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The results of the constitutional referendum held in Turkey on Sunday were predictable with Erdoghan claiming victory, the Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Armenia, Ruben Safrastyan, said at a press conference on Monday.  In the speaker’s conviction, Erdoghan will probably extend its rule in Turkey until 2029.

Safrastyan next pointed out the fact that voters in major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara rejected the proposed constitutional amendments backed by the ruling party, that comes to demonstrate that population in larger cities is more educated, while the “Yes” voters are representatives of the societal layers staying behind the modern developments.

Safrastyan suggested that the Turkish community of Germany played a key role in Erdoghan’s victory.

“The upcoming two years will be marked with intense political struggle both in the parliament as well as other political fronts. Considering Erdoghan’s personal characteristics, we may conclude Turkey is turning back to Ataturk era. However, the risk of all-in developments persists in Turkey as long as the country is headed by Erdoghan,” Safrastyan noted.