Kenan Evren

Kenan Evren (1917–2015) was a Turkish military officer who served as Commander of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces and led the military coup of 12 September 1980. After the coup, he became chairman of the National Security Council, the body that governed the country, and then served as President of Turkey until 1989.

His rule is marked by the 1982 Constitution, which was approved by general referendum and under which he was appointed president for a seven-year term. The constitution strengthened the powers of the central state and placed restrictions on political parties, labour rights, and the press. Some of its provisions were amended in subsequent years, but its core remains in effect.

Military career

Evren joined the Turkish Armed Forces long before the coup and progressed through various ranks. He was among the officers who participated in Turkish military operations in Korea during the 1950s. In 1978 he became Commander of the General Staff, a position he held at the time of the coup.

The 1980 coup

In the years leading to 1980, Turkey faced ongoing political violence between leftist and rightist groups, economic hardship, and a parliament unable to elect a president. The military claimed it was seizing power to restore order. Parliament was dissolved, political parties were banned, and former political leaders were placed under arrest.

During the period of military rule, large numbers of people were detained, military courts proceeded with cases, and death sentences were carried out. Multiple human rights reports documented torture in prisons during this period. These events remained part of Turkey's political debate for a long time.

Presidency and later years

In 1983 civilian politics resumed, with Turgut Özal becoming prime minister, while Evren retained the presidency until 1989. After leaving office, he withdrew from politics and devoted himself to painting. The 1982 Constitution granted immunity to coup leaders, which prevented prosecution.

A constitutional referendum held in 2010 removed that immunity. Evren and air force commander Tahsin Şahinkaya were subsequently prosecuted. In 2014 a court ruled that their military ranks be stripped and sentenced them to life imprisonment, though appeals were pending. Evren died in Ankara in 2015 as his health had declined.