Saadet Partisi Founder Recai Kutan Passes Away
Recai Kutan, the Founder of Saadet Partisi and a member of the High Consultation Board, has passed away at the age of 94. The announcement was made by Saadet Partisi stating, “Our esteemed Founder General Chairman of Saadet Partisi, Member of the High Consultation Board, and President of ESAM, Recai Kutan, has passed away.”
Expressing his condolences, Saadet Partisi General Chairman Temel Karamoğlu said, “I learned with deep sorrow about the passing of our esteemed elder, M. Recai Kutan, who was the Founder General Chairman of our party, a Member of the High Consultation Board, President of ESAM, and former Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, as well as a companion in the path and cause of our teacher Necmettin Erbakan. My heartfelt condolences to our dear nation and our community. May his place be in heaven, and his position be exalted.”
In his message, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Numan Kurtulmuş, said, “Inna lillahi ve inna ileyhi raciun. We are experiencing deep sorrow at the loss of our elder brother Recai Kutan, one of the prominent figures of Turkish politics known for his morals, personality, and statesmanship, and who devoted his life to the approval of Allah and the development of Turkey. May God surround him with His mercy, may his place be in heaven.”
Funeral arrangements have been announced by Saadet Partisi, stating that Kutan’s funeral will be held tomorrow (October 8) after the midday prayer at the Ahmet Efendi Mosque in Karşıyaka, Ankara, followed by burial at the Karşıyaka Cemetery.
Recai Kutan: A Life of Service and Leadership
Born in Malatya in 1930, Kutan founded the Turkish Engineering Consultancy Corporation in 1969. He began his political career as the Deputy Chairman of the MSP from 1974 to 1980. Throughout his political journey, he served as a Member of Parliament for Malatya in the 16th, 20th, and 21st terms. In the 1977 coalition government, he held the position of Minister of Reconstruction and Resettlement.
Following the coup d’état on September 12, 1980, Kutan, along with other leaders of the National Salvation Party, spent 10.5 months in prison. He later served as the Deputy Chairman of the Welfare Party and a Member of Parliament for Malatya after its establishment on July 19, 1983. From 1996 to 1997, he held the position of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources in the 54th Erbakan Government. After the closure of the Welfare Party, he became the Chairman of the Virtue Party, and following its closure, he served as the Founder General Chairman of Saadet Partisi for many years.
Apart from his political roles, Recai Kutan was also a member of the High Consultation Board of Saadet Partisi and served as the President of the Economic and Social Research Center, of which he was also a founding member.
Legacy of Recai Kutan: A Champion of National Vision
Throughout his long and illustrious career in Turkish politics, Recai Kutan was known for his unwavering commitment to the principles of the National Vision movement. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Turkey and upholding the values of justice, democracy, and solidarity.
As a close associate of the late Necmettin Erbakan, Kutan played a key role in shaping the political landscape of Turkey, particularly during challenging times of political turmoil and transition. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the history of the National Vision movement and the broader political landscape of Turkey.
Recai Kutan’s passing marks the end of an era in Turkish politics, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and activists who share his commitment to the ideals of justice, freedom, and prosperity for all. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
In conclusion, Recai Kutan’s contributions to Turkish politics and society are invaluable, and his passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him. His dedication to the National Vision movement and his tireless efforts to serve the people of Turkey will forever be remembered and celebrated. May his legacy inspire us to continue working towards a better and brighter future for all. Rest in peace, Recai Kutan.
