Recep Tayyip Erdogan's misjudgment of protesters could cost him power

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has walked Turkey's political stage unchallenged for a decade, bringing powerful generals to heel and driving economic success that has changed the face of the country, spreading its influence across the region.

But unprecedented protests and riots may now set limits to the power of a prime minister widely seen as victim of the same uncompromising and emotional manner that has helped him to three successive election victories. They may also bury his hopes of assuming a new more powerful executive presidency next year.

"There are deputies and officials in the party who are unhappy about recent developments," said a source close to the AK party Erdogan led to power in 2002, crushing established parties mired in accusations of incompetence and corruption.

"This is an unprecedented situation for Erdogan. Some people in the AKP think that his policies have to soften, but they remain loyal to party discipline and to Erdogan himself."

Supporters on Twitter, echoing the emotional drama of recent days, declare they would not abandon Erdogan to the same fate as his two political heroes, a prime minister hanged after a 1960 military coup and a president some say was poisoned.

Thousands turned up to greet him on Friday when he returned from an overseas trip.