Unusual times: Remembering Turkey’s long sixties

The two decades spanning from 1960 to 1980 in Turkey marked a period of profound socio-political change, characterized by the emergence of new ideas, movements, and transformations that significantly influenced the entire society. This era, punctuated by three coups d’état and other pivotal historical events, shaped the formative experiences of diverse members of the young generation of time, regardless of their level of involvement. This article seeks to present a pluralistic memory narrative of Turkey’s long sixties, derived from the lived experiences of ordinary people, rather than solely focusing on the perspectives of activist individuals of the time. In doing so, the article aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of Turkey’s long sixties, shedding light on both the violence and utopian ideals that characterized the era. Furthermore, it seeks to contribute to an “agonistic memory” narrative of this contested period by acknowledging its complexity and bringing to light other perspectives alongside the dominant narratives.