Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu
Turkish politician and economist
An economist and politician from Turkey. Served as the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) since 2010. Elected to the Turkish Parliament and has been an influential figure in Turkish politics. Advocated for social democracy and economic justice. Ran for president of Turkey in the 2023 elections, challenging the incumbent. Focused on issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and democratic governance throughout political career.
Led the Republican People's Party since 2010
Ran for President of Turkey in 2023
Other People Born on December 17th
Liisa Ehrberg
Estonian cyclist with championship titles
Born
December 17th, 1988 37 years ago
Competed in various national and international cycling events. Achieved significant success in road cycling, including participation in the UCI Women's World Tour. Represented Estonia in multiple championships, contributing to the visibility of Estonian cyclists on the global stage.
Continue ReadingÉmilie du Châtelet
Mathematician and physicist, contributed to energy
Born
December 17th, 1706 319 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1749 276 years ago — 42 years old
Contributions to mathematics and physics included significant work on kinetic energy and the conservation of energy. Translated and commented on Isaac Newton's 'Principia Mathematica', expanding its reach and accessibility. Developed a mathematical framework for understanding energy which laid groundwork for later scientific developments. Engaged in philosophical discourse, advocating for women's education and scientific inquiry.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hidayatullah
Indian Chief Justice and Vice President
Born
December 17th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1992 33 years ago — 86 years old
Served as the 11th Chief Justice of India from 1968 to 1970, significantly impacting the Indian legal system. Held the position of the sixth Vice President of India from 1979 to 1984, participating in legislative functions and presidential duties. Contributed to legal education and wrote extensively on various legal topics. Actively involved in politics and addressed key judicial reforms during tenure.
Continue ReadingMary Cartwright
Mathematician and academic in England
Born
December 17th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 97 years old
Contributions included work in mathematical biology and chaos theory. Demonstrated how certain mathematical problems could explain the behavior of non-linear systems. Worked on the theory of differential equations and was influential in the analysis of oscillating systems. Served as a professor at the University of Birmingham, where significant research and teaching occurred throughout a lengthy academic career.
Continue ReadingSimo Häyhä
Finland's legendary World War II sniper
Born
December 17th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
April 1st, 2002 23 years ago — 96 years old
A Finnish soldier achieved significant notoriety during the Winter War (1939-1940) between Finland and the Soviet Union. Renowned for exceptional marksmanship skills, recorded over 500 confirmed kills as a sniper. Utilized a Finnish M28/30 rifle and took advantage of the winter landscape to conceal movements. Adopted a strategy that involved minimizing exposure and maximizing stealth, earning the nickname 'White Death.' Survived serious injuries and continued to lead a private life after the war until passing away in 2002.
Continue ReadingJack L. Chalker
American author of speculative fiction
Born
December 17th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2005 20 years ago — 60 years old
An American author focused on speculative fiction, produced numerous novels and series throughout the late 20th century. Chalker explored themes of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, appealing to a wide range of readers. His most notable work, the Well World series, consists of several interconnected novels detailing an expansive universe. Chalker also published works under different pseudonyms and contributed to various magazines. He was active in the writing community and participated in numerous conventions.
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