Ahmet Kekeç (3 January 1961 – 14 November 2020) was a Turkish journalist, columnist and short story writer. Throughout his journalistic career, he wrote columns for various national media outlets including Millî Gazete, Yeni Şafak, Akit, Star and Evening. Kekeç is also known for his literary works alongside his political analyses and commentary on current events.

Life and Education

Ahmet Kekeç was born in Malatya in 1961. After attending Atatürk Primary School and Atatürk Middle School, he graduated from Atatürk High School in 1978. Following high school, he began his university education at At Ankara Gazi Education Institute.

Ahmet Kekeç (Anadolu Agency)

Professional Career

Kekeç began his journalism career in 1985 at In Millî Gazete. In 1993, he assumed the position of General Publishing Director at Profil magazine. In 1994, he joined the newspaper Zaman, where he served as editor for the culture, arts and literature section.

He worked at Yeni Şafak newspaper between 1995 and 1999. From 2000 to 2005, he was employed at Akit newspaper. In 2012, he began writing a column for Star newspaper. From 2017 onward, he wrote columns for Akşam newspaper.

In addition to his journalism career, Kekeç also produced television programs. Between 2006 and 2007, he created and hosted the program “Neden” on Ülke TV. Later, he produced the program “Nerede Kalsak” on the 24 TV channel.

Literary Identity and Works

Ahmet Kekeç described himself primarily as a “storyteller.” He stated that his literary works centered on human beings, exploring their conflicts, joys and sorrows.

The works he authored throughout his life include:

• Short Stories: “Son İyi Şeyler” (1985),
• Novel: “Yağmurdan Sonra” (2000),
• Essays: “Beni Türk İmamlarına Emanet Ediniz” (1991), “Atam Sen Kalk Ben Yatam” (1993), “İnek Sosyalizmi” (1996), “Maalesef Türkiye” (1996), “Yurtta Sus Cihanda Sus” (1996), “Gazeteciyim Ama Tedavi Görüyorum” (1999), “Kalanlar” (2003),
• Memoirs: “Derin Roman” (2004),
• Diary: “Kanamalı Haydut” (2005),
• Investigative Studies: “CIA ve 12 Eylül -Bir İhtilalin Romanı” (1993), “Ali Şükrü Bey Cinayeti” (1996), “Sıkı Adamlar” (2002).

Death

Ahmet Kekeç contracted COVID-19 in October 2020. He was admitted to hospital on 9 November 2020 and died on 14 November 2020 at the age of 59 at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Şehir Hastanesi, where he was receiving treatment.

His son Mehmet Hakan Kekeç announced his father’s death on social media with the message: “I do not know what to say. He fought like a lion, with his bare hands. We lost my father, Ahmet Kekeç. After the rain see you, father.”

Hakan Kekeç’s post regarding his father’s death (X)

Ahmet Kekeç’s death was met with widespread sorrow in media and literary circles. President Erdoğan issued a condolence message stating, “Writer Ahmet Kekeç has found mercy. May God grant him the highest paradise. I offer my condolences to his family and the Turkish nation.”^【1】 His funeral was held at Eyüpsultan Cemetery.

President Erdoğan visited the grave of Ahmet Kekeç (Presidency of Communications)