Dou Perinek: The Controversial Turkish Politician and Eurasianist

A Champion of Left-Wing Nationalism and Anti-Americanism

Dou Perinek is a Turkish politician, doctor of law, and former communist revolutionary who has been at the forefront of left-wing nationalist politics in Turkey since the 1960s. As the chairman of the Patriotic Party since 2015, Perinek has been a vocal advocate for closer ties with China and Russia, earning him a reputation as one of the most anti-American politicians in Turkey.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 17, 1942, in Gaziantep, Turkey, Dou Perinek comes from a family of intellectuals and politicians. His father, Sadk Perinek, was a deputy chief prosecutor of the Supreme Court and a parliamentary deputy of the Justice Party (AP), a precursor to the True Path Party (DYP). Perinek's educational background is impressive, with a degree in law from Ankara University and a doctorate from the Otto-Suhr-Institut in Germany.

Rise to Prominence in Revolutionary Politics

Perinek's foray into politics began in the 1960s, when he became involved in left-wing revolutionary movements. He was elected president of the Federation of Debate Clubs (Fikir Kulpleri Federasyonu) in 1968, a group of left-wing youth that advocated for a pro-Chinese, pro-Mao Zedong stance. Perinek was also instrumental in the relaunch of the magazine Aydnlk in 1968, which supported the Luminosity movement.

Mainstream Politics and the Patriotic Party

Perinek's entry into mainstream politics began with his membership in the Talat Pasha Committee, an organization that denies the Armenian genocide. In 2015, he became the chairman of the Patriotic Party, a left-wing nationalist party that advocates for closer ties with China and Russia. Perinek's anti-American stance has been a hallmark of his political career, earning him both admiration and criticism from various quarters.

Personal Life and Family

Perinek is married to ule Perinek and has four children: two daughters, Zeynep and Kiraz, and two sons, Can and Mehmet Bora, who is a historian. The family resides in Gayrettepe, Istanbul.

Controversies and Public Perception

Perinek's political views and actions have been surrounded by controversy, particularly his denial of the Armenian genocide and his anti-American stance. His involvement in the Ergenekon case, a suspected coup plot, led to his detention in 2008. Despite the controversies, Perinek remains a significant figure in Turkish politics, with a dedicated following among left-wing nationalists.

Legacy and Impact

Dou Perinek's legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his contributions to left-wing nationalist politics and his controversies. As a champion of Eurasianism, Perinek has influenced a generation of Turkish politicians and intellectuals. However, his denial of the Armenian genocide and anti-American stance have sparked outrage and criticism from various quarters.

Key Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "We must look to the East, not the West, for our future."
• "Turkey's destiny lies in Eurasia, not in the European Union."

Historical Context and Legacy

Perinek's rise to prominence in Turkish politics coincided with a period of significant change and upheaval in the country. His Eurasianist ideology reflects a broader trend in Turkish politics, which has seen a shift towards closer ties with China and Russia. As such, Perinek's legacy is likely to be debated and contested for years to come.