Fikri Sönmez, Turkish tailor and politician (b. 1938)

Fikri Sönmez, widely recognized by his evocative nickname Terzi Fikri, meaning "Fikri the Tailor," was a prominent figure in Turkish socialist politics whose brief but impactful career as the mayor of Fatsa district in Ordu Province left a lasting mark. Born in 1938, his life journey, deeply intertwined with the turbulent political landscape of late 20th-century Turkey, tragically concluded on May 4, 1985, while he was in state custody following the 1980 military coup. Hailing from the Black Sea region of Turkey, Fikri Sönmez earned his well-known moniker, "Terzi Fikri," not just as a casual label but from his actual profession as a tailor. Before entering the political arena, he was a craftsman, a detail that resonated deeply with the working-class and rural communities he later sought to represent. This background gave him a unique connection to the everyday struggles of ordinary people, shaping his commitment to socialist ideals and grassroots activism.

The Ascent of a Socialist Mayor and the "Fatsa Experiment"

The late 1970s in Turkey were a period of intense political polarization, marked by frequent clashes between left and right-wing factions, economic instability, and a pervasive sense of social unrest. It was within this volatile environment that Fikri Sönmez emerged as a leading voice for the socialist movement. His political philosophy championed direct democracy, popular participation, and a focus on solving local community problems through collective effort rather than top-down governance.

In 1979, Fikri Sönmez was elected as the mayor of Fatsa, a district nestled in Turkey's picturesque Ordu Province along the Black Sea coast. His mayoralty, though lasting only a year, became famously known as the "Fatsa Experiment" or the "Fatsa Model." This innovative approach to local governance sought to empower citizens directly by establishing People's Councils and committees. These bodies were designed to involve residents in decision-making processes concerning public services, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, fundamentally altering the traditional bureaucratic model. The "Fatsa Experiment" aimed to foster self-governance and address the immediate needs of the community, ranging from road construction and electrification to agricultural development and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. It represented a bold attempt to implement socialist principles at the local level, striving for a more just and participatory society.

The Shadow of the 1980 Military Coup

The ambitious "Fatsa Experiment" and the broader socialist movement, however, operated under the looming threat of state intervention. Turkey's history has been punctuated by military coups, often justified by the need to restore order during periods of perceived political chaos. The climax of this tension arrived on September 12, 1980, when the Turkish Armed Forces executed a full-scale military coup, seizing control of the government. This intervention brought an abrupt and brutal end to democratic processes, suppressing political dissent and targeting individuals and movements deemed subversive.

Fikri Sönmez, as a prominent socialist leader and the architect of the "Fatsa Experiment," was among the many political figures immediately arrested in the aftermath of the coup. The military regime viewed his direct democracy model and his socialist activism as a direct challenge to the state's authority and a breeding ground for ideological extremism. He was imprisoned, subjected to legal proceedings that many consider politically motivated, and endured harsh conditions. Tragically, Fikri Sönmez passed away on May 4, 1985, at the age of 46, while still incarcerated. His death, like that of many political prisoners during that era, remains a contentious and sorrowful chapter in Turkey's modern history.

Legacy and Remembrance

Despite the suppression of his political project and his untimely death, Fikri Sönmez's legacy endures. He is remembered by many as a courageous advocate for social justice, a visionary who attempted to build a more equitable society from the grassroots up, and a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism. The "Fatsa Experiment" continues to be studied as a unique example of direct democracy and community empowerment, resonating with contemporary discussions about participatory governance. His life and sacrifice serve as a potent reminder of the struggles for democracy and human rights in Turkey and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Fikri Sönmez?
Fikri Sönmez, known as Terzi Fikri ("Fikri the Tailor"), was a Turkish socialist politician who served as the mayor of Fatsa district in Ordu Province from 1979 to 1980. He was a proponent of direct democracy and community participation.
Why was he called "Terzi Fikri"?
He was called "Terzi Fikri" because "terzi" means tailor in Turkish, and he worked as a tailor by profession before entering politics. This nickname reflected his humble origins and connection to the working class.
What was the "Fatsa Experiment"?
The "Fatsa Experiment" refers to Fikri Sönmez's innovative mayoral administration in Fatsa (1979-1980). He implemented a model of direct democracy, establishing People's Councils and committees to involve local citizens directly in decision-making for public services, infrastructure, and community development.
How did the 1980 military coup affect Fikri Sönmez?
Following the 1980 Turkish military coup, Fikri Sönmez was arrested and imprisoned due to his socialist political activities and the "Fatsa Experiment," which the military regime viewed as a challenge to state authority. He tragically died in prison on May 4, 1985.
What is Fikri Sönmez's legacy?
Fikri Sönmez is remembered as a symbol of grassroots democracy, social justice, and resistance against authoritarianism. His "Fatsa Experiment" remains an important case study in participatory governance and local empowerment, inspiring discussions about alternative models of political organization.