Author(s): Yasar ÃZÃÃETN
M. emsettin Günaltay was a man of science, thought and politics who strived to find a solution and made great strides towards the liberation of the country in a time of distress. He was elected to the parliament as the representative of Erturul (Bilecik) province under the Party of Union and Progress in 1915. He was like a corrector of acts with his speeches during the parliamentary debates. He was also a member of the commission formed to investigate the notables of the Party of Union and Progress.He was among the founders of the Renewal Party. He was active in the stanbul branch of the Society for the Defense of Rights of Anatolia and Rumelia (a countrywide resistance organisation) and then in the National Forces. He became the deputy mayor of stanbul. He was the representative of Sivas province under the Republican People’s Party in newly founded Turkish Republic in 1923. He held such offices as parliamentary deputy speaker and floor leader of his party in this period. He was elected the representative of Sivas province for seven successive terms and the representative of Erzincan province for one term. His scientific personality with a temperate character and a broad experience led to his prominence as prime minister. He was the last prime minister of the 27-year rule of Republican People’s Party between 15 Januray 1949 and 22 May 1950. He took responsibility and played the leading role in enacting the electoral law no. 5545 based on the principle of secret balloting and open counting with a magisterial recognisance on 16 February 1950. His general approach to religious education and organisation of religious affairs was based on not permitting the efflorescence of religious myths and relevant subversive mentality. He was a founder member and president of the Turkish Historical Society from 1941 to 1961, the year when he passed away. He put forth a bibliography reminiscent of a library as well as organisations. His works and efforts aimed at potentising the Turkish national spirit and character and steering Turks to the future with an infinite national energy. He was elected to the House of Representatives under the Republican People’s Party in 1961 elections and died in October 20, the same year. M. emsettin Günaltay was one of the eminent figures known as man of many parts in Turkish history.
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