10 Most Influential Turkish Lawyers and Scholars

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Heritage Digest

13 min readMay 12, 2024

Some of history's most brilliant legal minds have shaped Turkey's legal landscape. This article highlights the ten most influential Turkish lawyers who have left an indelible mark on the nation’s legal system. From pioneering legal reforms to advocating for justice, their contributions have been pivotal in the evolution of Turkish law.

Mahmut Esat Bozkurt (1892–1943)
Aydın Sayılı (1913–1993)
Turgut Sunalp (1917–1999)
Muammer Aksoy (1917–1990)
Sıddık Sami Onar (1897–1972)
Turan Güneş (1921–1982)
İsmail Cem İpekçi (1940–2007)
Sırrı Süreyya Önder (1962-present)
Canan Arın (1942-present)
Kemal Gözler (1966-present)

1. Mahmut Esat Bozkurt (1892–1943)

Mahmut Esat Bozkurt, born in 1892 in Kuşadası, Aydın Vilayet, Ottoman Empire, was a prominent Turkish jurist, politician, and academic. He was Hasan Bey's son, who became Kuşadası's mayor in 1900. His family, originally from the region of Mora, had to flee to Kuşadası due to the Greek uprising. This early exposure to the realities of political conflict likely influenced his later career. Bozkurt completed his high school education in İzmir and studied law at Istanbul University, graduating in 1912. His pursuit of knowledge took him further to Fribourg, Switzerland, where he completed his doctorate with high honors.

Bozkurt’s legal and political career was deeply intertwined with the tumultuous Turkish War of Independence era. After the Greek landing at Smyrna in 1919, he returned to Turkey, joining the national struggle. His journey was fraught with challenges, including a daring escape from Italian arrest. In Turkey, he embarked on a political journey, serving as a member of parliament from 1920 until he died in 1943. He played a pivotal role as the Minister of Economy in the early years of the Turkish Republic, advocating for the Turkification of the economy and alleviating financial burdens on farmers.

Perhaps his most significant contribution was as the Minister of Justice. Bozkurt was instrumental in adopting the Swiss Civil Code in Turkey, which modernized Turkish civil law. He is remembered as the progenitor of the Turkish civil code, reflecting the philosophy of the Turkish Revolution in its preamble. In addition to his ministerial duties, Bozkurt was an academic, teaching at Ankara University and authoring several influential books. He defended Turkish interests in the international Lotus case, where he successfully argued for Turkey’s legal rights in maritime law. Bozkurt’s advocacy for women’s rights, particularly against polygamy and the veil, and his views on Turkish nationalism marked him as a progressive yet controversial figure of his time. He passed away from intracerebral hemorrhage in Istanbul on December 21, 1943.

2. Aydın Sayılı (1913–1993)

Aydın Sayılı, born on May 2, 1913, in Istanbul, was a pioneering Turkish historian of science. His early life was marked by a move to Iran due to his father’s occupation, followed by a return to Turkey for his education. His father, Abdurrahman Bey, and mother, Suat Hanım, ensured he received a sound education, first in Istanbul and then in Ankara. Sayılı’s exceptional academic performance in high school, particularly during the graduation exams, caught the attention of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who personally recommended that Sayılı be nurtured in his academic pursuits.

Sayılı’s academic journey led him to Harvard University, where the renowned George Sarton, a historian of science, influenced him. In 1942, he achieved a notable milestone, earning his doctorate with a thesis on “Scientific Institutions in the Islamic World.” This accomplishment marked him as the holder of the first-known doctorate in the history of science. His thesis was a significant contribution to the field, highlighting the role of scientific institutions in the Islamic world and their broader impact.

After completing his studies, Sayılı returned to Turkey and began his career at Ankara University. He was instrumental in introducing the history of science courses to the university’s curriculum. His academic excellence led to his appointment as a professor and later as the head of the Philosophy Department, roles he held until his retirement in 1983. Sayılı was a respected academic and played a vital role in cultural institutions, contributing significantly to the Turkish Historical Society and the Atatürk Cultural Center. His profound impact on studying science history in Turkey is commemorated on the 5 Turkish Lira banknote, where his portrait is featured. Sayılı passed away on October 15, 1993, leaving a legacy as a foundational figure in Turkey's science history.

3. Turgut Sunalp (1917–1999)

Turgut Sunalp, born on August 31, 1917, in Istanbul, Turkey, was a prominent Turkish soldier, diplomat, and politician of Bosnian origin. His parents, Macide Kezer (Dizdarevic) and Abdullah Sunalp (Biberovic), were of Bosnian descent, providing him a culturally rich upbringing. Sunalp’s early life was characterized by a strong military influence, which led him to pursue a career in the armed forces. He graduated from the Military Academy in Istanbul in 1936 and continued his military education, graduating again in 1945. His military career was distinguished and involved significant roles, including serving as Cyprus's first Turkish regiment commander following the island’s independence in 1960.

Sunalp’s military career was marked by steady advancement through the ranks, reflecting his competence and dedication. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1962, Major General in 1964, Lieutenant General in 1968, and General in 1972. His roles included serving as the Head of the General Staff Operations Department, Division Commander in Erzurum, Commander of the Military Academy in Istanbul, and the NATO Turkish Military Delegation in Brussels. Notably, he founded the Aegean Army in 1975 and served as its first commander. After retiring from the military in 1976, Sunalp served as the Turkish ambassador to Ottawa, Canada, from 1980 to 1982, showcasing his diplomatic skills.

In the political arena, Sunalp founded the Nationalist Democracy Party (MDP) after the 1980 Turkish coup d’état. Despite General Kenan Evren’s televised speech endorsing the MDP, Sunalp’s party came third in the 1983 general elections. He served as a Member of Parliament for Izmir and led the MDP until his resignation in 1985. Sunalp’s political career, though not as successful as his military tenure, was nonetheless significant in Turkey’s political landscape during a transformative period. Turgut Sunalp passed away on August 28, 1999, due to heart and kidney failure, leaving behind a legacy in both military and political fields in Turkey.

4. Muammer Aksoy (1917–1990)

Muammer Aksoy, born in 1917 in İbradı, Antalya Province, was the child of Numan Aksoy, a member of the Ottoman parliament. Raised in an environment steeped in political and legal discourse, his upbringing undoubtedly influenced his future career in law and politics. After completing his law degree at Istanbul University in 1939, Aksoy furthered his education with a Doctor of Law from the University of Zurich in 1950. His academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for his distinguished career as a legal professional and academic.

Significant contributions to Turkish law and politics marked Aksoy’s legal career. He resigned from his university post in 1957, protesting against laws he believed restricted academic freedom, and ventured into politics with the Republican People’s Party. His expertise in constitutional law was pivotal in drafting the 1961 Constitution following Turkey’s 1960 military coup. Aksoy’s commitment to law extended beyond academia as he became the President of the Ankara Bar Association and the Turkish Law Institution, championing Atatürk’s reforms, democracy, and secularism.

Tragically, Muammer Aksoy’s life was cut short on January 31, 1990, when he was assassinated in Ankara. His death, claimed by militant groups, marked a dark chapter in Turkey’s history, reflecting the peril faced by intellectuals advocating for democracy and secularism. Aksoy’s legacy as a defender of legal principles and democratic values continues to inspire, evidenced by the profound respect and mourning displayed at his funeral. His work and ideals live on through his family and the many individuals he influenced throughout his career.

5. Sıddık Sami Onar (1897–1972)

Sıddık Sami Onar, born November 11, 1897, in Istanbul, was a foundational figure in modern Turkish administrative law. His journey in law began with his education at Vefa Sultanisi and Istanbul Law School, followed by studies at the Paris Faculty of Law. His early career included roles as a judge at the Istanbul Commercial Court and as a teacher, reflecting his deep commitment to legal education and the judiciary system. Onar’s upbringing in Istanbul, a city with a rich legal and cultural heritage, likely played a pivotal role in shaping his legal philosophy and career trajectory.

Onar’s significant contributions to Turkish legal education and administrative law were profound. He was a professor of administrative law at the Faculty of Law after the 1933 university reform and later served as the dean. His appointment as the first elected rector of Istanbul University in 1946, following the University Law granting academic and administrative autonomy, was a testament to his leadership and vision for Turkish higher education. His efforts in founding the Institute of Administrative Law and Administrative Sciences in 1949 further solidified his legacy in shaping modern Turkish legal education.

Notable achievements marked Sıddık Sami Onar’s life until he died in Istanbul on August 9, 1972. He chaired the committee preparing the 1961 Constitution post the 1960 coup, advocating for constitutional reforms and academic freedom. His scholarly work, especially “General Principles of Administrative Law,” remains a cornerstone in Turkish legal studies. Honored posthumously with the Republic Order of Merit by Italy, Onar’s influence continues through his writings and the enduring impact of his legal and academic reforms.

6. Turan Güneş (1921–1982)

Turan Güneş, born on June 25, 1921, in Kandıra, Kocaeli, embarked on a path that combined law, academia, and politics. His education at Galatasaray High School and Istanbul University, where he earned a law degree, laid the foundation for his diverse career. Furthering his studies with a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Paris, Güneş demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding the intricate relationship between law and politics. His early life in Kandıra, an environment likely less politically charged than major Turkish cities, may have influenced his later drive toward national political engagement.

Güneş’s career blended academia and politics, highlighting his versatility as a legal and political expert. Starting as a faculty member at Istanbul University’s law faculty, he became an associate professor in 1954. His transition from academia to politics was marked by his election to parliament 1954 from Kocaeli for the Democrat Party. Despite being expelled from the party in 1955, he continued his political journey, contributing to the establishment of the Liberty Party and later joining the Republican People’s Party in 1959. His role in drafting the new constitution following the 1960 military coup underscored his legal acumen.

Turan Güneş’s contributions to Turkish politics and law were significant until his death on April 9, 1982, due to cardiac arrest. As Foreign Affairs Minister in 1974, he played a crucial role during Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus, a pivotal event in Turkish foreign policy. Later, as deputy prime minister in Bülent Ecevit’s cabinet, his influence extended to various facets of government. His passing marked the end of a career that seamlessly wove together the threads of law, education, and political service. His legacy lives on, not just in Turkish politics but also through his children, who continue the academic tradition.

7. İsmail Cem İpekçi (1940–2007)

İsmail Cem İpekçi, born on February 15, 1940, in Istanbul, was a prominent Turkish politician, intellectual, and journalist. He graduated from Robert College in Istanbul and pursued a law degree at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. His education was further enriched with a master’s degree in the sociology of politics from the École Libre des Sciences Politiques in Paris. His father, İhsan İpekçi, a pioneer of the Turkish cinema industry, and his mother, Zerife, provided a culturally rich environment that likely influenced his multifaceted career.

Cem’s legal background was pivotal in his political career and journalistic endeavors. He began his career in journalism after returning to Turkey in 1963, working for major newspapers and serving as the editor-in-chief for Cumhuriyet. His tenure as the general manager of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) underlines his influence in Turkish media. His legal education and understanding of political science were instrumental in shaping his journalistic perspective, particularly in his coverage of legal and political issues.

Cem’s political career was marked by significant achievements, notably as Turkey's Minister of Culture and Foreign Affairs. His tenure as Foreign Minister from 1997 to 2002 was particularly distinguished, marked by his efforts to negotiate Turkey’s candidacy for the European Union and improve relations with Greece. Cem’s legal background provided a strong foundation for his diplomatic negotiations and policy-making. His death on January 24, 2007, in Istanbul from lung cancer marked the end of a career that had a profound impact on Turkish politics and journalism. His legacy continues to inspire, particularly among the youth and intellectuals in Turkey.

8. Sırrı Süreyya Önder (1962-present)

Sırrı Süreyya Önder, born on July 7, 1962, in Adıyaman, Turkey, came from a Turkmen family. His father, a barber and active political figure as the founder and provincial chairman of the Turkish Workers’ Party in Adıyaman, influenced Önder’s early exposure to politics. The death of his father when he was eight and subsequent financial struggles shaped his childhood, compelling him to work early, first as a photographer’s apprentice and then in various jobs to support his family.

Önder’s education and political activism were deeply intertwined. Arrested and imprisoned for protesting the Maraş Massacre while still in high school, his journey took him to Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Sciences. His experiences during the September 12 Coup, including imprisonment and trials, reflect a life deeply affected by the political turbulence of the times. These experiences likely honed his perspectives on justice and political activism, which he carried into his later career.

His roles mark Önder’s political career as a journalist, filmmaker, and politician. He was involved in the 2013 Taksim Gezi Park resistance and played a significant role in facilitating dialogue between the Turkish government and Abdullah Öcalan. His incarceration 2018 for a speech and subsequent release in 2019 after a ruling on his freedom of expression violation highlights his ongoing commitment to political activism. These experiences reflect a life dedicated to advocacy and the pursuit of justice, shaped by his legal and political insights.

9. Canan Arın (1942-present)

Canan Arın, born in 1942 in Ankara, Turkey, is a renowned lawyer and activist, primarily recognized for her extensive work in women’s rights. Her academic journey began at Istanbul Girls’ High School, followed by a law degree from Istanbul University. Her pursuit of knowledge in constitutional law led her to the London School of Economics between 1970 and 1975. Arın’s educational background laid a strong foundation for her subsequent legal career and activism, equipping her with the skills and knowledge necessary to effect change.

Arın’s contributions to the women’s rights movement in Turkey are monumental. She was pivotal in the second-wave Women’s Movement in Turkey in 1980. Notably, she co-founded the Mor Çatı Women’s Shelter Foundation in 1990 and the Association for Supporting and Training Women Candidates (KA.DER) in 1997, both landmark initiatives in Turkey’s feminist movement. In 1998, she established the Istanbul Bar Association Women’s Rights Application Center. These achievements highlight her commitment to creating structural support systems for women and advocating for their legal rights.

Canan Arın’s impact extends beyond national borders, as evidenced by her involvement with the Council of Europe’s Board of Experts and significant UN conferences on women’s rights. Her efforts were recognized through multiple prestigious awards, including the 2018 Law Award from the Bruno Leoni Institute and the 10th Anne Klein Women’s Prize by the Heinrich Böll Foundation. The Hrant Dink Award in 2021 further acknowledged her relentless and data-driven advocacy for women’s rights. Arın’s career exemplifies the power of legal expertise in advancing social justice and gender equality.

10. Kemal Gözler (1966-present)

Kemal Gözler, born in 1966 in Biga, Turkey, embarked on a distinguished career in law and academia. His journey began at Biga High School, followed by Ankara University Faculty of Law, where he graduated in 1987. Gözler’s educational pursuits didn’t stop there; he furthered his studies in public law, earning master’s degrees from Ankara University and the University of Bordeaux, France, and eventually a Doctor of Law degree in 1995. His rigorous academic background laid a solid foundation for his future contributions to public law and legal education.

Significant contributions to public law mark Gözler’s academic career. Starting as a research assistant at Ankara University, he served as an assistant professor and later associate professor at Uludağ University. His expertise in constitutional law led him to Koç University, where he continued to impact the field as an associate professor. In 2007, he returned to Uludağ University as a professor, retiring in 2016. His commitment to teaching and research in constitutional law has been instrumental in shaping the understanding and application of public law in Turkey.

Throughout his career, Kemal Gözler has been recognized for his scholarly excellence. He received the “Young Social Scientists First Prize” from the Turkish Social Sciences Association in 1999 and the METU Mustafa N. Parlar Education and Research Foundation’s “Research Incentive Award” in 2001. His notable works in constitutional law, philosophy of law, and administrative law, including his acclaimed book on administrative law, have earned him widespread recognition, including the TÜBA University Textbooks copyright award in 2009. Beyond academia, Gözler has actively shared his knowledge and insights through his website, contributing significantly to the discourse on Turkish administrative law.