 |
Mehmet TalatPresident of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Date of Birth: 06.07.1952
|
Content:
- President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Political Career
- Premiership
- Presidency
- Personal Life
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Early Life and EducationOn July 6, 1952, Mehmet Ali Talat was born in Kyrenia, Cyprus. He received his primary and secondary education on the island. In 1977, he obtained a bachelor's and master's degree in electrical engineering from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. In 2004, he completed a master's in international relations from Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta, Cyprus.
During his studies in Turkey, he held significant roles in Turkish Cypriot student organizations, including being the founding chairman of the Cyprus Education and Youth Federation.
Political Career
Government PositionsIn December 1993, Mehmet Ali Talat was appointed Minister of National Education and Culture in a coalition government between the Democratic Party and the Republican Turkish Party. He held the same position in the second coalition government. In the third coalition, he became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Affairs.
Premiership
In 1996, Talat assumed the position of general chairman of the Republican Turkish Party. He was elected Member of Parliament for the Nicosia Constituency in 1998. After the general parliamentary elections, he was appointed Prime Minister of a coalition government formed by the Republican Turkish Party and the Democratic Party.
Presidency
On April 24, 2005, Mehmet Ali Talat was elected President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the first round of elections. He supported the peace plan for the reunification of Cyprus, which was put to a referendum in April 2004.
Personal Life
Mehmet Ali Talat is married to Oya Talat and they have a son and a daughter. He is fluent in English.
