Tayfun Gönül facts for kids

Tayfun Gönül (born in 1958 in Izmit, died July 30, 2012, in Istanbul) was a Turkish writer and doctor. He is known as Turkey's first "conscientious objector." This means he believed people should not be forced to join the military if it went against their personal beliefs. He was also an anarchist, which means he believed in a society where people could live freely without strict government control.

A Life of Ideas and Action

Tayfun Gönül grew up in Izmit and Istanbul. His father was a doctor. Tayfun studied medicine at Hacettepe University and became a doctor too. Even in high school, he started writing for a group called Aydınlık.

In the 1980s, he wrote for magazines like Sokak and Yeni Olgu. In 1986, he helped start Kara, which was Turkey's first anarchist magazine. Later, Gönül moved from Istanbul to Izmir. There, he helped create the Izmir War Opposition Association. This group worked against war and compulsory military service.

Standing Up for Beliefs

In 1989, Turkey started making military service compulsory for everyone. Tayfun Gönül worked with Tuğrul Eryilmaz on a campaign. This campaign was called "No compulsory military service." It encouraged people to think about not joining the military if they didn't want to.

Because of this campaign, Gönül faced legal issues. He was accused of "discouraging people from military service." Metin Münir, an editor, also faced similar accusations.

In 1993, Tayfun Gönül worked hard to bring together different anarchist groups and publications. He called this big project Apolitika. Then, in 1999, he started publishing a weekly newspaper called Efendisizler. Around this time, Gönül moved back to Antalya because he was not feeling well.

Later Years and Legacy

On February 15, 2012, Gönül had a heart attack. He stayed in the hospital for two months but then went home. He was still able to take part in the World Conscientious Objectors' Day on May 15, 2012.

Sadly, Tayfun Gönül had another heart attack at home on July 30, 2012. He passed away in the hospital. His friends buried him on August 2, 2012, in the Kilyos cemetery. Tayfun Gönül is remembered for his strong beliefs and for being a pioneer in the conscientious objection movement in Turkey.

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