Menderes, Adnan (1899–1961)

Turkish politician. In 1945 he became one of the leaders of the new Democratic Party and was made prime minister when it came to power in 1950. Re-elected in 1954 and 1957, he was deposed in 1960 and superseded by General Cemal Gursel following an army coup. He was put on trial and hanged.

Menderes was born near Aydin and, though trained as a lawyer, he initially became a farmer. He entered politics in 1932, at first as member of the opposition and later with the party in power under Kemal Atatürk.