The fifth death anniversary of former Turkish Prime Minister Professor Dr. Necmettin Erbakan was commemorated across Turkey Saturday.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told a gathering in Istanbul that Erbakan dedicated his life to the restoration of "this country's and this nation's national and spiritual values".
Erdoğan said the life of Erbakan was "full of difficult challenges, sacrifices, unshakable belief and determination".
The president said the importance of his service to the country and the value of his struggle were being realized with each passing day.
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu tweeted: "I ask for mercy from Almighty" for our teacher Erbakan "who dedicated his life to the cause and the nation".
Erbakan died on Feb. 27, 2011. Fourteen years ago on Feb. 28, 1997, the military effectively deposed him as prime minister after less than a year in office, leading to the collapse of his coalition government.
The current ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's roots lie in part in National View, a political movement that was led by Erbakan.
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