Meral Akşener, the prominent Turkish politician often dubbed the "Iron Lady" of Turkish politics, has maintained a remarkably private yet publicly known romantic life centered around her long-standing marriage to Tuncer Akşener. Their enduring partnership, spanning over four decades, has been a quiet constant amidst her turbulent and high-profile political career, offering a glimpse into the personal foundation that has supported her public persona.
Their love story began in 1974, a time of significant political polarization in Turkey. Meral Gürer, as she was known then, first encountered Tuncer Akşener in a rather unconventional setting. Their families lived in houses sharing the same garden in İzmit. Meral recounted seeing a young man, Tuncer, wading through floodwaters in their shared garden, an image that immediately captivated her. This initial spark quickly blossomed into a deep affection, with Meral describing it as "love at first sight."
Their courtship was marked by a fascinating clash and eventual convergence of ideologies. Tuncer Akşener, an engineering student at ODTÜ (Middle East Technical University), was a staunch leftist, described by Meral as a "strict Maoist." In contrast, Meral held more right-wing views, and humorously, she would send him works by right-wing authors like Necip Fazıl and Safahat, much to the chagrin of his leftist friends. Despite their differing political leanings, their intellectual debates and mutual admiration forged a strong bond, with Tuncer penning beautiful letters and poems to Meral, which she reportedly still cherishes.
Their desire to marry faced initial resistance from both families, who were reportedly against their engagement while Meral was still studying. This opposition led to a period of "strikes" from both sides, with Tuncer even running away from home to press their case. Meral herself went on a hunger strike for 15 days. Their determination eventually prevailed, and the couple married in 1980. This period also saw a significant shift in Tuncer Akşener's political outlook; under Meral's influence, his leftist views softened, and he reportedly embraced a more right-wing perspective, demonstrating the profound impact they had on each other.
Throughout their marriage, Tuncer Akşener has remained a steadfast and supportive partner, largely staying out of the public eye while Meral ascended through the ranks of Turkish politics, serving as Interior Minister and later founding the İYİ (Good) Party. While details of their private life are kept guarded, it is widely understood that Tuncer's unwavering support has been crucial to Meral's political journey. He is an engineer by profession, and his dedication to their family has allowed Meral to pursue her demanding career.
Their union brought forth their only child, a son named Fatih Akşener. While Fatih largely maintains a private life away from the political spotlight, he is an integral part of the Akşener family. More recently, Meral Akşener has publicly shared her joy in becoming a grandmother twice over, with grandchildren named Pars and Ayda. These familial bonds underscore the personal life she has built alongside her public responsibilities.
The Akşener's relationship, while not frequently sensationalized by the media, stands as a testament to a durable partnership. Meral Akşener has occasionally spoken about Tuncer's quiet strength and his role as her anchor. Their story highlights a relationship built on mutual respect, intellectual connection, and unwavering support, evolving from a youthful romance with ideological contrasts into a mature and enduring marriage that has navigated the complexities of a high-profile political career. Their love story, rooted in a chance encounter and solidified by shared determination, continues to be a foundational aspect of Meral Akşener's life.