İsmail Cem facts for kids

Quick facts for kids İsmail Cem
Cem, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2001
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 30 June 1997 – 11 July 2002
Prime Minister	Mesut Yılmaz, Bülent Ecevit
Preceded by	Tansu Çiller
Succeeded by	Şükrü Sina Gürel
Minister of Culture of Turkey
In office 7 July 1995 – 26 October 1995
Prime Minister	Tansu Çiller
Preceded by	Ercan Karakaş
Succeeded by	Köksal Toptan
Personal details
Born	(1940-02-15)15 February 1940 Nişantaşı, Istanbul, Turkey
Died	24 January 2007(2007-01-24) (aged 66) Istanbul, Turkey
Political party	CHP (1958–1961; 1992–1995), TİP (1961–1966), TBP (1966–1978), SDP (1978–1980), HP/SDP (1983–1985), SHP (1985–1992), DSP (1995–2002), YTP (2002–2004), SDHP (2004–2007)
Spouse	Elçin Trak
Children	2
Relatives	Abdi İpekçi (cousin) Cemil İpekçi (cousin)
Education	Law, sociology of politics
Alma mater	Robert College, University of Lausanne, École Libre des Sciences Politiques
Profession	Journalist, politician, writer, statesman

İsmail Cem (born İsmail Cem İpekçi, 15 February 1940 – 24 January 2007) was an important Turkish politician, writer, and journalist. He was known for his ideas about centre-left politics. He served as the Minister of Culture of Turkey for a few months in 1995. Later, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey from 1997 to 2002.

Early Life and Education

İsmail Cem finished high school at Robert College in İstanbul in 1959. He then studied law at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, graduating in 1963. He also earned a master's degree in sociology of politics in 1983 from a school in Paris, France. During high school, he spent a year in California, USA, as an exchange student.

Cem was related to Abdi İpekçi, a well-known journalist and human rights activist. His father, İhsan İpekçi, helped start the Turkish cinema industry. İsmail Cem was also a talented photographer and even published a book of his photos called Mevsim, Mevsim (Seasons, Seasons).

A Career in Journalism

After finishing his studies, İsmail Cem started working as a journalist in 1963. He wrote for major newspapers like Milliyet and Cumhuriyet. He was even the editor-in-chief for Cumhuriyet from 1964 to 1966.

From 1971 to 1974, he led the Istanbul office of the Turkish Newspaper Workers Union. Then, from 1974 to 1975, he became the general manager of Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT). At that time, TRT was the only TV station in Turkey. His time at TRT was sometimes challenging, but he stayed in his role.

Writing and Ideas

Besides his work in journalism and politics, İsmail Cem was also a significant writer. He helped shape the ideas of social democracy in Turkey. Social democracy is a political idea that aims for a fair society with a strong economy and social welfare.

Cem wrote about why Turkey faced challenges in its development. He also suggested ways to make the Turkish centre-left stronger. Two of his famous books are Turkiye'de Geri Kalmışlığın Tarihi (A History of Underdevelopment in Turkey) and Sosyal Demokrasi Nedir?, Ne Değildir? (What is and What is not Social Democracy?). These books helped introduce social democracy to Turkish politics. His writings are still popular today because they are easy to understand and full of information.

Political Journey

İsmail Cem entered politics in 1987 when he was elected as a representative for Istanbul. He was re-elected in 1991 and again in 1995, this time for Kayseri. In 1995, he joined the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and was appointed as the Minister of Culture.

His most important role was as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which he held from 1997 to 2002. He was one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in Turkey's history.

Working with the European Union

As Foreign Minister, İsmail Cem played a key role in Turkey's efforts to join the European Union. He worked hard to get Turkey recognized as a full candidate for membership. This was a big step for Turkey, and it happened after many talks at the Helsinki Summit Meeting in 1999.

Improving Relations with Greece

Cem also worked closely with his Greek counterpart, George Papandreou, to make relations between Turkey and Greece better. At one point, relations were very difficult due to a sensitive situation involving a leader of the PKK. However, Cem and Papandreou managed to improve things step by step, building trust between the two countries.

Later Years and Legacy

Before the 2002 elections, İsmail Cem left the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and started a new party called the New Turkey Party (YTP). However, this new party did not do well in the elections.

After receiving medical treatment for pulmonary cancer in the United States, he returned to Turkey. He later joined the Republican People's Party (CHP) and became a chief advisor to its leader. He also taught about Turkish foreign policy at Istanbul Bilgi University.

İsmail Cem passed away on 24 January 2007, after battling lung cancer. He was married to Elçin Trak and had two children, İpek Cem Taha and Kerim Cem.

His Funeral

Grave of İsmail Cem in Zincirlikuyu Cemetery, Istanbul

İsmail Cem was given a state funeral, which means it was a very important ceremony. Many important people attended, including the Prime Minister, political leaders, and his close friend, George Papandreou, the former Foreign Minister of Greece. He was buried in the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery in Istanbul. Papandreou placed an olive branch on his grave, symbolizing the peace they had worked for together.

What He Left Behind

İsmail Cem was especially admired by young people in Turkey during his time as Foreign Minister. Many young people even hoped he would become the President of Turkey. His life and ideas continue to be studied and remembered, especially his unique place in Turkey's social democratic movement.

Awards and Recognition

In 2000, İsmail Cem received the "Statesman of the Year" award from the "East West Institute" in the US. He shared this award with his Greek counterpart, George Papandreou. They were honored for their efforts in bringing Turkey and Greece closer together.