Naim Talu
Mehmet Naim Talu | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1919-07-22 Istanbul, Turkey |
| Died | 1998-05-15 Istanbul, Turkey |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, banker, politician |
| Years active | 1943–1998 |
| Known for | Prime Minister of Turkey (1973–1974) |
Mehmet Naim Talu (22 July 1919 – 15 May 1998) was a prominent Turkish economist, banker, politician, and served as the prime minister of Turkey.
Biography
Born in Istanbul in 1919, Naim Talu completed his secondary education at Kabataş Erkek Lisesi. He earned a degree in economics from Istanbul University in 1943. His early career began at Sümerbank, a government-owned textile enterprise. In 1946, he joined the Central Bank of Turkey, where he was promoted to general director in 1967 after a year as deputy director. When the bank underwent restructuring in 1970, he assumed the role of Governor of the Central Bank. Talu died in Istanbul in 1998.
Political career
Talu entered politics in 1971 as Minister of Trade within the second cabinet led by Erim, continuing his ministerial duties under Melen. In 1972, President Cevdet Sunay appointed him to the Senate. After Melen resigned, President Fahri Korutürk entrusted Talu with forming the 36th government on 15 April 1973. This caretaker administration was backed by the Justice Party and the Republican Reliance Party. His tenure lasted until 26 January 1974, when a coalition headed by Bülent Ecevit took office. Talu remained a senator until 1976.
Alongside his political engagements, Talu played a significant role in the financial sector. From 1974 onwards, he was a board member of Akbank, one of Turkey’s leading banks, eventually becoming its chairman until shortly before his passing in 1998. During this time, he also served as a trustee for the Sabancı Foundation.
He left behind his wife Gevher Talu and daughters Tülin Talu and Füsun San.