Former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit died Sunday at Gulhane Military Hospital in Ankara, after spending nearly six months in a coma following a stroke. He had served his country across decades of political life.
Senior figures offered tributes. Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc called him sincere and graceful throughout his life. Former President Suleyman Demirel said his service to the nation would not be forgotten. Prof. Erdal Inonu described him as a resolute statesman, while Motherland Party leader Erkan Mumcu praised his moral courage in high office.
Anadolu Agency published an online memorial gallery of 300 photographs at foto.aa.com.tr.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.