January 28

Born in 1883 in the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Suphi began his career as a journalist and political writer. He reported on social issues and became known for his powerful editorials advocating reform. In 1920, he played a pivotal role in founding the Communist Party of Turkey. Suphi sought to mobilize workers and peasants under a socialist platform in the early Republic. In January 1921, he and several comrades were murdered off the Black Sea coast, ending his movement. Despite his untimely death, his writings continued to inspire leftist thought in Turkey.

Born in Athens in 1862, Anastasios Metaxas was a pioneering Greek architect and champion marksman. As an architect, he played a key role in restoring and designing neoclassical buildings in Athens. At the 1908 London Olympics, Metaxas won a bronze medal in the free rifle shooting event. His dual career showcased a rare blend of artistic creativity and competitive precision. Metaxas’ architectural works include public buildings and monuments that remain landmarks in Greece. He passed away in 1937, remembered for his contributions to both sports and architecture.

Born in 1946 in Istanbul, Zarakolu co-founded Belge Publishing in 1977, challenging strict censorship in Turkey. She published works on Kurdish and Armenian identities, human rights, and history, often facing legal prosecution. An outspoken advocate for freedom of expression, she endured several trials and short imprisonments. Zarakolu translated and introduced banned texts to Turkish readers, amplifying marginalized voices. She was honored with the PEN Freedom to Publish Award in 1998 for her courageous efforts. Her legacy endures in the struggle for democratic rights and a pluralistic cultural dialogue. She died in 2002.

Alexander Chancellor (1940–2017) was a respected British journalist and editor whose career spanned over fifty years. He edited The Spectator magazine in the late 1970s and early 1980s, guiding it through pivotal political debates. Chancellor later wrote columns and essays for leading newspapers such as The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph, earning praise for his insightful commentary and elegant prose. A member of a prominent journalistic family, he championed journalistic integrity and mentored young writers. His work influenced public discourse on politics and culture in the UK. Chancellor's legacy endures in the writers he inspired and the publications he helped shape.