History of Süleyman Demirel

Süleyman Demirel was an influential Turkish statesman whose career spanned several decades during a turbulent period in Turkey's history. Born on November 1, 1924, in İslamköy, a small village in the southwestern part of Turkey, Demirel would rise to become one of the country's most prominent political figures, leaving an indelible mark on Turkish politics.

Demirel's early life was characterized by determination and intellect. He attended elementary school in his village and later completed his secondary education in the nearby town of Isparta. His academic prowess earned him a place at Istanbul Technical University, where he studied civil engineering, graduating in 1949. His engineering background would later become both a personal hallmark and a metaphor in his political life for constructing, developing, and modernizing Turkey.

Following his graduation, Demirel worked on various civil engineering projects, which included the development of Turkey’s infrastructure – roads, bridges, and dams – becoming quite familiar with the country's topographical and infrastructural needs. His technical expertise and vision for modernization caught the attention of key political figures, propelling him into the realm of politics.

Demirel's formal entry into politics came in the early 1960s, a period of significant political upheaval in Turkey. He joined the newly formed Justice Party (Adalet Partisi - AP), which was seen as the successor to the Democrat Party that had been dissolved following the military coup of 1960. The Justice Party formulated a platform based on economic development and modernization, ideals that resonated with Demirel’s professional background.

By 1964, Demirel quickly rose through the party ranks and was elected as the chairman of the Justice Party. His leadership saw the party win the 1965 general elections, and at only 40 years old, Demirel became the youngest Prime Minister in Turkish history. This period marked the beginning of his enduring presence on the national political stage.

During his first tenure as Prime Minister from 1965 to 1971, Demirel focused on industrial growth and large-scale infrastructural projects. His administration promoted agricultural advancement, worked to improve education, and sought foreign investment, all aimed at modernizing Turkey's economy. However, his government faced significant challenges, including social unrest, political polarization, and pressure from both right-wing and left-wing movements. In March 1971, Demirel was forced to resign after a military memorandum, which was a quasi-coup, signaling the fragility of Turkish democracy during this era.

Despite this setback, Demirel remained a central political figure. He returned to power as Prime Minister several times in the 1970s amidst Turkey's numerous economic problems and political instability. However, each government he led faced challenges, such as rising inflation, unemployment, and ongoing sectarian violence, which were difficult to resolve in a deeply divided society.

The political instability of Turkey in the 1970s culminated in the military coup of 1980, which resulted in Demirel being arrested and subsequently barred from politics for ten years, like many other political leaders of the time. However, resilient as ever, Demirel made a political comeback once the political ban was lifted in 1987.

In 1983, during his temporary absence from politics, the True Path Party (Doğru Yol Partisi - DYP) was established as a successor to the Justice Party. Upon his return to political life, Demirel assumed leadership of the DYP, and his party won the general elections in 1991, bringing him back into the Prime Minister's office.

The early 1990s were marked by significant changes globally and within Turkey, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new political dynamics in the Middle East. Demirel's government grappled with these changes and domestic issues such as economic reform, the Kurdish question, and political coalitions. His tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by efforts to integrate Turkey more deeply with Western Europe, including pursuing a customs union with the European Union.

In 1993, following the sudden death of President Turgut Özal, Demirel was elected as the ninth President of Turkey. His presidency, from 1993 to 2000, was largely ceremonial, yet he played a crucial role as a stabilizing force in Turkish politics. During this time, he emphasized the importance of secularism, democracy, and pluralism, often mediating between rival political factions and trying to maintain the balance between the military and civilian branches of government.

Süleyman Demirel retired from active politics after his presidency ended in 2000. He had an enduring influence on Turkish politics, not only through his multiple terms in office but also through his ability to navigate and survive Turkey’s volatile political landscape. Demirel passed away on June 17, 2015, at the age of 90, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by his efforts to modernize Turkey and his role in its persistent struggle for democracy amid repeated military interventions. His career is a testament to his resilience and adaptability in the face of the ever-changing political tides of 20th century Turkey.