Syonmez, Fikri

Born into a poor village family. Immediately after graduating from elementary school, he began to work.

In the 60s he became a member of the Workers Party of Turkey . He took an active part in the activities of the Turkish Revolutionary Youth Federation , the most significant and effective political youth organization of the Turkish movement of the 60s. In political discussions, he sided with the People's Liberation Party-Front of Turkey , organized and led by Mahir Chayan . After the military coup on March 12, 1971 he was arrested and spent two years in prison , but was acquitted. After his release from prison, he began political activity in the provinces on the Black Sea coast - Giresun , Samsun , Ordu .

In 1979 , he became the third candidate for mayor in Fats County and received 62% of the vote. As mayor, he changed the structure of the district administration and organized popular councils as self-government bodies of local residents. The purpose of creating councils was not only the active involvement of local residents in political life, but also the organization of public control over district services. Every second month there was a People’s Assembly ( tour: Fatsa Halk Şenliği ), which discussed not only the policies of municipal authorities, but also the social problems of the area, such as alcoholism , gambling , violence against women, etc. At these meetings, you can also It was to recall officials from their posts.

This self-government has become a symbol for the left-wing organizations of Turkey, but has caused dissatisfaction from conservative and right-wing politicians such as former Prime Minister Suleiman Demirel and harsh criticism in the media .

On July 11, 1980 , despite protests from local organizations from other political parties, self-government was discontinued by Turkey’s Operation Point. The operation involves not only the armed forces, but also members of right - wing extremist organizations. Sönmez was arrested and tortured.

In subsequent years he was in prison. Due to torture and harsh conditions, his health was constantly deteriorating and he died on May 4, 1985 from heart failure.

• Fikri Sönmez (tour)
• Pertev Aksakal Bir Yerel Yönetim Deneyi (tour)