Today in History – 28 May

Bülent Ecevit is born

One of the cornerstones in the historical development of CHP and thus playing a critical role in the political career of İsmet İnönü, Bülent Ecevit was born in İstanbul on May 28, 1925. He graduated from Robert College and married his schoolmate Rahşan in 1946. He worked as a translator and journalist. In 1950, he began writing for Ulus and served, for some time, as the editor of the newspaper. He then traveled to the United States to conduct research and work as a journalist.

Ecevit stepped into politics in the early elections of 1957. He made it to the list of candidates upon the suggestion of Kâmil Kırıkoğlu and support of CHP General Secretary Kasım Gülek. Despite İsmet Pasha’s objections, “Who is this Bülent? Just he wait!” he became a member of the Grand National Assembly as the deputy of Ankara.

Afterwards, he drew attention with the campaign he conducted against the junta (National Union Committee; Milli Birlik Komitesi). With the impact created by this campaign, the junta was dissolved at the “radical wing” of which Alpslan Türkeş was a member, was suspended from duty. Ecevit entered the new government formed in 1961 as the Minister of Labor and maintained his seat in the two subsequent council of ministers.

During the 1960s, his star began to shine as CHP chose a new line of policy and he was elected General Secretary in the 18th CHP convention of October 24, 1966. As of this date, he became the proponent of inner party opposition. His increasing power over the party grassroots turned him into a serious contender against İnönü. The victory he won in the 5th Extraordinary CHP Convention of May 4, 1972 carried him to leadership and Ecevit became the new President of CHP on May 14, 1972.