A Turkish journalist and author who was arrested and later fled Turkey after publishing footage of Turkish intelligence trucks transporting weapons to Syrian rebels, sparking a national controversy. He is known for his courageous investigative reporting and advocacy for press freedom.
Can Dndar, a renowned Turkish journalist, columnist, and documentarian, is recognized for his unwavering commitment to press freedom and his unrelenting pursuit of truth in a country where media censorship is rampant. As the former editor-in-chief of the center-left Cumhuriyet newspaper, Dndar has been at the forefront of Turkey's media landscape, fearlessly exposing corruption and speaking truth to power.
Born on June 16, 1961, Dndar pursued his passion for journalism at the Faculty of Political Science, Ankara University, graduating in 1982. He further honed his skills at the London School of Journalism in 1986, earning his master's degree in 1988 and PhD in political science from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara in 1996. His family's paternal Circassian and maternal Albanian origins have undoubtedly influenced his eclectic perspective on Turkish politics and society.
Dndar's prolific writing career spans over three decades, with contributions to various print publications, including Hürriyet, Nokta, Haftaya Bak, Sz, and Tempo. His television show, 40 Dakika, aired weekly on Show TV from October 1996 to June 1998, featuring in-depth discussions on current Turkish themes.
These prestigious awards are a testament to Dndar's unyielding dedication to press freedom and his unwavering commitment to exposing the truth, despite the risks involved.
In November 2015, Dndar was arrested after Cumhuriyet published footage revealing the State Intelligence Agency's clandestine weapons shipments to Syrian Islamist fighters. His subsequent imprisonment was met with international outrage, culminating in his release in February 2016. Fearing further persecution, Dndar has since lived in exile in Germany, where he continues to advocate for press freedom as the editor-in-chief of ZGRZ, a web radio station run by the nonprofit newsroom CORRECTIV.
Can Dndar's fearless pursuit of truth has inspired a generation of Turkish journalists, emboldening them to challenge the status quo and resist government censorship. His work has also brought international attention to Turkey's human rights abuses, prompting global condemnation and solidarity with Turkey's embattled press corps.
Dndar's unwavering commitment to press freedom has cemented his place as one of Turkey's most influential figures in modern journalism. As a leading advocate for a free press, he continues to inspire and galvanize journalists worldwide, ensuring that his struggle for truth and accountability will endure long after his own legacy.
84 Years Old
A renowned Turkish journalist and author, known for his in-depth reporting on Turkish politics and international affairs, particularly on the Middle East and the European Union.
74 Years Old
A Turkish-American novelist, screenwriter, and academic, known for blending historical and cultural elements in his literary works, which often explore the complexities of Turkish identity and history.
52 Years Old
A Turkish journalist and author known for her critical writings on politics and human rights, particularly in the Middle East, offering a unique perspective on the region's complexities.
