğan,” Elvan said.  

Rumors that the ambitious airport project, built at the expense of huge forests, would be named after Erdoğan have been spreading lately.

The prime minister, who declared a “new Turkey” was born upon his presidential victory on Aug. 10, has been hailed as a "great man" and "hero" by many, who claim that his success heralds a new era for the country and "the planet."

Erdoğan, also affectionately called the “tall man” by his supporters, already has a state university in his name in the province of Rize, as well as avenues, streets and schools across Turkey.