Devlet Bahçeli, the long-time leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a crucial ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, made a rare public appearance on Friday, following more than two months of absence that had sparked widespread speculation over his health and political future.
The 76-year-old politician was seen attending a ceremony at Ankara’s Beştepe Cemetery to mark the 28th anniversary of the death of MHP founder Alparslan Türkeş. In photographs shared by the party, Bahçeli appeared alert and smiling as he stood alongside senior party officials at the grave site.
Bahçeli had not been seen in public since early February, when he reportedly underwent heart surgery. His absence from weekly parliamentary group meetings and key political events triggered a wave of rumors on social media, including unsubstantiated claims regarding his death. The MHP had consistently denied such claims, releasing written statements attributed to Bahçeli throughout his recovery period.
Friday’s appearance comes at a time of heightened political tension in Turkey, following the March 19 arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key rival to Erdoğan. The arrest has sparked nationwide protests and growing unrest, particularly in major urban centers.
In a written statement issued earlier this week, Bahçeli accused opposition leaders and media outlets of inciting public disorder, warning that anti-democratic actions would have consequences. He also cautioned that continued demonstrations could lead to clashes reminiscent of the night of the failed 2016 coup attempt.
Bahçeli has led the MHP since 1997 and has played a pivotal role in shaping Turkey’s nationalist politics. His support was instrumental in the adoption of the 2017 constitutional amendment that transformed Turkey’s parliamentary system into a presidential one. He also backed Erdoğan in both the 2018 and 2023 presidential elections, reinforcing the alliance that underpins the current ruling bloc.
The MHP has not announced whether Bahçeli will resume his regular public duties in the coming weeks.
