Ecevitism (Turkish:Ecevitçilik) is a term used for the political ideals ofBülent Ecevit, who served as thePrime Minister of the Republic of Turkey for four terms between 1974 and 2002.[1][2] It is highly related to theDemocratic Left Party andleft-wing nationalism.[2][3]
When Ecevit entered politics in the 1960s, there was a rise in the socialist movement worldwide. Although he supported socialist ideas, he believed they needed to be presented in a way that aligned with the Kemalist ideology of theRepublican People's Party (CHP). To do this, he started theleft of center (Turkish:ortanın solu) movement.[4]
Ecevitism, which was very dominant inTurkey especially in the 1970s, still has many supporters today. The political side of this concept, whose ideological roots come fromsocial democracy, is said to be the most dominant, and this ideology reached its peak with the left of center slogan when Ecevit was elected as the Chairman of the CHP in the 1970s. The left of center slogan has been used byright wing politicians in Turkey with the slogan "Ortanın solu, Moskova'nın yolu", meaning "Left of center, the way toMoscow", accusing thecenter-left politician ofcommunism.
Ecevit's order for the1974 invasion of Cyprus acquired him the title "Conqueror of Cyprus" (Turkish:Kıbrıs Fatihi).[5] The invasion became a symbol of Ecevit's bravery and patriotism, and was recognized by many, including the military.[6] Due to his leadership in the Cyprus invasion, he became a national hero with strong nationalist/patriotic credentials.[4]
In hisfifth term as the prime minister during 1999 and 2002, Ecevit opposed the2003 invasion of Iraq.[7]
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