Boris Johnson’s Family and Their Turkish Heritage: A Curious History
Boris Johnson’s Family and Their Turkish Heritage: A Curious History
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, often speaks about his family's diverse and intriguing heritage. While he himself is recognized by a distinctly British name, his great-grandfather, Ali Kemal, had Turkish roots. However, the family's naming conventions and reasons behind their anglicized surname offer a fascinating glimpse into their history and the complexities of identity in the 20th century.
The Legacy of Ali Kemal
Ali Kemal, Boris Johnson’s great-grandfather, was a notable Turkish journalist and politician. Born in the early 20th century, Ali Kemal played a significant role in Turkish journalism and politics. However, like many individuals of his time, he did not have a surname in the traditional sense. Surnames in Turkey were introduced in 1934, and many people adopted family names afterward.
However, Ali Kemal’s story is one of tragedy and complexity. During a period of turmoil, he died in 1922, leaving behind his son, Boris Johnson's grandfather, and his sister Celma. At this time, the family faced challenging circumstances. The son and sister, upon migrating to England, adopted their maternal grandmother's surname, Johnson, as a way to establish a new identity in a foreign land.
The Complexity of Naming in the Johnson Family
The Johnson family's naming convention is a reflection of the complex history of the 20th century. Boris Johnson’s grandfather, who was named after his maternal grandmother, had his own personal reasons for choosing the Johnson name. These reasons were intertwined with political and social factors.
Johnson’s grandfather's mother, Winifred Brun, was the first wife of Ali Kemal and the stepmother of Boris Johnson’s great-grandfather. She was the daughter of Margaret Johnson, who, unfortunately, died during Ali Kemal’s imprisonment for his pro-British stance. This imprisonment was a result of his opposition to the Turkish revolutionaries, and his advocacy for British rule during the Ottoman Empire.
Ali Kemal’s political stance placed him in a difficult position. As an Ottoman minister of the interior during World War I, he was seen as a tool of the British by Turkish revolutionaries. This conflict between his Turkish heritage and his pro-British stance led to his eventual execution, as he continued to criticize Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, as a journalist.
The Decision to Adopt the Johnson Name
Given the context of the time, Boris Johnson’s grandfather decided to distance himself from his father’s Turkish and German lineage. The political turmoil and personal tragedies, including his mother’s death and his father’s imprisonment and execution, all contributed to his choice to adopt his grandmother's English name.
The decision to adopt the Johnson name was not only a practical choice but also a way to navigate the socio-political landscape of the 20th century. During the run-up to World War II, maintaining a British identity would have been more favorable for Boris Johnson’s grandfather, and indeed, for Boris Johnson himself.
Modern Day Recognition and Legacy
Even today, Boris Johnson’s ancestry is celebrated and recognized. His ancestral village, facing its own challenges, has even pledged to sacrifice a sheep in his honor. This gesture underscores the lasting impact and the enduring connection to his family’s heritage.
Moreover, Boris Johnson has cousins who are Turkish and whose grandfather was also involved in politics in Turkey. These connections to his extended family in Turkey highlight the pervasive influence of his great-grandfather's legacy.
Who you are and who you know can indeed shape one’s life and political career. However, despite these complex family ties and the lasting impact of his ancestors, Boris Johnson's character has remained consistent with his family's legacy. Boris Johnson is well-known in British political circles for his unconventional personality and his often controversial public persona, reminiscent of the notoriety of his grandfather in Turkish politics.
Conclusion
The story of Boris Johnson’s family and their Turkish heritage weaves a tapestry of historical intrigue, political upheaval, and personal identity. While the decision to adopt the Johnson name was practical and politically prudent, the family's connection to Turkish culture remains a significant facet of their history. Understanding these nuances can offer a deeper appreciation of Boris Johnson's diverse identity and the complex family history that shapes his personal and political journey.