At the age of 18, Altan Öymen started writing professionally—not out of need, but because he believed in it. His pursuit of journalism was more than just a career; it was an unwavering commitment to truth, as he was raised in a time when Turkey was still forming its contemporary political identity. Öymen used his pen like a scalpel, carefully slicing through propaganda and false narratives, while others were afraid to question authority.
After graduating from Ankara University’s School of Political Science, he brought a solid understanding of international relations, history, and policy to the national discourse. Joining well-known newspapers like Cumhuriyet, Akşam, and Milliyet helped him establish himself as a household name, known for his remarkably clear and politically brave articles. He established himself as a reliable international communicator in the 1960s while working as Turkey’s press attaché in Bonn, where he translated intricate Turkish reforms into diplomatic terms.
In 1972, Öymen established ANKA News Agency, an autonomous organization that became exceptionally successful at disseminating uncensored news. ANKA’s existence was especially innovative at a time when government influence over the media was becoming more aggressive; it provided a forum for open reporting and influenced how journalists approached investigative work.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mehmet Altan Öymen |
| Birth Date | 20 June 1932 |
| Death Date | 19 July 2025 |
| Birthplace | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Place of Death | Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Education | Ankara University, School of Political Science |
| Occupation | Journalist, Politician, Author |
| Spouse | Aysel Öymen (married 1956) |
| Children | Aslı Öymen, Murat Öymen |
| Political Affiliation | Republican People’s Party (CHP) |
| Positions Held | Minister of Tourism (1977), CHP Leader (1999–2000), Member of Parliament |
| Notable Works | “Everybody’s Atatürk,” “The Angry Years,” “…ve İhtilal” |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altan_Öymen |
Altan Öymen made an equally impressive political debut. He was elected as a Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy in Ankara in 1977 and was promptly named Minister of Tourism. Although he was only in office for a month, he generated conversation about Turkey’s potential as a cultural hub rather than merely a destination for tourists. Similar to his journalistic voice, his political voice was composed, moral, and especially helpful in fostering agreement on progressive policies.
He returned to politics in 1995 as a deputy in Istanbul, and when Deniz Baykal resigned in 1999, he assumed leadership of the CHP. Despite his brief 15-month tenure, his leadership was characterized by a concerted effort to bring unity and integrity back to a split party. In contrast to many of his contemporaries, he took a measured approach free of performative dramatics. Instead of focusing on popularity, Öymen promoted policies that prioritized press freedom, human rights, and a stronger civil society.
He continued to pursue journalism throughout his political career. After leaving the CHP leadership, he wrote for Radikal, where he provided incisive commentary and analysis of Turkish politics. His language remained extraordinarily flexible, fusing an everyday voice with scholarly accuracy. Readers were never lectured; instead, they felt seen and informed. His works, such as “Umutlar ve İdamlar” and “Bir Dönem Bir Çocuk,” deftly documented Turkey’s sociopolitical changes and frequently drew comparisons between past occurrences and current conflicts.
His credibility was further enhanced by his collaboration and friendship with notable individuals such as Uğur Mumcu. Both men were fearless in their pursuit of the truth; they frequently wrote under duress but never gave in to coercion. These connections were profoundly symbolic in addition to being business-related. They emphasized a generation of thinkers who, in spite of growing political unrest and censorship, are committed to defending democracy.
Altan Öymen died of multiple organ failure on July 19, 2025, at the age of 93. Crowds from all over the country gathered for a funeral at Teşvikiye Mosque, a burial at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery, and a grand ceremony at the Turkish Parliament a few days later. Students, young journalists, former political rivals, and regular people stood together in awe of a man who devoted his life to service without ever asking for praise.
The nation’s collective grief and respect were echoed in Özgür Özel’s tribute during the funeral. Social media commenters came in their thousands. Condolence messages were full of praise, with some calling Öymen the conscience of Turkish journalism and others describing him as “exceptionally durable.” Even the CHP’s detractors recognized his special ability to strike a balance between politics and values.
In addition to being a personal loss, Öymen’s passing signifies the passing of a generation that saw journalism as a civic obligation. His techniques were extremely effective in terms of accuracy and reach rather than speed. His thoughtful, interactive, and thoroughly researched approach feels like a masterclass in responsible communication in a contemporary media ecosystem where rapid content churn is the norm.
Many of today’s most esteemed journalists were trained by Öymen through strategic mentoring and resilient prose. His dedication to public service was not limited to the halls of power; it also permeated press conferences, classrooms, and living rooms, where his books sparked conversations. A hopeful indication that his principles will continue to influence future generations is the announcement in recent days by a number of universities that they intend to archive his writings and implement curricula based on them.
Hope kept Altan Öymen’s life afloat, and his life was crafted with integrity and purpose. He taught us that politics is not about gaining power, and journalism is not about chasing clicks. Instead, when used with compassion, accuracy, and bravery, both can be instruments for improving society.
