Alparslan Türkeş
A polarizing nationalist leader who shaped Turkey's far-right political landscape for decades, founding a movement that still echoes today.
1917–1997 (age 80)·Turkish politician·Birthday: November 25·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Alparslan Türkeş was a Turkish army officer turned political figure whose ideology became a defining force in the nation's modern history. After participating in a 1960 military coup, he entered politics, founding the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and its militant youth wing, the Grey Wolves. His philosophy, known as the 'Nine Lights,' blended Turkish nationalism with conservative values, creating a distinct and powerful political identity. Throughout the 1970s, his movement was a major player in the violent political strife that gripped Turkey, with his followers often clashing with leftist groups. Despite multiple arrests and bans on his party, Türkeş's influence proved durable; he served as a deputy prime minister and his political legacy continues to shape Turkish nationalism, with adherents still honoring him with the title 'Başbuğ' (Chieftain).
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Alparslan was born in 1917, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alparslan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1917
#1 Movie
Cleopatra
Alparslan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1917Born
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Started school
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1930Became a teenager
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Could drive
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1935Could vote
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Turned 21
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1947Turned 30
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 40
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 50
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 60
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 70
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 80
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
Key Achievements
- Founded the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), a major force in Turkish politics.
- Established and led the Grey Wolves (Ülkü Ocakları), a nationalist youth organization.
- Served as Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey in the 1970s.
- Formulated the 'Nine Lights' doctrine, a foundational text for Turkish nationalist ideology.
Did You Know?
His first name, Alparslan, means 'Heroic Lion' in Turkish.
He was one of the officers who orchestrated the 1960 military coup that deposed Prime Minister Adnan Menderes.
He spent years in exile and was imprisoned following the 1960 coup before returning to politics.
He authored several books on Turkish nationalism and his political ideology.
“Our nationalism is a love for the Turkish nation, a love that embraces all Turks.”
