Ecevit's perception of the leftduring his tenure Inrepublican People's Party and Democratic Left Party

Leftist ideology or leftist thought is static since its foundation when we compare it to right ideologies. Although there are many other fractions in the left ideology, leftist ideology could not adapt itself to modern age because of without critical perspective of leftist intellectuals. In contrast, social democracy developed inside leftist perspective as a new approach and perspective. Social democracy which does not conflict against liberal world, capitalist employers and uphold income justice is found attractive by many people with respect to its emergence time. Bülent Ecevit who was leader redounded definitions of social democracy and left of the middle to leftist ideology and trailed too many people behind them in the environment which was under dominancy of rightist parties In this thesis, it is aimed to analyze Ecevit's leftist perspective during his leadership on the Republican People's Party and Democratic Left Party. In addition, answers are sought for the following questions: How did Ecevit's leftist perspective develop? Were there any differences between Ecevit's leftist approach during Republican People's Party and Democratic Left Party period. Key Words: Bülent Ecevit, social democracy, left of the middle, Republican People's Party, Democratic Left Party