Süleyman Demirel, Türkiye’s most remarkable political survivor

In a career that spanned nearly half a century, Süleyman Demirel served seven times as Türkiye’s prime minister, dominating the nation’s politics when the country suffered from violence, economic stagnation and military rule.

Süleyman Demirel was born on Nov. 1, 1924, in Islamkoy in southwestern Türkiye. In 1965 he was elected prime minister; at 40, he was the country’s youngest. On 1971, his coalition frayed. He chose to resigned, allowing the military to take control of the country.

After civilian rule was re-established in the late 1970s, Demirel served as head of three governments.

Following the third coup, in 1980, the military banned Demirel and other party leaders from politics. The ban was lifted in 1987, and Demirel became prime minister again in 1991.

Two years later, Turgut Özal, then president, died of a heart attack. Demirel succeeded him, becoming the country’s ninth president. During first stages of his presidency, Demirel followed a bipartisan course and overall received public praise, echoed in his latest nickname, “Baba” (the Father).

After the end of his presidency, Demirel retired from active politics, but was often rumored to hold considerable weight in the political scene, taking part in conferences, televised panel discussions and university debates.

Demirel was noted for his sharp memory even in his final years amid ailing health. He died on June 17, 2015, in Ankara, after being hospitalized four days earlier. He was laid to rest in a family mausoleum in İslamköy.

Süleyman Demirel