David Hayes

Turkey: Writers, Politics and Free Speech David Hayes

Hrant Dink (1954-2007) was the Armenian-Turkish editor-in-chief and columnist of the bilingual newspaper Agos. A journalist consistent and courageous in his efforts to speak the truth, defend justice and human rights, and promote understanding, he was a key figure in democratic dialogue in Turkey and beyond. On 19 January 2007, Hrant was assassinated by an ultra-nationalist Turk outside the Agos offices in Istanbul. This book is both a tribute to Hrant's life and a commitment to continuing his work. It contains a collection of essays and articles from 2001-07 published in www.openDemocracy.net on the topics of Turkish identity, democracy and free speech, including three articles by Hrant himself. Together, these writings offer valuable insight from into the dynamics of modern Turkey as the country grapples with political and social change, a difficult relationship with the European Union, and struggles over the truth and meanings of the past.