The political life and personality of Adnan Menderes

In 1923, with the foundation of the Turkish Republic, single party rule started. Practices during the years of single party rule, when CHP was in power as well as some reactions then formed resulted in the Democratic Party?s coming to power, which was formed by the cadres within CHP. One of the major factors in the Democratic Party?s coming to power and maintaining its power until the intervention in 1960 was Adnan Menderes. Menderes formed five distinct governments and ruled the country during a period of 10 years and influenced the society not only by his political entity but also by his stance and personality. However, following particularly the first five years of his power, social tensions, the party in power opposing party relations and the army approach increasingly became severe. And the military intervention in 1960 was the onset of coups which were to be experienced almost every ten years as well as of the victims and injured parties of such coups. One of the victims of such military intervention was Adnan Menderes. It was a prime-minister who was the first and probably the most important victim of the period of transition to a multiparty political life, who was executed by hanging. Thus, Adnan Menderes is an interesting example for every political scientist, sociologist and economist to analyze. And this study aims to review Adnan Menderes?s place in our political history rather than examining the political and economical aspects of Turkish political life during the period DP was in power. As a matter of course, studying a specific period and particularly a prime minister necessarily requires a political analysis and political history details. However, this study deals with Menderes?s place and his point of view to the events within the processes, while examining the progresses during the respective period on the other hand. Some interesting details as to Adnan Menderes?s life are also provided, respecting the privacy of his private life.Key Words: Adnan Menderes, Turkish Political Life, Democratic Party, May 27 Coup.