Ecevitism

Ecevitism (Ecevitçilik) is a term used for the political ideals of Bülent Ecevit, who served as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey for four terms between 1974 and 2002. It is highly related to the Democratic Left Party and left-wing nationalism.

When Ecevit entered politics in 1960s, there was a rise in the socialist movement worldwide. Although he supported socialist ideas, he believed they needed to be presented in a way that aligned with the Kemalist ideology of the Republican People's Party (CHP). To do this, he started the left of center (ortanın solu) movement.

Ecevitism, which was very dominant in Turkey especially in the 1970s, still has many supporters today. The political side of this concept, whose ideological roots come from social democracy, is said to be the most dominant, and this ideology reached its peak with the left of center slogan when Ecevit was elected as the Chairman of the CHP in the 1970s. The left of center slogan has been used by right wing politicians in Turkey with the slogan "Ortanın solu, Moskova'nın yolu", meaning "Left of center, the way to Moscow", accusing the center-left politician of communism.

Foreign policy
Ecevit's order for the 1974 invasion of Cyprus acquired him the title "Conqueror of Cyprus" (Kıbrıs Fatihi). The invasion became a symbol of Ecevit's bravery and patriotism, and was recognized by many, including the military. Due to his leadership in the Cyprus invasion, he became a national hero with strong nationalist/patriotic credentials.

Following his fourth term as the prime minister after 1999, Ecevit opposed the invasion of Iraq.