Newly-elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's craziest quotes

Erdogan ruled as Turkey's Prime Minister since 2003

Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the Istanbul 2020 bid presentation during the 125th IOC Session - 2020 Olympics Host City Announcement at Hilton Hotel on September 7, 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who ruled as Turkey’s Prime Minister for over a decade, became the country’s first popularly elected president in a historic vote on Sunday.

During his three terms as Prime Minister, Erdogan became a divisive figure. While many revered him as a champion of the people and credited him with giving Turkey years of economic prosperity, others criticised him for an increasingly autocratic style of governance in the wake of anti-government protests.

The 60-year-old also faced allegations that he had attempted to impose his religious and conservatives values on a nation built on secularism.

Upon his election, he has vowed to transform the presidency from a largely ceremonial post into a position with more powers.

Judging by some of his more questionable quotes during his tenure as Prime Minister, it is likely he will continue to cause controversy. Below are a handful of his craziest quotes to date.