Can Dündar, the prominent Turkish journalist and documentarian, has seen his personal life, particularly his long-standing marriage, become intertwined with the tumultuous political landscape of his home country. While his career has been marked by fearless reporting and a commitment to press freedom, his romantic history is predominantly defined by his enduring partnership with his wife, Dilek Dündar.
Can Dündar married Dilek Dündar in 1988, establishing a relationship that would span decades and face extraordinary challenges. Their union brought them a son, Ege Dündar, completing their family unit. For many years, their private life remained largely out of the intense public spotlight, allowing them to build a foundation of shared experiences and mutual support.
As Can Dündar's journalistic career advanced, particularly during his tenure as editor-in-chief of the newspaper Cumhuriyet, he became a more visible and often controversial figure. His investigative reporting, notably on alleged arms shipments by the Turkish intelligence service, drew the ire of the Turkish government. This period marked a significant shift, as their personal lives became increasingly subject to public scrutiny and political pressure.
In May 2016, an assassination attempt occurred outside an Istanbul courthouse where Dündar was on trial. In a moment of immense courage, Dilek Dündar bravely intervened, helping to subdue the assailant and potentially saving her husband's life. This dramatic event highlighted the extreme risks associated with Dündar's work and the unwavering support he received from his wife.
Following his sentencing and subsequent appeal, Can Dündar left Turkey for Germany in June 2016, seeking exile. Turkish authorities, however, subsequently confiscated Dilek Dündar's passport in September 2016, preventing her from joining her husband and son abroad. This action was widely seen as a punitive measure, with Dilek herself describing it as being held "hostage" by the state due to her husband's activities, according to various reports.
For nearly three years, Dilek Dündar remained in Turkey, separated from her family. She pursued legal avenues to regain her passport and made public appeals, highlighting the human rights violation she faced. Her struggle became a symbol of the broader crackdown on civil liberties in Turkey, drawing international attention and solidarity from press freedom organizations.
After a prolonged period of forced separation, Dilek Dündar was finally able to leave Turkey and reunite with Can and Ege in Germany in June 2019. This emotional reunion, captured in a widely shared family photo, marked the end of a challenging chapter of exile and separation for the family. The couple's resilience through such trying times underscored the strength of their bond.
Since their reunion, Can and Dilek Dündar have continued to reside in Germany, where Can remains an active voice for press freedom and democracy in Turkey. Their relationship serves as a testament to enduring partnership in the face of political adversity. Public records and media reports primarily focus on his long-term marriage to Dilek Dündar, with no other significant romantic relationships widely reported in his public life.