Perhaps, you have heard whispers of a political force advocating Turkish Islamonationalism. This is the Büyük Birlik Partisi Genel Merkezi. It stands here in Ankara. It is more than just a building. It is the heart of a movement.
The Great Unity Party’s story began on January 29 1993. Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu founded it. He broke away from the Nationalist Task Party. This split followed a disagreement with Alparslan Türkeş.
Yazıcıoğlu’s departure was not simply about religious convictions. It was rooted in the aftermath of the 1980 Turkish coup d’état. Türkeş made a speech. He defended himself. He said his beliefs aligned with the generals who organized the coup. This ideological separation grew. It surfaced after Türkeş dismissed the Ankara headquarters of the MHP. This dismissal showed an anti-democratic approach. It became the final breaking point.
The BBP has often found its way into Parliament. It did so through electoral coalitions. In 2002 the party secured 1.1% of the popular vote. They however did not win any seats. In 2007 Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu was elected as an independent. In 2009 the BBP’s candidate became the mayor of Sivas.
Tragedy struck on March 25 2009. Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu died in a helicopter crash. The crash occurred in south-eastern Turkey. A large search operation began. The wreckage was found after 47 hours. All six people on board perished. İsmail Güneş survived the crash initially. He called for help. He reported a broken leg. But bad weather hampered the search. By the time rescuers arrived all six were dead.
In May 2010 a BBP delegation participated in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. They were aboard the ship MV Mavi Marmara.
Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu defined the BBP’s vision for Turkey. He said their cause was “we love the creation because of the creator”. He emphasized unity. He said the party does not separate people by ethnicity. He stated Kurds are brothers and the PKK is the enemy. He wanted a truly democratic country.
In 2016 the Alperen threatened to stop Istanbul’s gay pride march. They declared that degenerates would not be allowed to carry out their fantasies.
Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu led the party from its start until his death in 2009. Yalçın Topçu then took over. Later Mustafa Destici assumed leadership. He briefly stepped down. But he returned to lead the BBP again.
The BBP remains a significant force in Turkish politics. It stands for its principles. Its headquarters here in Ankara symbolizes its ongoing commitment. The Büyük Birlik Partisi Genel Merkezi continues to be a hub for Turkish Islamonationalism. It is a place where political discourse shapes the nation’s future.