Famous Turkish Activists

Halide Edib Adıvar was a prominent Turkish novelist, teacher, and intellectual known for her advocacy of Turkish nationalism and feminism. Through her novels, she criticized the low social status of Turkish women and highlighted the lack of interest among women in changing their situation. She was also a Pan-Turkist, supporting the Turanism movement in several of her works. Additionally, she played a role in the forced assimilation of children orphaned during the Armenian genocide, leaving a controversial legacy in her professional life.

Özge Özder is a talented Turkish actress known for her versatile roles in various TV series. She gained popularity for her portrayal of Cavidan in the series based on the classic novel Dudaktan Kalbe. Her comedic skills shined through in the comedy drama Umutsuz Ev Kadınları, where she played the character Emel. Özge showcased her acting range by taking on the role of Kıvılcım in Mucize Doktor. With her captivating performances, she has established herself as a respected and sought-after actress in the Turkish entertainment industry.

Hrant Dink was a Turkish-Armenian intellectual, journalist, and columnist known for his role as editor-in-chief of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian newspaper Agos. He was a prominent advocate for Turkish-Armenian reconciliation and human rights in Turkey, despite facing prosecution for denigrating Turkishness. Dink was critical of both Turkey's denial of the Armenian genocide and the Armenian diaspora's international recognition campaign. His assassination in 2007 sparked widespread outrage and protests, leading to increased scrutiny of Turkey's laws, such as Article 301.

Leyla Zana is a Kurdish politician known for her political activism, which led to her imprisonment for ten years by Turkish authorities. Despite facing legal challenges due to her work, she received international recognition for her efforts. Zana was awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament in 1995 and the Rafto Prize in 1994 for her peaceful advocacy for the human rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey and neighboring regions. Her dedication to promoting human rights and unity has made her a prominent figure in the political landscape.

Memet Ali Alabora is a prominent Turkish film and theatre actor renowned for his work in the entertainment industry. He has gained recognition for his outstanding performance in the hit crime comedy "Yılan Hikayesi". Alabora has showcased his versatile acting skills through various roles, captivating audiences with his talent and dedication. With a successful career in both film and theatre, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the industry with his compelling performances and contributions to the art of acting.

Helin Bölek was a prominent Kurdish member of the Turkish folk music band Grup Yorum. She worked as a soloist in the group and was known for her passionate performances. Bölek faced legal challenges, including arrests and accusations related to her activism. She participated in hunger strikes to protest government actions against the band. Her dedication to her art and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs made her a respected figure in the music community and beyond.

Deniz Gezmiş was a Turkish Marxist-Leninist revolutionary, student leader, and political activist in Turkey during the late 1960s. He was a founding member of the People's Liberation Army of Turkey (THKO) and played a significant role in advocating for leftist ideologies and social change. Gezmiş is often compared to iconic revolutionary figures like Che Guevara due to his dedication to the cause. His professional life was characterized by his activism, leadership within the revolutionary movement, and his efforts to challenge the status quo in Turkish society.

Ali Suavi was a prominent Ottoman Turk political activist, journalist, educator, theologian, and reformer known for his significant contributions to the Pan-Turkist movement. He gained recognition for his writings criticizing Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz, which led to his exile to Kastamonu. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in advocating for political reform and promoting Turkish nationalism. His work as an educator and journalist helped shape the intellectual landscape of the Ottoman Empire during his time, leaving a lasting impact on Turkish society.

Pınar Selek is a Turkish sociologist, feminist, and author known for advocating for the rights of marginalized communities in Turkey. She has authored books in Turkish, German, and French and co-founded the feminist journal Amargi. Despite facing political persecution in Turkey, she obtained academic exile in France and currently holds a position as an assistant professor in sociology at Université Côte d'Azur. Selek has been acquitted multiple times in legal proceedings in Turkey but faced challenges, including a life sentence overturned in 2022. She became a French citizen in 2017 and later served as an ambassador for Prison Insider, focusing on global detention conditions.

Ragıp Zarakolu is a prominent Turkish human rights activist and publisher known for his dedication to shedding light on controversial subjects in Turkey, particularly issues related to minority rights and human rights. Throughout his career, he has faced persistent legal challenges and harassment due to his commitment to publishing books that challenge the status quo and advocate for marginalized communities. Zarakolu's work has made significant contributions to promoting awareness and advocating for social justice in Turkey, earning him recognition as a resilient and influential figure in the field of human rights activism.