The mandate of Cevdet Sunay as the fifth President of Turkey began on 28 March 1966, following his election by the Grand National Assembly. His tenure spanned seven years, during which time he faced persistent domestic instability, including student riots, rising terrorist activity, and the frequent threat of military intervention within the state apparatus.
Military Origins and Service
Born in 1899 in the village of Ataköy, Trabzon, Sunay entered the Kuleli Military High School in Istanbul to begin his formal training. His early military career was defined by the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey. In 1917, he saw action on the Palestine front during World War I before spending time as a prisoner of war in Egypt. Following his release, he participated in both the southern and western fronts of the Turkish War of Independence. By 1930, he had completed his studies at the Staff College, eventually rising to the rank of general by 1949 and four-star general by 1959.
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Take the IQ test →The Transition to Executive Office
Sunay served as the Chief of the Turkish General Staff from 1960 to 1966, a period that positioned him at the center of the nation's political landscape. On 14 March 1966, he received an appointment to the senate under the presidential contingency of Cemal Gürsel. When Gürsel vacated the presidency due to failing health, Sunay was elected as his successor. His administration navigated significant political volatility, working alongside figures such as Süleyman Demirel, Nihat Erim, and Ferit Melen.
Later Life and Recognition
After concluding his constitutional term as president on 28 March 1973, Sunay transitioned into the role of a permanent senator. His service earned him various accolades, including the Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath and the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland in 1971. He was also awarded a medal commemorating the 2500th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian Empire. Sunay died of a heart attack in Istanbul on 22 May 1982 and was later interred at the Turkish State Cemetery in Ankara in 1988.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 February 1899, Trabzon
- Died: 22 May 1982, Istanbul
- President of Turkey: 1966-1973
- Chief of the Turkish General Staff: 1960-1966
- Education: Kuleli Military High School
- Spouse: Atıfet Sunay
- Religion: Islam
- Burial: Turkish State Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Cevdet Sunay's military rank?
He reached the rank of four-star general.
Why did his presidency end in 1973?
He completed his constitutional term of seven years.
