Ali Hikmet Ayerdem was a lieutenant general who held military and political offices during the Ottoman and Republican periods. He began his military career in the late 19th century and participated in the Balkan Wars, the First World War, and the Turkish War of Independence. He served as Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defense and as Commander of the 2nd Army and was also a member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye for the 2nd and 5th terms. Ayerdem retired in 1935 and died in 1939; his remains were later transferred to the State Cemetery.

Ali Hikmet Ayerdem was born in 1876 in Yenişehir. He moved with his family to Bursa at an early age. He continued his education in military schools after beginning his studies in Bursa. He graduated from the Military Academy as a second lieutenant in 1898 and from the War College as a staff captain in 1902.

He began his military career under the command of the 3rd Army and served in various units before the Balkan Wars. He participated in the Action Army during the 31 March Incident. He was promoted to major in 1914 and to colonel in 1918. During the First World War, he served on the İzmir and Caucasus fronts.

In 1921, Ayerdem moved to Anatolia and joined the Turkish War of Independence. He held various positions on the Western Front and participated in the Great Offensive as Commander of the 2nd Army. He was decorated for his activities during the Battle of Sakarya. He was promoted to major general in 1922 and to lieutenant general in 1926.

He was elected as a deputy for Bursa in the 2nd term of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (1923–1927). He resigned from parliament in 1924 to continue his military service. After retirement, he returned to the Assembly in 1935 as a deputy for Gaziantep. During the same period, he also served as President of the Turkish Sports Organization.

Ali Hikmet Ayerdem died in Istanbul on 21 March 1939 due to a heart condition. He was buried in Zincirlikuyu Cemetery. In 1988, his remains were transferred to the State Cemetery. He was awarded various medals and honors, including the Independence Medal with Red Ribbon.