Baha Akşit, born in 1914 in the village of Yatağan, Denizli, transitioned from the medical profession to political life and played influential roles during Türkiye’s multi-party era. He became one of the leading members of the Democratic Party, was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment following the 1960 coup, and returned to politics after being pardoned, serving as a member of the Republic Senate. He is recognized for his long-standing contributions in the fields of medicine, education, and public service, and died in 1995.

Education and the Beginning of Professional Life

Baha Akşit began his education at the madrasa in his village. With the establishment of the Republic, he entered the modern education system. He completed his secondary education in Denizli and his high school education at Bursa High School. In 1935 he enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine of Istanbul University and graduated in 1941. His first medical posting was in Manisa/Kula, where he worked to combat malaria and tuberculosis. During the same period, he served as president of the Kula People’s House.

Between 1944 and 1947 he completed his military service as a military physician on the Thrace border. He then served as a government physician in Foça and Acıpayam. Due to his strong commitment to education, he led the initiative to establish Acıpayam Middle School. He later held positions in state hospitals in Manisa and Istanbul.

Entry into Politics and Parliamentary Service

Baha Akşit did not run in the 1950 elections but was elected as a member of parliament for Denizli from the Democratic Party in the 1951 by-elections. He served in the 9th, 10th and 11th terms of the Grand National Assembly. From 1957 to 1960 he served as Deputy Chair of the DP Parliamentary Group. He submitted numerous legislative proposals on health, education and other matters. He played an active role in the establishment process of Ege University and participated in various initiatives regarding the Cyprus issue as a member of parliament.

Yassıada Trials and Imprisonment

Following the 27 May 1960 coup, he was arrested along with other Democratic Party members and tried on Yassıada. He was sentenced to death on charges of violating the constitution, but the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. He remained in Kayseri Prison from 1961 to 1964, where he developed a close friendship with Celal Bayar. He was released in 1964 under a general amnesty.

Republic Senate and Later Years

After his political rights were restored, he was elected to the Republic Senate in 1975 from the Justice Party. In this role, he contributed to educational and infrastructure projects and initiated efforts to establish the Denizli Faculty of Medicine. He withdrew from active politics after the 1980 coup. In the final years of his life, he participated in various foundation and association activities.

Baha Akşit died on 27 September 1995 and was buried in his birthplace, the village of Yatağan.