Mehmet Ali Birand was a journalist, writer, and television personality who made significant contributions to journalism, column writing, news anchoring, and television production over many years.

Early Life and Education

Birand was born on the night of December 9, 1941, at the German Hospital in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, to Mürvet and İzzet Birand. His family had relocated to Istanbul from Palu, a district in Elazığ. Birand lost his father to a heart attack when he was two years old. After completing primary education at Erenköy Zihnipaşa Elementary School, he enrolled in Galatasaray High School in 1955 and graduated in 1962. Subsequently, he registered in the Department of French Language and Literature at Istanbul University Faculty of Philology but was unable to complete his studies due to financial difficulties.

^{Mehmet Ali Birand is answering questions. (AA)}

Professional Career

Mehmet Ali Birand began his journalism career in July 1964 at Milliyet newspaper. Guided by Abdi İpekçi, he took his first steps in the profession. In 1971, Birand relocated to Brussels, assuming the role of Milliyet’s European correspondent. During this period, he covered significant events such as the Cyprus Peace Operation, Council of Europe meetings, and developments along the Washington-Athens axis. Having served in Brussels for 20 years, he became well-known for his work in international relations and foreign policy.

In 1985, he became the producer and presenter of the news program 32. Gün broadcast on TRT 1. The program focused on international affairs and current political developments. In 1988, Birand conducted a groundbreaking interview with Abdullah Öcalan at the PKK camp in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, marking a first in Turkish press history.

^{Mehmet Ali Birand, from the 32. Gün program. (Mehmet Ali Birand Journalism and Democracy Association)}

Mehmet Ali Birand's Multifaceted Career and Legacy

Mehmet Ali Birand's career extended beyond news anchoring and writing to include significant work in documentary production. In 1989, he produced the documentary Cyprus. He subsequently contributed to documentaries covering key events in Turkey’s political history, including Demirkırat, 12 Mart, 12 Eylül, and Özallı Yıllar. These projects were produced in collaboration with notable journalists Can Dündar and Bülent Çaplı.

After returning to Turkey in 1991, Birand continued his journalistic career at the newspapers Sabah and Posta. In 1992, he began working as a news anchor on Show TV. He played an instrumental role in the founding of CNN Türk in 1997. Between 2005 and 2009, he presented Kanal D's main evening news bulletin. In 2009, he was appointed general broadcast director for both CNN Türk and Kanal D. Birand also authored several books including 30 Sıcak Gün ("30 Hot Days"), Diyet ("The Debt"), Türkiye’nin Avrupa Macerası ("Turkey’s European Adventure"), 12 Eylül 04.00 ("September 12, 04:00 AM"), and Emret Komutanım ("Yes, Commander").

In his later years, Birand managed news broadcast director roles simultaneously at Kanal D and CNN Türk.

Controversies

Birand's name appeared during the 1996–1997 28 February process within the controversial "Andıç" (Memo) prepared by then Deputy Chief of Staff General Çevik Bir. He faced charges of forgery and procedural irregularities related to programs he prepared for TRT. In 1994, Ankara’s 17th Criminal Court sentenced him to 11 months and 20 days in prison, though the sentence was converted to a monetary fine. Additionally, the court ordered compensation for damages caused to TRT.

Personal Life

Birand married Cemre Birand, whom he met at Milliyet newspaper, in 1971. The couple had one son named Umur Ali. Fluent in French and English, Birand lived in Belgium for many years and acquired Belgian citizenship.

Death and Legacy

After undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, Mehmet Ali Birand passed away at the age of 72 on January 17, 2013, at Istanbul American Hospital during a gallbladder stent replacement procedure. His funeral prayer was held at Teşvikiye Mosque, and he was buried in the family cemetery at Anadolu Hisarı Cemetery.

Renowned journalists such as Mithat Bereket, Çiğdem Anad, Ali Kırca, and Cüneyt Özdemir were among those who trained under Birand.

^{Mehmet Ali Birand's Funeral Ceremony. (Photo: Berk Özkan, AA)}