Under Erdogan's rule, some sectors of Turkish society have benefited while others have not. Erdogan is popular among conservative and religious voters, having steered the country away from its secular foundations. The Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has become a powerful social force under Erdogan, itself a devout Muslim. The Diyanet has its own television channel, which influences political debate, and a budget comparable to that of a medium-sized ministry. The scope of its powers has made Diyanet a target of the President's secular opponents, who denounce the increase in the number of mosques, Quran classes and the influence of religious brotherhoods. A former head of the Diyanet has been embroiled in a scandal over his lavish lifestyle. Under Erdogan, real estate and construction have expanded throughout Turkey, stimulating infrastructural growth. Some groups and contractors close to the government have been awarded lucrative government contracts. They are “big funders” of his AKP party, an emerging

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