Written by: Emily Carter

Kenan Evren: The Controversial Leader of Turkey's 1980 Military Coup

Known for leading the 1980 military coup that overthrew the government of Turkey, Kenan Evren is a figure of controversy and intrigue in Turkish politics. As the seventh President of Turkey, Evren ruled the country from 1980 to 1989, leaving a lasting impact on Turkey's history, politics, and society.

Early Life and Career

Born on July 17, 1917, in Alaşehir, Manisa Province, Turkey, Evren's early life was shaped by his family's Albanian and Turkish roots. His father, an imam, was from the town of Preevo and had immigrated to Turkey, while his mother was from a Turkish-Bulgarian background. Evren's education took him to military high school in Maltepe, Ankara, and later to army school, where he graduated in 1938.

Rise to Power

Evren's military career saw him rise through the ranks, serving in various posts, including as the commander of Operation Gladios, a Turkish branch of the Counter-Guerrilla, an anticommunist stay-behind guerrilla force set up with the support of NATO. He became Chief of General Staff in March 1978, a position that would catapult him to national prominence.

The 1980 Military Coup

The years leading up to the coup were marked by violence and political instability, with right-wing and left-wing militants clashing on the streets. Evren, seen as a neutral figure, was chosen by Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit to lead the military intervention. On September 12, 1980, Evren led the military coup, which resulted in the overthrow of Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel's government and the abolition of the parliament, senate, and constitution.

Presidency and Legacy

Evren's presidency was marked by a mix of authoritarian rule and economic reforms. He implemented policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, but his regime was also criticized for human rights abuses and suppression of dissent. In 2014, Evren was sentenced to life imprisonment and demotion of his military rank for his role in the 1980 coup, although the sentence was under appeal at the time of his death in 2015.

Personal Life and Philosphy

Evren's personal life was marked by simplicity and humility. He was known for his austere lifestyle, and his wife, Sekine Evren, was a supportive partner throughout his career. Despite his authoritarian tendencies, Evren believed in the importance of democracy and the rule of law. In his later years, he expressed regret for some of the actions taken during his presidency.

Influence on Modern Turkey

Evren's legacy is complex and multifaceted. His presidency marked a turning point in Turkey's political history, and his economic reforms laid the foundation for the country's modern economy. However, his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses left a stain on his reputation. Today, Evren remains a controversial figure, with some viewing him as a hero who brought stability to a tumultuous country, while others see him as a dictator who suppressed democracy.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "Democracy is the only system that can bring peace and stability to a country."
• "The military's role is to protect the nation, not to govern it."
• "The people are the source of power, and it is the duty of the government to serve them."

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Evren was a talented pianist and enjoyed playing classical music in his free time.
• He was known for his love of Turkish literature and poetry, and was a collector of rare books.
• Evren was a strong believer in the importance of education, and implemented policies aimed at expanding access to education in Turkey.

Despite his controversial legacy, Kenan Evren remains an important figure in Turkish history, a testament to the complex and often fraught nature of politics and power.