The rumours spiked after Arab and Israeli news outlets, each citing the other, reported that Erdogan had died of a heart attack and his death had been kept secret. The reports originated from Alraees News, an Arabic web site, the Greek City Times said.
Balamir Goktug, a columnist at the Turkish newspaper Gunboyu, said on Tuesday that he had asked his sources at the Presidential Palace where Erdogan was and whether he was on holiday, but had not received a clear response. The columnist also said Erdogan had postponed a meeting with bankers this week.
Presidency’s Communication’s Directorate has issued only written statements since the third anniversary of a coup attempt on July 15. Erdogan’s official Twitter account on Tuesday shared a message of congratulations to Britain’s incoming prime minister, Boris Johnson.
Abdulkadir Selvi, a columnist at the Hurriyet newspaper known for his close relationship with Erdogan, said on Wednesday that Erdogan had been resting, but would host a meeting with the provincial heads of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Friday.
The columnist said the meeting was critical, as Erdogan would hint at a new party strategy. Selvi said Erdogan would not only make changes to his cabinet, but would also alter the paradigm of the ruling party, before starting a new tour of the country.
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