Political activities of Balıkesir Deputy Nevzat Cihat Bilgehan(1961-1980)

Following the opening of the parliament in Turkey and the implementation of the republican regime, there have been significant changes in the political arena. Particularly in the multi-party political system, the politician profile has been enriched as individuals with different views and different sociological structures have become active in the parliament. Particularly since 1946, the implementation of multi-party political life has changed the reality of accepting a single center in parliamentary candidates. Turkey kept the multi-party political system active during the transition to civilian rule after the military coup in 1960, and thus the diversity of the political identity continued. During the twenty-year period until the military coup in 1980, some politicians served for a single term, while others participated in the country's administration many times and in different positions during this period. One of the exemplary politicians in this sense is Nevzat Cihat Bilgehan. This study examines Bilgehan's life and political activities. Bilgehan, who was continuously elected from Balıkesir province for a period of twenty years, has been an active name in politics for about twenty years by holding ministerial positions with different responsibilities in addition to being a simple deputy. TBMM records have an important place in the study of the activities of political identities. TBMM assembly minutes have been the main source of this study. Various documents obtained from state archives, press and copyrighted works have been used. In this direction, Bilgehan's political activities have been explained by including his proposals, speeches, answers to questions and motions during his ministerial and deputy periods. A short biography has also been included. Nevzat Cihat Bilgehan is one of the founders of the Justice Party and has been elected as a deputy from Balıkesir province for five consecutive terms. He served as Minister of National Education in the Suat Hayri Ürgüplü Coalition Government on February 20, 1965, as Minister of State in the 30th Government established by Demirel on October 27, 1965, and as Minister of Finance in the cabinet reshuffle on November 14, 1966. He became Minister of Finance for the second time in the Fifth Demirel Government between July 21, 1977 and January 5, 1978. He served as Minister of National Defense in the same government between October 14, 1977 and October 28, 1977. Bilgehan took part in many activities in the fields of education, economy, politics, security and social life. While performing these duties, he performed them by taking the floor, making suggestions and making proposals. KEYWORDS: Nevzat Cihat Bilgehan, Justice Party, Balıkesir, May 27 Coup