One of the striking points during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's public appearances is the tight security ring around him. One of the individuals seen with the head of state, whether in Ankara, other cities of Turkey, or during foreign visits, has not changed for many years.
So, how is Erdoğan protected? How many people are responsible for his security, how is the security system structured, and who is the person seen closest to the president for years?
Modern.az website investigated the topic based on information from Turkish media.
According to the information, the system related to the protection of the Turkish President does not consist only of a few armed personnel standing next to the head of state. This is a multi-layered security mechanism covering the President himself, his family, residences, workplaces, vehicles, domestic and foreign visits, events, and movement routes.
How many people protect Erdoğan?
In Turkey, the President's protection is not limited to the structure of the General Directorate of Security (Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü). In 2019, the General Directorate of Presidential Protection Services (Cumhurbaşkanlığı Koruma Hizmetleri Genel Müdürlüğü) was also established within the Presidential Administrative Affairs Directorate. This structure was created by a Presidential Decree dated January 10, 2019.
The scope of activity of the protection structure has been defined quite broadly. This includes ensuring the security of the head of state, family members, residences and workplaces used by the President, vehicles, as well as during domestic and foreign visits. Organizing entries and exits, movement and stopping directions from a security perspective during events is also an integral part of the system.
In other words, the pguards seen around the President on the street or at an event are only the visible part of this system.
Turkish media cannot answer the question "How many people protect Erdoğan?" with a precise figure.
Because the exact number of personnel currently serving in Erdoğan's immediate close protection is not specified in open official sources.
After Erdoğan was elected President in 2014, a large part of his security team from his prime ministerial period also moved to Çankaya Mansion. Turkish media of that period wrote that approximately 500 personnel working in the Prime Ministry's security structure were transferred to the Mansion.
How is Erdoğan protected?
When looking at Erdoğan's security at public events, it appears that several security rings are formed around him.
The first ring consists of pguards standing closest to the President. One of the main duties of these personnel is to directly accompany the protected person and intervene if a threat arises.
The second and subsequent rings involve controlling the area, the event venue, entries and exits, and the President's movement directions.
In addition, checking the venue for security before the event, controlling entries, preparing the route, and coordinating with other state institutions are also part of the security system.
The person who has accompanied Erdoğan for years – Muhsin Köse
One of the more familiar faces to the public in the Turkish President's security system is Muhsin Köse.
He has been seen in Erdoğan's closest security circle for many years. Muhsin Köse's arrival in Erdoğan's close protection team coincides with 2012. At that time, Zeki Bulut, the head of Prime Minister Erdoğan's security, was appointed as the Denizli police chief.
After this, Muhsin Köse, Deputy Chief of Aydın Provincial Police Department, was appointed to the position of Prime Minister's close protection chief, which Bulut vacated.
Anadolu Agency presented Muhsin Köse as "Prime Minister Erdoğan's close protection chief" on September 10, 2012.
According to Turkish media, Muhsin Köse is from Ebecik village in the Tavas district of Denizli province, Turkey.
With Erdoğan even after 2014
In 2012, Muhsin Köse was the close protection chief of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
After Erdoğan was elected President in 2014, Muhsin Köse also moved to the Presidential apparatus with him. Thus, at that time, Ramazan Bal, head of the Prime Ministry Protection Department, and his deputy Muhsin Köse were appointed to lead the Presidential Protection Department.
Muhsin Köse's activity in President Erdoğan's security structure already spans a period of 14 years. The striking aspect of his career is precisely his continued presence in the security structure during both Erdoğan's Prime Ministership and Presidency.
Incidentally, in 2026 information, Muhsin Köse is already presented as "President's security chief." It should be noted that in June 2026, Muhsin Köse's name came to the fore again at the Turkish Red Crescent award ceremony. The "Public Institution Donor of the Year" award given to the General Directorate of Presidential Protection Services was presented to Muhsin Köse. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan personally presented the award.
July 15 night – one of the heaviest tests for security
One of the most dramatic events in the history of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's security system occurred during the coup attempt on July 15, 2016.
That night, after the head of state left the hotel where he was vacationing in Marmaris, it was attacked.
It is known that Muhsin Köse was also in Erdoğan's security group at that time.
There is very interesting information in the material published by "Türkiye" newspaper in 2026: it is stated that on the night of July 15, Hakan Fidan, head of the National Intelligence Organization, contacted Muhsin Köse and asked about the President's situation.
Later, in one of the programs prepared about the July 15 coup attempt, Muhsin Köse spoke about that call. According to him, Fidan asked about the President's situation, and Köse said that they were at a private address at that time.
It should be noted that police officer Mehmet Çetin, who served in the President's security detail that night, was killed. The official statement of the Turkish General Directorate of Security stated that Mehmet Çetin served in the President's close protection.
How is security organized during foreign visits?
Erdoğan's security during foreign visits is not limited to the pguards of the Turkish side alone.
Prior coordination is carried out with the security agencies of the country the head of state is visiting. Security is planned for routes, event venues, buildings where meetings will be held, and entries and exits.
At this time, the close pguards of the Turkish President also continue their duties. Therefore, during foreign visits, in addition to the pguards surrounding Erdoğan, it is also possible to see police and other security personnel of the host country.
Armored vehicles are also part of the system
Erdoğan's protection does not consist only of individuals acting as a living "shield." The vehicles used by the President are also important elements of the security system.
It is known that Erdoğan used armored vehicles in various years. For example, in 2012, information was published in Turkish media about the testing of the Mercedes-Benz G500 Guard model for him.
Such vehicles are equipped with armored p, protected windows, and other security equipment.
Close protection service differs from ordinary police service, and personnel working in this field are required to undergo special training. Training covers areas such as physical fitness, ensuring the security of the protected person, evacuation, and reaction to emergency situations.
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