Remembering Uğur Mumcu: 31 Years since His Assassination
Uğur Mumcu: The Life and Murder of a Master Journalist
Uğur Mumcu, a prominent Turkish journalist and writer, was born on August 22, 1942, in Kırşehir, Turkey. He was the son of a Land Registry and Cadastre officer and grew up in Ankara where he completed his primary and secondary education. In 1965, Mumcu graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law and began his career in journalism.
During his student years, Mumcu received the “Yunus Nadi Award” for his article “Turkish Socialism” published in Cumhuriyet newspaper. He then wrote reviews for Milliyet newspaper while working as an assistant professor of Administrative Law at Ankara University Faculty of Law.
Mumcu’s career was marked by controversy and persecution. He was imprisoned for seven years on charges of “insulting the army” and “establishing the domination of a social class over other social classes” due to an article he wrote. However, the decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court, and Mumcu was released.
Following his release from prison, Mumcu was drafted into the military. Despite being trained as a “reserve officer”, he was declared a “disadvantageous infantryman” and sent to Ağrı Patnos. After completing his military service, he began his professional journalism career and became known for his outspoken columns and books.
One of Mumcu’s most notable works is the book “Inconvenient Infantry”, which was adapted into a theater play. He also researched and wrote books on subjects such as arms smuggling, terrorism, and the Kurdish-Islamic uprising, and conducted investigations into Mehmet Ali Ağca and his connections.
Tragically, Uğur Mumcu lost his life in a car bomb attack on January 24, 1993. Despite claims of responsibility by various organizations, including İBDA-C and Hezbollah, the true perpetrators of the assassination remain unknown. The investigations and trials surrounding Mumcu’s assassination have been ongoing for nearly three decades, with many details still shrouded in mystery.
The legacy of Uğur Mumcu lives on through his impactful journalism and investigative work, and he is remembered as a fearless and dedicated journalist who sought to bring important issues to light. Although his life was cut short by a tragic act of violence, his contributions to Turkish journalism and society continue to be honored and remembered to this day.
