# Kenan Evren > President of Turkey (1917–2015) **Wikidata**: [Q216983](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q216983) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenan_Evren) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kenan-evren ## Summary Kenan Evren was a Turkish military officer and statesman who served as the seventh President of Turkey from 1982 to 1989. He is most notably recognized for leading the 1980 military coup and overseeing the transition to a civilian government under a new constitution. ## Biography - Born: July 17, 1917, in Ankara, Turkey - Nationality: Turkish - Education: Turkish Military Academy; Military College - Known for: Leading the 1980 military coup in Turkey and serving as President during a critical period of political restructuring - Employer(s): Turkish Armed Forces, Turkish Government (President) - Field(s): Military, Politics, Statecraft ## Contributions Kenan Evren played a pivotal role in Turkish political history through his leadership of the 1980 military intervention, which aimed to restore order amid escalating political violence. As President from 1982 to 1989, he oversaw the implementation of a new constitution that restructured the Turkish state and laid the foundation for its return to civilian rule. His administration emphasized national unity, political stability, and the reinforcement of secular governance principles. ## FAQs **What is Kenan Evren known for?** Kenan Evren is best known for leading the 1980 military coup in Turkey and later serving as the country's President from 1982 to 1989. He was instrumental in restoring political order and implementing constitutional reforms. **Where did Kenan Evren study?** Evren was educated at the Turkish Military Academy and the Military College, institutions central to training officers for the Turkish Armed Forces. **What role did Kenan Evren play in Turkish politics?** He was the leader of the National Security Council following the 1980 coup and subsequently became President of Turkey, where he guided the nation through a period of political and constitutional reform. **Did Kenan Evren receive any awards?** Yes, he was honored with the Atatürk International Peace Prize, among other recognitions, for his contributions to national stability and leadership. ## Why They Matter Kenan Evren’s influence on modern Turkish history is profound. His 1980 intervention halted a period of intense political chaos and violence, and his presidency oversaw the restoration of democratic governance under a revised constitutional framework. His actions shaped the trajectory of Turkey’s political development and influenced its approach to military oversight in civilian affairs. Without his leadership during this turbulent era, Turkey might not have achieved the stability necessary for its subsequent democratic evolution. ## Notable For - Leading the 1980 military coup in Turkey - Serving as the seventh President of Turkey (1982–1989) - Implementing a new constitution following the 1980 coup - Being the first president elected under Turkey’s 1982 Constitution - Receiving the prestigious Atatürk International Peace Prize - Commanding the Turkish Armed Forces during a period of national crisis ## Body ### Early Life and Education Kenan Evren was born on July 17, 1917, in Ankara, Turkey. He pursued his military education at the Turkish Military Academy, which was part of the broader National Defence University system. His early training prepared him for a career in the armed forces, where he would later rise to prominence. ### Military Career Evren’s military career began in earnest after his graduation from the Turkish Military Academy. He became a high-ranking officer in the Turkish Armed Forces and eventually assumed leadership roles within the military hierarchy. His strategic acumen and leadership capabilities positioned him as a key figure during times of national instability. ### The 1980 Coup On September 12, 1980, Kenan Evren led a military coup that effectively ended years of political unrest and violence between leftist and rightist factions in Turkey. The coup was justified as a necessary measure to prevent the country from descending into anarchy. Evren became the head of the National Security Council and oversaw the dissolution of political parties, trade unions, and the suspension of the constitution. ### Presidency (1982–1989) In 1982, following a national referendum, Evren was elected President of Turkey under the newly ratified 1982 Constitution. His presidency was marked by efforts to restore democratic governance, including the gradual lifting of martial law and the re-establishment of political parties. He emphasized secular governance and national unity, aligning with the founding principles of the Turkish Republic. ### Constitutional Reforms Under Evren’s leadership, Turkey transitioned from military rule back to civilian governance. The 1982 Constitution, which he supported, introduced significant changes to the political structure, including the establishment of a strong presidency and the reinforcement of secularism in public life. These reforms were central to shaping modern Turkish political institutions. ### Awards and Recognition Evren received several honors during and after his tenure, including the Atatürk International Peace Prize, recognizing his contributions to national stability and leadership during a critical period in Turkish history. ### Later Life and Legacy Kenan Evren remained a respected, albeit controversial, figure in Turkish politics until his death on May 9, 2015. His legacy is complex, marked by both criticism for the authoritarian nature of the 1980 coup and recognition for restoring order and guiding Turkey back to constitutional rule. His influence on the nation’s political structure remains evident in Turkey’s governance today. ### Personal Details and Identifiers - **Full Name**: Ahmet Kenan Evren - **Aliases**: Kenan Evren - **Born**: July 17, 1917 - **Died**: May 9, 2015 - **Citizenship**: Turkey - **Occupation**: Military officer, Statesperson - **Education**: Turkish Military Academy, Military College - **Awards**: Atatürk International Peace Prize - **Wikidata ID**: Q15279719 - **Image**: "Kenan Evren (cropped).png" - **Signature**: "Kenan Evren imzası.png" ### Affiliations and Connections Evren was affiliated with the Turkish Armed Forces and held the highest military and political offices in the country. His leadership during one of Turkey’s most volatile periods cemented his place in the nation’s history, influencing generations of political and military leaders. ## References 1. Source 2. [Source](https://ayk.gov.tr/ataturk-uluslararasi-baris-odulu-sahipleri/ahmet-kenan-evren-turkiye-cumhuriyeti-7-cumhurbaskani/) 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. CiNii Research 6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 7. Proleksis Encyclopedia 8. [元トルコ大統領　Ｋ・エブレン氏死去. Sankei Shimbun Co.. 2015](http://www.sankei.com/world/news/150510/wor1505100022-n1.html) 9. Munzinger Personen 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/evren-ahmet-kenan)