Kazım Karabekir

👤 Who Was He?

Kazım Karabekir was a prominent commander and educator during the founding period of the Republic of Türkiye. A close comrade-in-arms of Atatürk, Karabekir was a leader who deeply loved children and placed great importance on education. Among the public he was known as the “Father of Orphans.”

👶 Childhood and Family

Kazım Karabekir was born in Istanbul in 1882. His father was an officer in the Ottoman Army. His family was large, and he lost his father and several siblings at a young age. As a result, he learned to overcome hardship early in life. These losses instilled in him a deep appreciation for children as he grew older.

🎖️ Military Education and Career

Kazım Karabekir aspired to become a soldier. For this reason, he attended the Istanbul Military School and later the Military Academy. After successfully completing his education, he held various posts in the Ottoman Army.

Key Fronts Where He Served

- Tripolitania and the Balkan Wars

- The Eastern Front (Caucasus) during the First World War

He achieved significant success there, liberating cities such as Erzurum, Kars, and Sarıkamış from enemy occupation.

Kazım Karabekir (generated by artificial intelligence)

⭐ Role in the War of Independence

After the Armistice of Mudros, Kazım Karabekir was sent to Eastern Anatolia under orders from the Istanbul Government. However, he did not wish to surrender this region to occupiers. When Mustafa Kemal Paşa landed in Samsun, Karabekir Paşa supported him. He participated in the Erzurum Congress and organized the people of the eastern front to join the national struggle.

As Commander of the Eastern Front, he won successful campaigns against the Armenians. His victories ensured that Eastern Anatolia remained within the borders of Türkiye.

🧒 His Commitment to Orphans and Education

Kazım Karabekir never forgot the children left orphaned by war. He established special schools, dormitories, and workshops for them, ensuring that both boys and girls received an education.

These children:

- Learned to read and write.

- Played musical instruments.

- Engaged in crafts and the arts.

- Some even formed military bands!

📚 Books He Wrote

Kazım Karabekir compiled his memoirs and observations into books, writing about the wars, children, and his views on education.

His Most Famous Works

- Our War of Independence

- The Struggle of the Pashas

- Our Cause for Children

During the Republic Era

After the proclamation of the Republic, he became a member of parliament and served in the Grand National Assembly. He never abandoned his love for the homeland until the end of his life. He passed away in Istanbul in 1948, leaving behind thousands of children and a generation devoted to education.

Kazım Karabekir (generated by artificial intelligence)

🗣️ His Words and Legacy

Kazım Karabekir summarized the importance of education with these words:

“A nation’s salvation comes only through knowledge.”

Today, his name continues to live on in schools, libraries, and parks.

📚 References

Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. “Kazım Karabekir.” Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. Accessed 26 May 2025. https://www.ktb.gov.tr/TR-96527/kazim-karabekir.html

Atatürk Research Center. “Kazım Karabekir Paşa.” Higher Council for Atatürk Culture, Language and History. Accessed 26 May 2025. https://atam.gov.tr/kisi/kazim-karabekir-pasa/

Turkish Historical Society. “Kazım Karabekir.” TTK Official Website. Accessed 26 May 2025. https://www.ttk.gov.tr/kazim-karabekir/