Abdullah Gül, the 11th President of Turkey, has maintained a remarkably private and stable romantic life, with his public romantic history centered almost entirely around his enduring marriage to Hayrünnisa Gül. Their union, spanning over four decades, has been a cornerstone of his personal and public life, marked by shared experiences and a strong family foundation.
Their story began when Abdullah Gül married Hayrünnisa Özyurt in 1980. At the time of their marriage, Abdullah Gül was 30 years old, while Hayrünnisa was 15. This age difference has been a publicly noted detail of their union, which commenced when Abdullah Gül was an assistant at Sakarya University and Hayrünnisa was a student at Çemberlitaş Girls' High School, which she subsequently left.
Over the years, their family grew with the arrival of three children. Their first son, Ahmet Münir, was born in 1983, followed by their daughter, Kübra, in 1985. Their youngest son, Mehmet Emre, completed their family in 1991. The couple has consistently presented a united front, with Hayrünnisa Gül often seen by her husband's side throughout his distinguished political career.
As Abdullah Gül ascended through the ranks of Turkish politics, serving as Prime Minister and then President, Hayrünnisa Gül took on the significant role of First Lady. She gained particular prominence as the first First Lady of Turkey to wear a headscarf, a decision that sparked considerable public debate but which she maintained with conviction. Her public role extended beyond ceremonial duties, as she became actively involved in various social responsibility projects.
During her tenure as First Lady from 2007 to 2014, Hayrünnisa Gül championed causes close to her heart, notably focusing on initiatives aimed at supporting children with disabilities and promoting education. She believed strongly in the importance of family values and the role of women in shaping society, lending her support to activities that she felt would strengthen both the family unit and women's empowerment. Her dedication to these causes was widely reported by Turkish media.
The Gül family has largely maintained a private life away from the intense scrutiny often associated with political figures, with their children growing up outside the direct glare of the public eye. While their marriage has been a subject of public interest due to Abdullah Gül's prominent political career, the details of their relationship have remained consistently focused on their long-standing partnership and shared family life.
Today, Abdullah and Hayrünnisa Gül continue their life together, with their relationship remaining a testament to their enduring bond. Their public appearances together, though less frequent since his presidency concluded, continue to reflect a stable and supportive partnership that has navigated the complexities of political life and personal milestones for over four decades.