Hayri Kozakçıoğlu

Hayri Kozakçıoğlu (1938 – May 23, 2013) was a Turkish high-ranking civil servant and politician. He served as district governor, police chief, province governor in various administrative divisions. He was known as the first regional governor in the state of emergency ("OHAL") imposed in the provinces of Southeastern Anatolia and governor of Istanbul Province. He was found dead on the morning of May 23, 2013, in his house at Sarıyer, Istanbul.

Early life and career Hayri Kozakçıoğlu was born in 1938 to Ahmet and his spouse Lütfiye in Alaşehir, Manisa Province.

After completing his primary education in Alaşehir, Kozakçıoğlu attended Atatürk High School in İzmir, finishing in 1955. He was educated then in political science at Ankara University between 1955-1959.

Following his graduation in 1959, he entered state service in the Ministry of the Interior, becoming a candidate district governor. Kozakçıoğlu served later as district governor in Çamlıhemşin, Ardeşen, Delice, Çüngüş, Çınar, Kepsut and Gökçeada (Imbros) he was appointed in 1978, governor of Erzurum Province. His next post was the office of police chief in Istanbul Province for the period July 17, 1978 – December 18, 1979.

On September 12, 1980, Kozakçıoğlu served as governor for three years in Adana Province and, for three and half years in Sakarya Province also. On January 12, 1987, he was appointed governor of Diyarbakır Province.

A region known as the OHAL region was established in 1987 in Southeastern Anatolia, which at the beginning included eight provinces such as Bingöl, Diyarbakır, Elazığ, Hakkari, Mardin, Siirt, Tunceli and Van. Kozakçıoğlu became the first regional governor, appointed by President Turgut Özal. Called "super governor" , he took office on 19 July 1987.

Kozakçıoğlu was appointed on August 19, 1991 governor of Istanbul Province, the most populated administrative division in Turkey. This assault triggered riots in the Gazi Quarter that lasted for several days. People took to the streets and the police and Gendarmerie surrounded the neighborhood. More than 20 people died as the police shot at the crowds.

Family life Hayri Kozakçıoğlu married Sabire Kozakçıoğlu in 1959 . The couple has two daughters Faika (Alan, married 1992), Meral (Özekici, married 1999) and a son Ferhan.

Legacy A vocational high school in Kağıthane, Istanbul is named after him.

Scandals According to news published in September 1993 by the Turkish media, Hayri Kozakçıoğlu was accused of having speculated by transferring 2 billion Turkish Lira (approx. $250,000) of the funds provided by the United Nations from the regional governor's account to his private account, at the time he was the regional governor. He claimed that he did transfer the money on August 12, 1991, with the approval of Interior Minister Mustafa Kalemli, and he paid the amount back on January 18, 1993, upon the regional governor's request. However, Minister Kalemli stated that he had had no knowledge about this transaction.

Prime minister Tansu Çiller demanded Hayri Kozakçıoğlu's resignation. President Süleyman Demirel declared that "the funds were dedicated for discretionary spending in fight against terror. To disclose for what reason the funds were spent, might bring the state in difficulties".