Hıfzı Oğuz Bekata

As of 1939 Bekata headed the language, history and literature branch of the People's Houses, a cultural organization.^[4] Then he worked at the Ministry of Economy and Trade in various posts.^[2] He became a member of the Republican People's Party in 1942 and was elected to the Parliament from Ankara in 1943.^[3] His tenure at the Parliament lasted until 1950.^[2] Then he worked as a freelance lawyer.^[3]

Bekata was again elected as a deputy in 1957 and served at the Parliament until 1960.^[3] Following the military coup on 27 May 1960 the rule of the Democrat Party ended, and a Constituent Assembly was formed. Bekata was made a member of the Assembly in 1961.^[3]

Bekata was appointed minister of state to the coalition cabinet formed by İsmet İnönü in 1961. He was reappointed to the post on 25 June 1962.^[5] Then he was named as the minister of interior in the next cabinet again led by İnönü on 17 October 1962, succeeding Sahir Kurtoğlu in the post.^[6] Bekata had to resign from the post on 4 October 1963 due to his conflict with the minister of health, Yusuf Azizoğlu, a member of the New Turkey Party.^[7] The tension occurred when Bekata accused Azizoğlu of collaborating with the Kurdist leaders.^[7][8] Bekata was also acting minister of defense in the same cabinet and served as the government spokesman.^[3] Bekata's successor as minister of interior was İlyas Seçkin.^[6]

Bekata was elected from Ankara as a senator in 1963 and held the post until 1975.^[3] He was among the opponents of the concept of the left of center which was discussed in the CHP congress held in October 1966.^[9] Then he joined the 76s group within the party which rejected the leftist policies.^[9]

Bekata published four books between 1960 and 1970 which were about politics in Turkey and foreign policy of Turkey.^[1] He contributed to various publications and also, wrote many poems.^[1]

Bekata was married and had two daughter.^[3] He died on 1 September 1995.^[1]

Bekata's library containing books on history of science, technology, engineering, philosophy of science, political sciences, history and philosophy was donated to Istanbul Technical University.^[2]