“Heart of a patriot” is the new book  dedicated to Binali Yildirim, an outstanding political leader and personality in the modernization of Turkish state and society during the last 25 years; co-founder and former leader of the Party for Justice and Freedom (AKP), Special Advisor of President Erdogan, emblematic Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication, former President of the Grand Assembly, the last  Prime Minister of T?rkyie and currently President of the Council of the Elders of the Organization of Turkic States.  

The author of this book with 300 pages and 18 chapters is Genci Muçaj, Albanian high–ranking diplomat and senior expert on international relations. Ambassador Muçaj is also Co-Founder and Executive Director of the prestigious Council of Ambassadors headquartered in Tirana.

Peter Tase, a well-known writer and journalist of international relations has described “Heart of a Patriot” far more than a political biography; it is a thoughtful and multidimensional portrait of one of the most influential statesmen in the modern history of the Republic of Türkiye. Written in English with the precision of a diplomat and the sensitivity of a historian, this work offers readers a rare and compelling insight into the character, leadership philosophy, and public service legacy of a man whose career helped shape Türkiye during one of the most transformative periods in its contemporary history.”

Besides interviews, visits on the spot, references and attending different events, Ambassador Muçaj has meet with Mr. Y?ld?r?m in person for many years on end, both as a friend and as a fellow public servant. He was also present in some Yildirim’s meetings in his constituencies in Erzincan, Istanbul and in Izmir; there and in all other public and private cases, he admits to have seen a man who never allowed high office to distance him from his roots, who led with humility and remained guided by the solid principles that define the best of public life.  

However, what made the author’s task much easier is the exceptional life and political activity of Binali Yildirim. Although unlike other classic VIP biographies, Ambassador Muçaj approaches him neither with blind admiration, nor with ideological prejudice, but rather through the disciplined lens of an experienced observer of international affairs.  Above all he refers to and provides the reader with numerous concrete data and information on Yildirim’s performance in all top state governmental, parliamentary and political portfolios.

Yildirim appears in the book as a great politician but also a rare family person, spending despite the tight agenda educational and relaxing moments with his spouse, Semiha, a veteran respected teacher, the two sons the daughter, seven nephews and nieces, well-wishers, relatives and friends.

The next major value of this book is that these and other aspects are described with a simple, vivid and flexible style, free from scoops and artifices, making use of the AI and several archival and information documents. Meanwhile, given the wide-ranging catalogue of his high governmental activity, even the selection of the most important aspects and chapters in Yildirim’s life was a challenge of its own. The book flows fluently in the form of a sincere lively narration, dynamic dialogue and at times a vibrating, sincere but always human monologue.

This book may also serve as a guide for future generations of leaders in T?rkyie and elsewhere to follow Yildirim’s example.

*Dr. Jorgji Kote, former Albanian ambassador, Grand Master in Diplomacy