Turkish political scientist, journalist, and educator who analyzed Turkey's politics and democratization process, and wrote influential books on these topics.
Ahmet Taner Klal was a renowned Turkish professor, politician, and commentator who left an indelible mark on Turkish politics and academia. He is best known for his tenure as the Minister of Culture from 1978 to 1979 and his later career as a columnist for the leftist newspaper Cumhuriyet.
Klal was born on July 10, 1939, in Kilis, Turkey. He completed his primary and secondary education in Kilis before moving to Istanbul, where he graduated from Kabata Erkek Lisesi high school in 1957. He then pursued higher education at Ankara University, where he received a degree from the School of Political Sciences in 1963. During his time at Ankara University, he was the assistant editor of the college newspaper, Yeni Gn.
Klal's academic career spanned over three decades, during which he worked as a lecturer, assistant professor, and associate professor at various universities, including Hacettepe University and Ankara University. In 1977, he was elected to the Turkish parliament as a deputy of zmir, marking the beginning of his political career.
As the Minister of Culture from 1978 to 1979, Klal played a crucial role in promoting Turkish culture and making classical works accessible to the masses at reasonable prices. He restarted the effort of printing classical works by the state press, a move that earned him widespread appreciation.
Ahmet Taner Klal was a staunch Kemalist who adopted the views of democratic socialism and social democracy. He believed in the importance of promoting Turkish culture and preserving the country's secular values.
On October 21, 1999, Ahmet Taner Klal's life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated outside his home. His death sent shockwaves throughout Turkey, and he was mourned by his fans and admirers.
Despite his untimely death, Klal's legacy lives on through his contributions to Turkish politics and academia. He will always be remembered as a champion of Turkish culture and a advocate for democratic socialism.
