President Gül speaks to magazine

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Abdullah Gül. AFP photo

Turkish President Abdullah Gül gave an interview to London-based Saudi Arabian lifestyle magazine Arrajol (Men), detailing many aspects of his personal life in an article that appeared in the publication’s February issue.

President Gül spoke about a variety of topics in the 10-page interview, including his childhood and early years, his teaching experiences at university, the years he spent in Saudi Arabia, the start of his political career, his relations with other countries’ leaders and his self-perception as a father and husband.

Gül recalled a business attempt in his childhood. “There were sodas in a wooden box, and I had to shout to sell them, he said. “But I failed.”

Arrajol is regarded as one of the leading lifestyle magazines in the Arab world and is closely followed in particular by the political leaders in the region.