Melih Esenbel

Melih Rauf Esenbel (March 15, 1915 – July 27, 1995) was a Turkish diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Early years Melih Rauf was born 1915 in Istanbul. He was educated in law at Istanbul University following his graduation from Galatasaray High School.

In 1936, he entered in the service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a probationary clerk. He left the post in 1937 due to his conscription.

Career In 1960, he served as Ambassador to Washington, D.C. from March 24 to October 28. Returned to Turkey, Esenbel became High Counselor to the Secretary General on December 1, 1960. On January 9, 1967, he was appointed the second time to the Embassy in the USA serving at this post until November 1, 1974.

Prime minister Sadi Irmak, who was tasked by President Fahri Korutürk with forming of a caretaker government, appointed Melih Esenbel as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served at this post from November 13, 1974, until March 30, 1975, the resignation of the cabinet due to a vote of no confidence in the parliament.

On April 1, the same year, Esenbel became for the third time Ambassador to Washington, D.C., where he acted until July 14, 1979. After completion of his duty in the USA, he returned home and was promoted to Minister-Counselor. On August 23, 1979, Melih Esenbel retired.

Personal life Melih Esenbel died on July 27, 1995, in Istanbul. He was survived by his wife Emine and his two children. He was laid to rest at the family grave in Yahya Effendi Tekkesi graveyard.