Ertugrul Ozkok: One woman's metallic coldness

There were many things, of course, running through my mind at that moment regarding Ecevit; his many years in power, my relationships with people during his time in Ankara, the period prior to 1980, and later years too. But there was a moment that I will certainly never forget: when Merve Kavakci, in her headscarf, took her unwavering steps into the General Assembly Salon of the Turkish Parliament.

Most of the MPs just sat there, as though paralyzed. And many watched on TV, in anger and curiosity. Right at that moment, Ecevit rose to his feet, and made a speech that has been etched into all our memories for good: "Please explain to this lady what her place is."

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And so I wonder, what did Merve Kavakci make of Ecevit's death? I am not the only one who wonders. Apparently the Yeni Safak newspaper was also curious; two days ago, they carried a short column, on their 12th page, in which they posed the question to Kavakci herself. Here is what she said: "The case was transferred to the highest court in power. Currently, to say anything else would be inappropriate."

Yes, this was the brief and cold answer given by Kavakci.

I have always that women, when compared to men, were less extravagent with their ability to preserve and protect their anger and hatred. But when I read this answer from Kavakci, the very metallic coldness of it was something I felt deep in my spirit. The fact is, that day when Ecevit rose to speak in the Turkish Parliament, he was acting in an event and a decision which were maybe one of modern Turkey's most important political moments.

As I see it, Kavakci's decision to enter the General Assembly Salon in her headscarf was a "civilian coup attempt." And someone had to prevent it. That day, it was Bulent Ecevit who prevented the coup. That moment still lives on alive in my mind's eye. It reminded me of the stance taken by the Spanish Speaker of the Parliament against Spanish military members trying to gain power in Spain. Those sorts of moments are ones which require bravery and decisiveness. And great politicians are the ones which have this capacity.

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The move by Merve Kavakci to enter the Turkish Parliament with her headscarf in place marked the end of her political life. But if her coup attempt had worked that day, who knows which direction Turkey would have gone in. Meanwhile, Merve Kavakci is gone from the picture. Though clearly her metallic insensitivity and coldness live on.