Births on April 29

Fethi Okyar, Turkish military officer, diplomat and politician (d. 1943)

Ali Fethi Okyar (29 April 1880 – 7 May 1943) stands as a prominent figure in the annals of Turkish history, a statesman who navigated the turbulent transition from the twilight of the Ottoman Empire to the dawn of the modern Turkish Republic. His career was marked by a unique blend of military, diplomatic, and political service, culminating in his significant roles as the second Prime Minister of Turkey and the second Speaker of the Turkish Parliament after the Republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Early Life and Ottoman Service

Born in Pirlepe, a town then part of the Ottoman Empire (now Prilep in North Macedonia), Ali Fethi's early life was steeped in the military tradition. He graduated from the esteemed Ottoman Military Academy in 1900 and the Staff College in 1903, joining an officer corps that was increasingly grappling with the empire's decline and the rise of nationalist movements. His military postings included service in Macedonia, a region then rife with political unrest, where he became acquainted with revolutionary ideals and fellow young officers who would later shape Turkey's destiny. He initially associated with the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), a reformist and later nationalist political movement, a common path for many ambitious young officers of his generation.

Fethi Okyar's talents soon extended beyond the battlefield into the diplomatic arena. He served as a military attaché in Paris, gaining invaluable international experience and a broader perspective on global politics. His diplomatic career continued with a significant post as the Ottoman Ambassador to Sofia from 1913 to 1917, during a critical period leading up to and during World War I. Throughout this time, he often found himself at odds with the more radical elements within the CUP, particularly Enver Pasha, demonstrating an independent streak and a commitment to more moderate political approaches.

Transition to the Turkish Republic

With the Ottoman Empire's defeat in World War I and the subsequent occupation of Anatolia, Fethi Okyar wholeheartedly joined the Turkish War of Independence, siding with Mustafa Kemal Pasha (later Atatürk) and the nationalist forces. His experience and intellectual capacity were vital assets during this crucial period. He was among the first deputies elected to the Grand National Assembly in Ankara, the provisional government that led the struggle for independence. His leadership qualities were quickly recognized, and he served as the Minister of Interior in the early revolutionary governments. Following Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's initial tenure, Fethi Okyar became the second Speaker of the Grand National Assembly from 1923 to 1924, presiding over legislative efforts that laid the groundwork for the new Republic.

Prime Ministership of Turkey

In November 1924, Ali Fethi Okyar was appointed as the second Prime Minister of the newly established Turkish Republic, succeeding İsmet İnönü. His premiership, though relatively brief (November 1924 – March 1925), was a period of significant challenge and transition. Okyar's government sought to foster a more liberal political environment compared to his predecessor's firmer hand. However, this period coincided with the outbreak of the Sheikh Said Rebellion in February 1925, a large-scale Kurdish and Islamist uprising in the eastern provinces. The rebellion posed an existential threat to the secular and unitary principles of the young Republic. While Okyar's government initially attempted to manage the crisis with a more lenient approach, the escalating violence and the perceived ineffectiveness led to a crisis of confidence. Unable to decisively quell the rebellion under his preferred methods, and facing pressure for a stronger response, Ali Fethi Okyar resigned. He was succeeded once again by İsmet İnönü, who then implemented the stringent "Law on the Maintenance of Order" (Takrir-i Sükun Kanunu) to suppress the rebellion with decisive force.

The Liberal Republican Party Experiment

A pivotal, though short-lived, chapter in Ali Fethi Okyar’s career was his leadership of the Liberal Republican Party (Serbest Cumhuriyet Fırkası) in 1930. This party was established at the explicit request of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who, while deeply committed to one-party rule for national stability, also recognized the potential benefits of a loyal opposition to articulate public grievances and test government policies. Okyar, with his close relationship to Atatürk and his reputation for moderation, was seen as the ideal figure to lead this controlled opposition. The party advocated for economic liberalism, greater democratic freedoms, and a more relaxed state control. However, the experiment quickly proved challenging. Public enthusiasm for the new opposition party was far greater than anticipated, and many disaffected citizens, including those critical of the government's secular and statist policies, flocked to its banner. Rallies sometimes devolved into anti-government demonstrations, threatening the very stability Atatürk sought to maintain. Faced with the unintended radicalization of political discourse and the potential for civil unrest, Okyar, in agreement with Atatürk, decided to dissolve the party voluntarily after only a few months, demonstrating his continued commitment to the national interest above partisan politics.

Later Career and Legacy

After the dissolution of the Liberal Republican Party, Ali Fethi Okyar continued to serve the Republic in various important capacities. He returned to diplomatic service as the Turkish Ambassador to France, a position he held with distinction for several years. In his later years, he also served as the Minister of Justice from 1939 to 1941, further contributing to the Republic's legal and administrative framework. Ali Fethi Okyar passed away in Istanbul on May 7, 1943. His legacy is that of a dedicated public servant and a statesman who consistently sought to guide Turkey towards a modern, stable, and democratic future. His unwavering loyalty to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, coupled with his willingness to champion liberal ideas even when they proved politically difficult, highlights his unique and often mediating role in the early Turkish Republic. He is remembered not just for his high offices, but for his intellectual honesty and his contributions to the nascent democratic traditions of Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ali Fethi Okyar?

Ali Fethi Okyar was a prominent Turkish diplomat, military officer, and politician who played a crucial role in both the late Ottoman Empire and the early Turkish Republic. He is remembered for his close association with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his significant contributions to Turkey's political landscape.

What were Ali Fethi Okyar's most important roles?

His most notable roles included serving as the second Prime Minister of Turkey (1924–1925) and the second Speaker of the Turkish Parliament (Grand National Assembly) after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He also held various ministerial and ambassadorial positions.

Why did Ali Fethi Okyar serve as Prime Minister for a relatively short period?

His premiership (November 1924 – March 1925) coincided with the Sheikh Said Rebellion, a major uprising in eastern Turkey. While Okyar advocated for a more liberal approach, the government ultimately deemed stronger measures necessary. Disagreements over how to suppress the rebellion led to his resignation, and he was succeeded by İsmet İnönü, who implemented more decisive actions.

What was the significance of the Liberal Republican Party?

The Liberal Republican Party (Serbest Cumhuriyet Fırkası), led by Okyar in 1930, was an experiment initiated by Atatürk to introduce a loyal, controlled opposition party. Its purpose was to gauge public opinion and provide a platform for alternative viewpoints within the one-party system. However, it quickly attracted widespread support and even anti-government sentiment, leading to its voluntary dissolution by Okyar to prevent further political instability.

What is Ali Fethi Okyar's lasting legacy?

Ali Fethi Okyar is remembered for his intellectual integrity, his dedication to public service, and his consistent efforts to promote democratic principles and stability in Turkey. His willingness to lead a loyal opposition party, even if short-lived, highlights his unique contribution to the country's early political development and his close, yet often nuanced, relationship with Atatürk.