It was claimed he was being prepared for the post-Erdoğan era... Why Bilal Erdoğan? 'Profile'

Bilal Erdoğan, one of the most talked-about figures in Turkey recently, has begun to take a more prominent place in the political arena as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's term in office approaches its end.

While claims regarding the future plans the Erdoğan family has for Bilal Erdoğan occupy the agenda, the media is also frequently commenting on this subject.

WHY BILAL ERDOĞAN? INTRA-FAMILY PLANS

The claims circulating in the corridors regarding why Bilal Erdoğan attracts so much attention are quite striking. According to an article by Nuray Babacan from Nefes magazine, there is a significant reason behind the preference for Bilal Erdoğan: "Physical resemblance." According to Babacan, the Erdoğan family prefers Bilal Erdoğan due to his resemblance to President Erdoğan in his youth. The family believes that the "Islamist base," meaning the conservative segment, might prefer someone similar to Erdoğan to replace him.

As reported by Babacan, Bilal Erdoğan's voice, stance, speaking style, and Islamist rhetoric could allow him to capitalize on this resemblance. This similarity, described as a "passion for physical resemblance," is considered by some circles as a factor that strengthens the "possibility of the Islamist base preferring Bilal Erdoğan."

Another claim is that even if Bilal Erdoğan has no chance of coming to power, he could gather enough votes to protect the "legal interests" of the Erdoğan family.

Following her meetings with politicians in Ankara, Babacan made the assessment that "a party led by Bilal Erdoğan, even if it has no chance of winning power, could receive enough votes to protect the family's legal interests."

Another view prominent in Ankara's political circles is that Bilal Erdoğan's place in politics serves only the purpose of protecting the "legal interests" of the Erdoğan family. It is said that "Bilal Erdoğan could be effective in politics by maintaining a core base of at least 15 percent with a more conservative approach." According to the claims, the Erdoğan family needs someone who will remain within the system and have a say even after losing power. And that person must be one of their own.

Within the family, the view that Bilal Erdoğan is the only person who will "develop a defense" and stand against the allegations directed at them also draws attention. It is said that "the family cannot trust sons-in-law or other figures who have been in politics for years. Bilal Erdoğan stands out as the only candidate who can protect the family's legal interests."