A Turkish journalist and politician who served as the Mayor of Ankara, known for his progressive policies and efforts to modernize the city. He was a prominent figure in Turkish politics during the 1990s.
Melih Gökçek, a Turkish politician, is renowned for his 23-year tenure as the mayor of Ankara, the country's capital city, from 1994 to 2017. During his extensive period in office, Gökçek has made a lasting impact on the city's development, infrastructure, and social services, earning both praise and criticism.
Born on October 20, 1948, in Keçören, Ankara, Gökçek hails from a family with Turkish and Kosovar roots. His father, Ahmet, was a lawyer from Halfeti, and his mother, originally from Prizren, Kosovo, belonged to a Turkish Seyyid family that migrated to the region during Ottoman rule. Gökçek completed his primary, secondary, and high school education in Gaziantep before graduating from Gazi University's College of Journalism in Ankara.
Gökçek's foray into politics began as a Parliament Correspondent and newspaper representative. After completing his military service as a Reserve Officer in Northern Cyprus, he entered politics as a member of the Motherland Party. From 1984 to 1989, he served as the Mayor of Keçören, a district in Ankara, under the leadership of the Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, Mehmet Altinsoy. Subsequently, he led the Social Services and Child Protection Society as its General Director from 1989 to 1991. In 1991, he became an MP for the Welfare Party and later secured victory as the Mayor of Ankara in the 1994 local elections.
Gökçek's tenure as mayor has been marked by numerous controversies, public perception, and notable contributions. He has won municipal elections in 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in Turkish history. His leadership has seen Ankara undergo significant transformations, including the development of new infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and shopping centers, as well as improvements to public transportation and social services.
Gökçek is a member of the governing AK Party and has been known for his religious and conservative leanings. His political ideology has been shaped by his strong belief in social justice, equality, and the importance of public services. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the need for economic growth, job creation, and social welfare programs to benefit the citizens of Ankara.
Gökçek's prolonged tenure and numerous achievements have made him a household name in Turkey. Love him or loathe him, his impact on Ankara's development and infrastructure is undeniable. His leadership style, though often criticized for being authoritarian, has inspired a new generation of politicians and civil servants in Turkey.
Gökçek is married to Nevin Gökçek and has two sons, Ahmet and Osman. His son Osman Gökçek is the general editorial coordinator of the Turkish TV channel Beyaz TV. When not engaged in politics, Gökçek enjoys football and photography, supporting Ankaraspor and serving as the honorary chairman of MKE Ankaragücü Football Club.
As Melih Gökçek steps down from his mayoral duties, his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. While controversies and criticisms have marked his career, his dedication to public service, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs have left an indelible mark on Ankara and Turkish politics.
72 Years Old
The 12th President of Turkey, a dominant figure in Turkish politics, known for his Islamist roots and authoritarian leadership style, shaping Turkey's modern political landscape.
76 Years Old
The 11th President of Turkey, a politician and academic who played a key role in shaping Turkey's modern politics and foreign policy, known for his efforts to strengthen Turkey's ties with the EU.
Born in 1925
A Turkish journalist, scholar, and politician who served as the 16th Prime Minister of Turkey, known for his progressive policies and literary works. He played a significant role in shaping Turkey's modern politics and culture.
80 Years Old
Served as Prime Minister of Turkey from 2002 to 2014, leading the country through a period of rapid economic growth and implementing significant political reforms. Known for his charismatic leadership and efforts to increase Turkey's global influence.
Born in 1926
The first Islamist Prime Minister of Turkey, serving from 1996 to 1997, known for his efforts to increase Islamic influence in Turkish politics and society.
Born in 1924
A Turkish engineer-turned-politician who served as the country's 9th President, known for his efforts to modernize Turkey's economy and infrastructure. He played a key role in shaping Turkey's politics and economy during the latter half of the 20th century.
