Kemal Zeytinoğlu (1911–1959) was a Turkish engineer and politician being a member of the Democrat Party (DP). He assumed various cabinet posts in the 1950s under Prime Minister Adnan Menderes. He died in a plane crash in the United Kingdom.
Early life and education
The memorial to the victims in the Turkish Airforce plot at Brookwood Cemetery
Zeytinoğlu was born in Kütahya in 1911.[1] His father was a businessman, Mesut Zeytinoğlu.[2] The family hailed from Tavşanlı, Kütahya.[2] His brother, Aziz, was also a politician and served as a deputy between 1961 and 1969.[3] His younger brother was Mümtaz Zeytinoğlu, a businessman who died in a road accident in February 1979.[2]
He graduated from Istanbul Engineering School and received a PhD in civil engineering in Vienna.[1][4]
Career
Following his graduation Zeytinoğlu worked as a civil engineer in Eskişehir.[1] In 1946 he joined the newly founded Democrat Party and took part in the establishment of its Eskişehir organization.[1][4] He was first elected as a deputy for Eskişehir in 1946 election and served at the Parliament during the 8th legislature.[1] He also served at the Parliament in the 9th and 10th legislatures.[1]
Zeytinoğlu was accompanying Prime Minister Adnan Menderes in a state visit on the Cyprus issue to be held in London on 17 February 1959.[4][7] The plane crashed in Jordan's Wood, Newdigate, Surrey, near London Gatwick Airport, and killed Zeytinoğlu and thirteen other Turkish officials, including crew members.[4][7] Menderes survived the accident.[4][7] Zeytinoğlu's body was brought to Ankara by the British Air Force plane and then, to Eskişehir by train for burial which took place on 24 February.[4]
Legacy
There are many streets named after him in Tavşanlı, Kütahya, and Eskişehir.[1]
