The upcoming presidential elections in Turkey might change significantly the political system in the
![Prime Minister Recep Erdogan is leading in the polls ahead of the August 10 presidential elections [AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/201486152053871734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)

A Kadir Yildirim is an assistant professor at Furman University. His main research interests include economic liberalisation, democratisation, political Islam, politics of the Middle East and Turkish politics.
The upcoming presidential elections in Turkey might change significantly the political system in the
![Prime Minister Recep Erdogan is leading in the polls ahead of the August 10 presidential elections [AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/201486152053871734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Recent reforms in higher education are threatening the independence of Turkish universities.
![The veil was banned in Turkish universities until early 2000s [AFP/Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/201471064331576580_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
The upcoming local elections on March 30 will be a defining moment in Turkish democratic history.
![Both the AKP and the opposition are fully aware of the potential repercussions of a defeat, writes Yildirim [EPA]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20143268221596734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)