Famous Turkish Political Leaders

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a Turkish field marshal, revolutionary statesman, author, and the founding father of the Republic of Turkey. He served as the first president of Turkey from 1923 until his death in 1938. Atatürk undertook progressive reforms that modernized Turkey into a secular, industrializing nation. He led the Turkish National Movement during the Turkish War of Independence, abolished the sultanate, and established the Turkish Republic. Atatürk implemented political, economic, and cultural reforms, including free and compulsory primary education, women's rights, and Turkification policies.

Ali Kemal Bey was a Turkish journalist, writer, poet, and liberal politician who served as Minister of the Interior in the Ottoman Empire. He was known for his opposition to the Turkish National Movement, which led to his tragic lynching following the Greco-Turkish War. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to promoting liberal ideals and advocating for political reform. His contributions to journalism and literature have left a lasting impact on Turkish society, highlighting his role as a prominent figure in the country's political landscape.

Halil Turgut Özal was a prominent Turkish politician, bureaucrat, engineer, and statesman who served as the 8th President of Turkey from 1989 to 1993. Prior to his presidency, he held various key positions including Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and leader of the Motherland Party. Özal played a significant role in implementing economic reforms and promoting neoliberalism in Turkey. He also focused on foreign policy, averting conflicts, and building relations with other countries. He passed away unexpectedly while in office in 1993 under mysterious circumstances.

Ahmet Kenan Evren was a Turkish military officer and politician who served as the seventh President of Turkey from 1980 to 1989. He came to power by leading the 1980 military coup, during which he deposed the prime minister and abolished the parliament, senate, and constitution. In 2014, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and demotion of his military rank for obstructing democracy. His professional life was marked by his authoritarian rule following the coup and his controversial actions against democratic institutions.

Meral Akşener is a prominent Turkish politician, teacher, historian, and academic known for founding the Good Party. She began her political career as a deputy of the True Path Party, later joining the Nationalist Movement Party. Akşener served as the interior minister and vice-speaker of the Grand National Assembly. Following tensions with the MHP's leader, she founded the Good Party and became its leader. Known as the "iron lady" of Turkish politics, she has been a key opposition figure and ran as the party's presidential candidate in 2018.

Ahmet Necdet Sezer was a Turkish statesman and judge who served as the tenth president of Turkey from 2000 to 2007. Prior to his presidency, he held the position of president of the Constitutional Court of Turkey. Sezer was known for his staunchly secularist views and his efforts to uphold the principle of secularism in Turkey. He often clashed with the government and vetoed several proposed laws during his presidency, particularly those related to banking reform and political bans.

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was an Ottoman statesman who rose through the ranks of the imperial system, serving as commander of the imperial guard, High Admiral of the Fleet, Governor-General of Rumelia, and holding various vizier positions before becoming Grand Vizier. He served under three sultans, showcasing his strategic leadership abilities and political acumen. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha also demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation by restoring the Serbian Patriarchate of Peć and appointing both Muslim and Christian family members to important positions within the Ottoman Empire.

Cemal Gürsel was a Turkish military officer and politician who served as the 4th president of Turkey from 1960 to 1966. He rose to power following a coup d'état and played a significant role in the political landscape of Turkey during his presidency. Gürsel's professional life was marked by his military career, where he held various leadership positions before becoming president. Known for his strong leadership and decisive actions, Gürsel implemented reforms and policies that shaped Turkey's political and social landscape during his tenure.

Antigonus I Monophthalmus was a Macedonian Greek general and successor of Alexander the Great. He played a prominent role in Alexander's army, controlling large parts of his former empire. Antigonus assumed the title of basileus in 306 BC and founded the Antigonid dynasty, ruling over Macedonia. He served under Philip II of Macedon and took part in Alexander's invasion of Persia. Antigonus later emerged as a powerful figure among Alexander's successors, ruling over Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, Phoenicia, and northern Mesopotamia before his defeat and death at the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC.

Ahmet Tevfik Pasha was an Ottoman statesman of Crimean Tatar origin. He served as the last grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire, holding the office three times between 1909 and 1922. In addition to his premiership, he was a diplomat, a member of the Ottoman Senate, and a long-time Minister of Foreign Affairs. His leadership spanned significant periods in Ottoman history, including the rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the Allied occupation of Istanbul under Mehmed VI.

Adnan Menderes was a Turkish politician who served as Prime Minister of Turkey from 1950 to 1960. He was a founding member of the Democrat Party in 1946, marking the party's establishment as a legal opposition in Turkey. Menderes faced a controversial trial and subsequent execution following the 1960 military coup, along with two cabinet members. Accusations included his alleged involvement in the Istanbul pogrom targeting Greek citizens. Despite his execution, Menderes is honored with a mausoleum, becoming one of the few Turkish political leaders to receive this tribute.

Necmettin Erbakan was a Turkish politician, engineer, and academic who served as the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1996 to 1997. He founded the political ideology and movement known as Millî Görüş, which emphasized Turkey's ability to develop independently while preserving its religious values and fostering closer ties with Muslim countries. Erbakan was a key figure in various Islamic political parties in Turkey from the 1970s to the 2010s, including the National Order Party (MNP), the National Salvation Party (MSP), the Welfare Party (RP), the Virtue Party (FP), and the Felicity Party (SP).

Mustafa Bülent Ecevit was a prominent Turkish politician, statesman, poet, writer, scholar, and journalist. He served as Prime Minister of Turkey four times between 1974 and 2002. Ecevit played a key role in rejuvenating the Republican People's Party (CHP) and later led the Democratic Left Party (DSP). He introduced important political and economic reforms during his time in office, including initiating Turkey's accession into the European Union. Ecevit is recognized for introducing social democratic politics to Turkey and is considered the country's only leftist prime minister.

Mahmut Celâlettin "Celâl" Bayar was a Turkish economist and politician who held prominent positions in Turkey's government. He played a key role in establishing financial institutions, including the country's first bank, İş Bankası. Bayar advocated for liberal economic policies and served as prime minister from 1937 to 1939. In 1946, he co-founded the Democrat Party, ushering in Turkey's multiparty period. Bayar was elected as Turkey's third president in 1950 and served for 10 years. He was overthrown in the 1960 coup but continued to advocate for political rights.

Ali Babacan is a prominent Turkish politician, economist, and engineer known for his significant contributions to economic and foreign affairs in Turkey. He held various key positions in the Turkish government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economy, Chief Negotiator for the EU, and Deputy Prime Minister. Babacan played a crucial role in steering economic reforms and securing IMF loans to facilitate the country's economic recovery from crises. In 2019, he founded the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) after leaving the AKP due to ideological differences.

Burhan Asaf Belge was a Turkish politician and diplomat who was a prominent figure among young intellectuals during the early periods of the Republic of Turkey. He served as the representative of Muğla province in the Turkish National Assembly. Belge was a regular contributor to the left-wing journal Kadro, focusing on discussions related to ideology and economic development strategy. In the 1950s, he began writing for the Democrat Party newspaper Zafer. Additionally, he served as the Ambassador of Turkey to Budapest and contributed significantly to political and intellectual discourse in Turkey.

Basiliscus served as a magister militum per Thracias under Emperor Leo I, commanding an unsuccessful invasion of the Vandal Kingdom in 468. Accused of incompetence or foolishness for accepting a truce with the Vandals, which led to a costly defeat for the Eastern Empire. After Emperor Leo's death, Basiliscus conspired to become emperor, briefly ruling from 475 to 476. His reign was marked by loss of support due to heavy taxes, heretical policies, and natural disasters, ultimately leading to his overthrow by Zeno.

Ali-Shir Nava'i was a prominent Timurid poet, writer, statesman, linguist, mystic, and painter. He is renowned as the greatest representative of Chagatai literature and is considered the founder of early Turkic literature. Nava'i believed in the superiority of his native Chagatai Turkic language for literary purposes, as reflected in his work "The Comparison of the Two Languages." His emphasis on the richness, precision, and malleability of Turkic vocabulary over Persian was a notable perspective of his time. Nava'i's legacy is immortalized through numerous monuments and institutions named in his honor across various countries.

Mustafa Fevzi Çakmak was a distinguished Turkish field marshal and politician, serving in various high-ranking military and government positions. He played key roles during the downfall of the Ottoman Empire, including commanding the V Corps during the Gallipoli campaign. He was appointed Chief of General Staff of the Ottoman Empire after World War I and later joined the Grand National Assembly, where he held positions such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. Known for his military successes during the Turkish War of Independence, Fevzi Çakmak became Prime Minister and continued to serve as Chief of General Staff after the establishment of the Turkish Republic.

Mustafa II served as the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1695 to 1703. During his reign, he faced various challenges, including conflicts with the Habsburg Monarchy and the Russian Empire. Mustafa II implemented military reforms and sought to modernize the Ottoman army. He also focused on administrative improvements within the empire. Despite facing internal unrest and external threats, Mustafa II's reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the Ottoman military and governance structures.

Tansu Çiller was a prominent figure in Turkish politics, serving as the country's first and only female prime minister from 1993 to 1996. A renowned economist and academic, she held various key positions in the government, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During her tenure, Çiller focused on national defense reforms, combating terrorism, and signing the EU-Turkey Customs Union. However, her administration faced challenges such as economic crises, allegations of supporting coups, and scandals involving connections to extra-legal organizations.

Leo I the Thracian, also known as "the Great," was Roman emperor of the East from 457 to 474. He was a capable ruler who implemented ambitious political and military strategies to support the declining Western Roman Empire. Notably, he was the first Eastern Emperor to issue legislation in Koine Greek. Leo's leadership spanned nearly 18 years, during which he focused on aiding the Western Empire and reclaiming lost territories. He is honored as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with a feast day on 20 January.

Abdullah Öcalan is a prominent political figure known for his role as a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). He was based in Syria for several years, where he led the PKK in the Kurdish–Turkish conflict. After being abducted by Turkish authorities in 1999, he was imprisoned on İmralı island in Turkey. Öcalan has advocated for a political solution to the conflict and has been involved in negotiations with the Turkish government. He has published books from prison, promoting ideas like Jineology and democratic confederalism.

Talaat Pasha was an Ottoman Young Turk activist and politician who served as the de facto leader of the Ottoman Empire from 1913 to 1918. He was the chairman of the Union and Progress Party, operating a one-party dictatorship and later becoming Grand Vizier. Talaat played a key role in the Armenian genocide and other ethnic cleansings during his time as Minister of Interior Affairs. He was a central figure in the Committee of Union and Progress, leading to autocratic control over the Ottoman government before his exile and subsequent death in 1921.

Abdulaziz, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1861 to 1876, oversaw a period of resurgence and reform, marked by the aftermath of the Crimean War and the implementation of Tanzimat reforms. His reign saw advancements in reorganization, the promulgation of the Vilayet Law, and the restructuring of the millets. He made significant diplomatic visits to Western Europe and later attempted absolutist rule, which ultimately led to his deposition due to economic mismanagement and various crises within the empire.

Emine Erdoğan is a prominent figure in Turkish politics and society, serving as the current first lady of Turkey. She is known for her active involvement in various social and humanitarian causes, advocating for women's rights, education, and healthcare. Emine has played a significant role in promoting charitable initiatives and empowering underprivileged communities. Her professional endeavors focus on enhancing the well-being of individuals and fostering positive change within Turkish society, making her a respected and influential figure in the country.

Deniz Baykal was a prominent Turkish politician who had a long and distinguished career in government. He served in various ministerial positions, including as Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Baykal was a key figure in the re-establishment of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and served as its leader multiple times. He also held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and later became the Leader of the Opposition. Known for his leadership and political acumen, Baykal made significant contributions to Turkish politics throughout his career.

Cem Uzan is a Turkish businessman and politician involved in the media and banking industries. He chaired the social liberal Young Party (GP) and his family's media empire, Uzan Group, included television stations and print media. However, he faced legal issues such as being sentenced in absentia for fraud-related offenses in the UK, USA, and Turkey. Uzan attempted to buy units of Trump World Tower but defaulted on the contract. He also announced his intention to run for president in the 2023 Turkish presidential election.

Köprülü Mehmed Pasha was a prominent figure in the Ottoman Empire, serving as Grand Vizier and founding patriarch of the Köprülü political dynasty. He played a crucial role in rebuilding the empire's power through anti-corruption measures and military reorganization. Known for his effectiveness and reputation, Köprülü expanded the empire's borders by defeating various opponents including the Cossacks, Hungarians, and Venetians. His leadership and strategic military successes solidified his legacy as a key figure in Ottoman history.

Aristagoras of Miletus was a prominent figure in late 6th and early 5th-century BC, serving as the tyrant of Miletus. He played a key role in instigating the Ionian Revolt against the Persian Achaemenid Empire, collaborating with his father-in-law Histiaeus. Despite gaining support from many Greek Ionian states, he failed to secure full backing from mainland Greek states. Following the revolt's failure, the Persians retaliated by sacking rebel cities, including Miletus. Aristagoras later met his demise while leading colonists in Thrace, with Herodotus labeling him a coward for his actions.

Alparslan Türkeş was a Turkish politician known for founding and leading the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Grey Wolves organization. He oversaw the Grey Wolves training camps and was associated with the far-right of the Turkish political spectrum. Türkeş was referred to as "Başbuğ" ("Leader") by his followers. During his time in leadership, the Grey Wolves were implicated in numerous political murders, with over 600 reported victims between 1968 and 1980.

Gelimer was the last Germanic ruler of the North African Kingdom of the Vandals. He rose to power after deposing his cousin and faced conflict with the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. Gelimer led the Vandals in battles against the Roman forces commanded by Belisarius, resulting in defeats at Ad Decimum and Tricamarum. Eventually, Gelimer surrendered and lived out his days in Galatia. He is noted for his surrender and famous declaration of "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" during Belisarius's triumph in Constantinople.

Kenan Sofuoğlu is a Turkish parliamentarian and former professional motorcycle racer known for his remarkable career in the Supersport World Championship. With five championship titles in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016, he established himself as one of the most successful riders in the sport. Despite facing injuries, Sofuoğlu displayed resilience, making comebacks and achieving notable victories. His contributions extend beyond Supersport, having also competed in the Superbike and Moto2 World Championships, leaving a lasting impact on the motorcycle racing world.

Şükrü Saracoğlu was a prominent Turkish politician who served as the fifth prime minister of Turkey and the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the early stages of World War II. He played a crucial role in signing the German–Turkish Treaty of Friendship in 1941, which aimed to keep Turkey out of the war. In addition to his political career, Saracoğlu was actively involved in sports administration, serving as the chairman of the Turkish sports club Fenerbahçe S.K. for 16 years.

Mehmet Fuat Köprülü was a highly influential Turkish sociologist, Turkologist, scholar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. A descendant of the prominent Köprülü family, he played a pivotal role in the intersection of scholarship and politics in early 20th-century Turkey. Köprülü's professional life was marked by his significant contributions to the fields of sociology and Turkology, as well as his notable positions in the Turkish government, showcasing his expertise and influence in both academic and political spheres.

İbrahim Kaypakkaya was a prominent Turkish Maoist known for founding the Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (TKP/ML). He is celebrated for embodying resistance and synthesizing the ideas of key figures in Marxism–Leninism–Maoism. Kaypakkaya's professional life was defined by his leadership within the TKP/ML, his commitment to revolutionary ideals, and his active involvement in armed engagements against the Turkish military. He was eventually captured, wounded, and executed while imprisoned, leaving a lasting legacy as a revolutionary thinker and activist.

Nicetas Choniates, also known as Nicetas Akominatos, was a Byzantine Greek historian and politician. He wrote a comprehensive history of the Eastern Roman Empire spanning from 1118 to 1207. Born in Chonae, he moved to Constantinople with his brother. Nicetas held a prominent position in the political landscape of his time, contributing significantly to the documentation and understanding of Byzantine history. His work remains a valuable resource for scholars and historians studying this period of the Byzantine Empire.

Mustafa I served as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire twice during the early 17th century. He is known for his two reigns, the first from November 1617 to February 1618, and the second from May 1622 to September 1623. Mustafa I faced challenges during his rule, earning him the nickname "Mustafa the Mad" among historians. Despite this, he also earned the title "Mustafa the Saint" during his second reign. His professional life was marked by both successes and controversies during his time as Sultan.

Nubar Pasha was an Egyptian-Armenian politician who had a prominent professional life as the first Prime Minister of Egypt. He served the country in this role three times during his career, with his terms ranging from August 1878 to November 1895. Known for his political acumen and leadership skills, Nubar Pasha played a significant role in shaping Egypt's governance and policies during the late 19th century. His contributions to the country's political landscape left a lasting impact on its history.

Canan Kaftancıoğlu is a Turkish physician and politician known for her prominent role as the president of the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Istanbul. She gained attention for her legal battles, including a high-profile trial where she was initially sentenced to several years in prison for charges related to insulting the president and terrorism. Kaftancıoğlu's professional life has been marked by her activism and outspokenness on controversial issues, such as the Armenian genocide and the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), leading to her involvement in legal disputes with the Turkish government.

Édouard Balladur is a French politician who served as Prime Minister of France from 1993 to 1995 under President François Mitterrand. He also ran for president in the 1995 French presidential election, finishing third. Balladur's political career has been marked by his tenure as Prime Minister, during which he implemented various economic reforms and faced challenges such as strikes and protests. Despite his unsuccessful presidential bid, Balladur remains a prominent figure in French politics with a legacy tied to his time in office.

Markos Vafeiadis was a prominent member of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) known for his significant role during the Greek Resistance and the Greek Civil War. He was a key figure in the party, contributing to its activities and strategies during these critical periods in Greek history. Vafeiadis' dedication to the communist cause and his leadership within the KKE made him a respected and influential individual within the party and the broader political landscape of Greece.

Pervin Buldan is a Turkish politician with a background in the Democratic Society Party (DTP) and experience as one of the deputy speakers in the Turkish Parliament. She has also served as the President of Yakay-Der. Notably, she was elected co-leader of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) during the party's 3rd ordinary congress in 2018. Buldan's professional trajectory showcases her commitment to representing the interests of her constituents and advocating for social justice and political reform within Turkey.

Mehmed Fuad Pasha, also known as Keçecizade Mehmed Fuad Pasha, was an Ottoman administrator and statesman recognized for his pivotal role in the Tanzimat reforms of the mid-19th-century Ottoman Empire. He played a significant role in the 1860 Mount Lebanon civil war in Syria. Serving as Grand Vizier twice, he was influential in advocating for European-style modernization and implementing reforms. Fuad Pasha was instrumental in establishing civil courts with a French-inspired civil code in 1868, while opposing constitutional constraints, leading to clashes with liberal intellectuals.

Ahmed Shefik Midhat Pasha was an Ottoman politician and reformist known for his contributions to the empire's political landscape. He served as grand vizier under Abdulaziz and co-founded the Ottoman Parliament during the First Constitutional Era. Midhat was a key figure in advocating for reform within the empire, recognizing the urgent need for change in response to the crisis it faced. He played a significant role in shaping Ottoman politics, earning a reputation as a kingmaker and a leading advocate for democracy.

Rıza Nur was a Turkish surgeon, politician, and writer who played a prominent role in the years following World War I. He served as a cabinet minister before being marginalized and subsequently becoming a critic of Atatürk. His acclaimed autobiography, Hayat ve Hatıratım, was written from exile in France and Egypt, offering an alternative narrative to Atatürk's famous speech Nutuk. Rıza Nur, along with other figures like Halide Edib and Rauf Orbay, contributed to early Republican literature that aimed to promote plurality in the increasingly authoritarian Turkish Republic.

Suleiman II served as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1687 to 1691, ascending to the throne amidst an armed mutiny. Alongside his grand vizier Fazıl Mustafa Pasha, he led efforts to reverse the tide of the War of the Holy League. Their military successes included the reconquest of Belgrade in 1690. Suleiman II also implemented notable fiscal and military reforms during his reign, contributing to the empire's stability and strength during a challenging period of conflict and internal unrest.

Leyla Zana is a Kurdish politician known for her political activism in Turkey. Despite facing imprisonment for ten years due to her activities against the unity of the country, she received recognition for her efforts. Zana was awarded the prestigious 1995 Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament and the Rafto Prize in 1994 for her peaceful advocacy of human rights for the Kurdish people in Turkey and neighboring countries. She has been a prominent figure in the struggle for Kurdish rights and has gained international acclaim for her work.

Yıldırım Akbulut was a Turkish lawyer turned politician who played a significant role in the Motherland Party (ANAP). He served as the Minister of the Interior before becoming the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1987. Following Turgut Özal's election as President, Akbulut succeeded him as the Prime Minister in 1989. Despite accusations of being a 'puppet' for Özal, he continued his political career and was elected Speaker of Parliament for a second time in 1999.

Mehmet Ali Talat is a Turkish Cypriot politician who served as the president of Northern Cyprus from 2005 to 2010. He was the leader of the social democratic Republican Turkish Party (CTP) from 1996 to 2005 and again from 2015 to 2016. Talat became prime minister in 2004 and later won the presidential election in 2005. He was inaugurated in April 2005, succeeding retiring leader Rauf Denktaş. Talat lost the presidential election in 2010 and was replaced by Derviş Eroğlu as President.

Köprülüzade Fazıl Ahmed Pasha was an Ottoman nobleman and statesman. He was a prominent figure in the Ottoman Empire and a member of the influential Köprülü family. Known for his leadership and political acumen, he served in various high-ranking positions, including grand vizier. Fazıl Ahmed Pasha played a key role in shaping the empire's policies and governance during his tenure. His contributions to the Ottoman administration and his efforts to maintain stability and order are remembered as significant aspects of his professional legacy.

Burhan Kuzu was a prominent Turkish politician affiliated with the Justice and Development Party. He had a successful career serving as a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey representing Istanbul across multiple parliamentary terms. Known for his contributions to the legislative process, Kuzu was a respected figure in Turkish politics, particularly during his tenure in the 22nd to 24th and 26th parliaments. His dedication and work ethic in representing the people of Istanbul earned him a reputation as a diligent and committed public servant.

Şükrü Kaya was a Turkish civil servant and politician who held various government minister positions, including Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He played a significant role in the Armenian genocide, overseeing deportations and concentration camps. Kaya was involved in managing the Armenian deportations during World War I and later worked for the Turkish national movement during the Turkish War of Independence. He also contributed to reforms in the East and promoted Turkification policies. Kaya served in multiple cabinets and passed away in 1959.

Ali Hüsrev Bozer was a Turkish politician and academic specializing in commercial law. He was a member of the Nationalist Democracy Party (MDP) and later joined the Motherland Party (ANAP). Bozer served as deputy prime minister in the cabinets of Turgut Özal and Yıldırım Akbulut, as well as minister of foreign affairs. He was a founding member and chairman of the board of Oyak-Renault, an automotive company in Turkey. Bozer passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.

Sheikh Said of Piran was a Kurdish sheikh and the main leader of the Sheikh Said rebellion. He studied religious sciences and became involved in the local tekke. He toured neighboring provinces, establishing contacts with officers from the Hamidiye cavalry. He was approached to join the Kurdish secret organization Azadî and became its leader. The Azadî played a significant role in the rebellion, which spread throughout the region. Sheikh Said was captured by the Turkish army, condemned to death, and hanged along with his followers.

İsmail Cem İpekçi was a prominent Turkish figure known for his roles as a centre-leftist politician, intellectual, writer, author, and journalist. He served as the Minister of Culture of Turkey from July 7 to October 26, 1995, and later as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey from June 30, 1997, to July 11, 2002. Throughout his professional life, İsmail Cem made significant contributions to Turkish politics, culture, and diplomacy, leaving a lasting impact on the country's socio-political landscape.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is a Turkish politician who co-founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2001. He served as the 25th prime minister of Turkey from 2003 to 2014 before becoming the country's 12th president in 2014. Erdoğan also held the position of mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. Throughout his career, he implemented economic reforms, initiated EU membership negotiations, reduced military influence in politics, and engaged in peace negotiations with the PKK. As president, he has centralized power, intervened in regional conflicts, and faced criticism for democratic backsliding.

Çetin Altan was a prominent figure in Turkish literature, journalism, and politics. He made significant contributions as a writer, journalist, and member of parliament. Altan was renowned for his literary works, which were highly regarded in the modern Turkish language during the late 20th century. His journalistic endeavors showcased his talent for capturing societal issues and political developments. As a member of parliament, Altan actively participated in shaping public policy and advocating for social change. Overall, Çetin Altan left a lasting impact on Turkish society through his multifaceted professional career.

Ferit Sadi Melen was a Turkish civil servant, politician, and Prime Minister of Turkey. He began his career in the state service, working in various roles in the Ministry of Finance. Melen later entered politics as a deputy for the Republican People's Party, serving multiple terms in the Turkish parliament. He held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Finance and Minister of National Defense. Melen co-founded the Republican Reliance Party and served as Prime Minister in a military-approved coalition government. He continued his political career as a senator and later as a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

Ömer Zülfü Livaneli is a prominent Turkish musician, author, poet, and politician who has made significant contributions to cultural and political spheres. He faced imprisonment multiple times due to his political views, leading him to live in exile in various cities before returning to Turkey in 1984. Livaneli's works and activism for world peace were acknowledged by UNESCO, where he served as a Goodwill Ambassador. He also had a term in the Turkish Parliament and the Council of Europe, showcasing his diverse professional background.

Mesut Yılmaz was a prominent Turkish politician who served as the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) from 1991 to 2002. Throughout his career, he held the position of Prime Minister of Turkey three times. His terms in office were marked by both successes and challenges, with his first two terms ending prematurely due to electoral defeat and coalition government breakdowns. Yılmaz's contributions to Turkish politics were significant, as he navigated the complexities of governance during a critical period in the country's history.

İsmail Nihat Erim was a prominent Turkish politician and jurist known for his significant contributions to the country's political landscape. He held the position of the 13th Prime Minister of Turkey, serving for nearly 14 months following the 1971 military memorandum. Erim's leadership during this tumultuous period was marked by his efforts to stabilize the political situation in Turkey. Tragically, his career was cut short when he was assassinated by the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front in Istanbul in 1980.

Hüseyin Hilmi Pasha was a prominent Ottoman statesman and imperial administrator during the early 20th century. He held several key positions including Grand Vizier, Minister of the Interior, and Ottoman Inspectorate-General of Macedonia. Known for his successful administration in the Balkans, he played a significant role in encouraging progressivism in the Ottoman Empire. Hüseyin Hilmi Pasha also served as the Ottoman ambassador to Austria-Hungary and Minister of Justice. His career was marked by dedication to public service and leadership in a period of significant political change.

Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar was a multifaceted professional, starting his career as a civil servant before transitioning into a successful writer and journalist. His early passion for fiction writing led him to establish himself as a renowned literary figure. Gürpınar's talent and dedication propelled him to become a member of the parliament during the formative years of the Turkish Republic. Throughout his professional life, he left a lasting impact through his contributions to both literature and politics, cementing his legacy as a versatile and accomplished individual.

Ragıp Gümüşpala was a prominent military figure in Turkey, serving as the 11th Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. Known for his leadership and strategic prowess, he played a key role in shaping the country's military policies and operations. Gümüşpala also made a significant impact on the political landscape by founding the Justice Party in 1961. His contributions to both the military and political spheres left a lasting legacy in Turkey before his untimely passing in Istanbul in 1964.

Ebru Timtik was a prominent Kurdish-Turkish human rights lawyer known for her dedication to defending clients critical of the Turkish government. She was part of a group of 18 lawyers arrested in September 2017 for their work. Timtik gained recognition for her commitment to seeking justice and fair trials for her clients, often risking her own safety in the pursuit of human rights. Sadly, she tragically passed away in August 2020 after going on a hunger strike to protest the lack of a fair trial.

Ali Rıza Pasha was an Ottoman military officer and statesman who served as one of the last Grand Viziers of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Mehmed VI. Throughout his career, he held various military and administrative positions, such as Governorship of Manastır and Minister of War. Despite facing challenges and objections during his tenure, he was appointed as grand vizier in 1919. However, his time in office is often seen as a transitional period between other more influential officials.

Seyid Riza was a prominent Alevi Kurdish political leader and religious figure known for his role in the Dersim rebellion. He gained recognition as a leader in the Dersim region and played a significant role in advocating for the rights of the Kurdish people. Through his leadership, he mobilized support for the rebellion and became a symbol of resistance against oppressive government policies. Seyid Riza's legacy continues to inspire Kurdish political movements and serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

Mehmed Emin Âli Pasha was a prominent Ottoman statesman known for his role in the Ottoman Reform Edict of 1856 and the Treaty of Paris (1856). He advocated for western-style reforms to modernize the empire, including secularization and civil liberties improvements. Âli Pasha successfully managed nationalist movements and defended against foreign threats. Rising from humble beginnings, he held key positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Grand Vizier multiple times, demonstrating his skill and influence in Ottoman politics.

Beşir Atalay is a Turkish politician known for his roles in the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey from 2011 to 2014, playing a key role in the administration. Prior to that, he held the position of Minister of Interior from August 2007 to July 2011, where he was responsible for overseeing internal affairs and security matters in the country. Atalay's career has been marked by his contributions to Turkish politics and governance.

William Dwight Porter Bliss was an American Episcopal priest known for his significant contributions to Christian socialism during the early 20th century. With over 40 years of experience, he served as an organizer, public speaker, and editor of various publications. Bliss played a central role in the Christian socialist movement, earning a reputation as one of its most famous and influential figures. His devotion to the church and his dedicated work in promoting socialist ideals made him a key advocate for social justice within the Christian community.

Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş is a Turkish-Belgian politician and diplomat known for her significant contributions in various roles. She served as Turkey's Ambassador to Algeria from 2020 to 2023, showcasing her diplomatic skills and representing her country effectively. As the first female member of parliament to wear the hijab, she broke barriers and made a mark in the political landscape. Her career faced controversy when she was expelled from the Humanist Democratic Centre party for denying the Armenian genocide in 2015, highlighting the complexities of her professional journey.