Alparslan Türkeş 1917 – 1997

Biography

Alparslan Türkeş was born on November 25, 1917, in Nicosia, a city rich with historical significance. Throughout his life, he would become a defining figure in Turkish political and nationalist movements, dedicating himself to causes he believed would shape his nation’s future. His early years in Cyprus provided the foundation for the convictions that would guide his later endeavors.

In the decades that followed, Türkeş emerged as a prominent political organizer and ideological leader. He founded the Nationalist Action Party, establishing himself as a central figure in Turkish nationalist circles. Beyond his formal political work, he was instrumental in the creation and leadership of the Grey Wolves, an organization that reflected his vision for nationalist mobilization within Turkish society.

Türkeş remained active in these roles for many years, leaving a lasting imprint on Turkey’s political landscape. He spent his final years in Ankara, the nation’s capital, continuing his involvement in the movements he had helped establish. On April 4, 1997, he died of a myocardial infarction, bringing an end to a long and consequential life dedicated to his political principles. He was laid to rest at Emniyet in the Yenimahalle district, where his legacy would be remembered by those who followed his work.