Today in History – 17 June

Secrets of a happy marriage

İsmet İnönü truly valued the institution of marriage. He would tease singles, saying, “You should definitely get married.” He believed that success in life was through the creation of a happy family.

He and Mevhibe Hanım never fought. His principle on that subject was as follows: “Whoever starts the fight is right.” His marriage lasted peacefully for 57 years until his death.

İnönü never used ready-made bowties and always asked Mevhibe Hanım to tie his. He would explain the reason to curious friends, “Have you ever had the pleasure of having your beloved tie tour bowtie?” It was evident he felt the mutual love of his wife in his heart as his bowtie was being tied.

The Pink Villa was a frequent stop for politicians. The most important issues of the country were often discussed around the table in the drawing room. However, İnönü would never enter any altercations in front of his family. When asked how he could be so firm at the Assembly and so calm when the same topics were discussed at home, he would reply, “My home is my land of peace.”