Burhan Felek, who began his journalism career in 1909, worked as a columnist for various newspapers and served as president of the Turkish Journalists Association. He held several leadership positions in sports, including president of the Turkish National Olympic Committee, and was actively involved in athletics and gymnastics. Throughout his professional life, he played an active role in the organization of the press and sports sectors.

Burhan Felek (AA)

Education and Youth Years

Burhan Felek was born in Istanbul in 1889. He began his education in Istanbul and attended Galatasaray Sultanisi for a period before graduating from the Faculty of Law at Istanbul Darülfünunu. During his student years, Felek developed a strong interest in literature and journalism, and he began writing during his high school years. Although he completed his legal studies, he chose not to practice law and instead turned toward the worlds of journalism and sports. During this time, he engaged particularly with publications aimed at youth and sporting activities, becoming deeply immersed in the dynamic social fabric of the era.

Journalistic Career

Burhan Felek’s journalistic journey began in 1909 at the newspaper Tanin. He later wrote for Tasvir-i Efkâr, Akşam, Cumhuriyet, and especially Milliyet. He became best known for his daily humorous columns titled “Her Gün” published in Milliyet. In these columns, he captured observations of everyday life with a witty style, generating widespread public impact. He also wrote social commentary under the pseudonym “Nasreddin Hoca,” using satire to critique societal events. From 1950 onward, Felek assumed the presidency of the Turkish Journalists Association, leading efforts to advance professional rights. For many years, he remained faithful to journalistic principles and served as a model for younger generations.

Sports and Sports Administration

Burhan Felek began engaging with sports at a young age, competing personally in disciplines such as athletics, gymnastics, wrestling, and swimming. One of the key figures in popularizing modern sports in Türkiye, Felek participated in the founding of the Turkish Union of Sports Societies (today’s Turkish National Olympic Committee). He served as president of the Turkish National Olympic Committee from 1938 to 1952 and again from 1960 to 1982. He was also among the leaders of the Istanbul Gymnastics Club and Galatasaray Sports Club. In his efforts to promote sports, he placed great emphasis on encouraging youth participation.

Literary Personality and Publishing

Burhan Felek’s literary side developed closely alongside his journalistic career. Masterfully employing humor, he reflected slices of daily life, social criticism, and human relationships in a simple yet compelling language. Particularly in his columns, he succeeded in speaking in the voice of the people, reaching broad audiences. Felek developed a humorous and ironic style aimed at both amusing and provoking thought in his readers. In books such as Felekten Bir Gün, Bir Günlük İstanbul, Yaşadığımız Günler, Eski Dostlar, and Hayatım, he produced significant examples in the genres of memoir, anecdote, and essay.

Final Years and Death

Burhan Felek never put down his pen until the end of his life. Over his 93-year life, he left lasting contributions in the fields of press, sports, and literature in Türkiye. He died in Istanbul on 16 November 1982. Felek left behind both a written and a spiritual legacy, and his name continues to be honored in various facilities, schools, and sports venues across Istanbul. The “Burhan Felek Press Service Award” presented by the Turkish Journalists Association has become a symbol of his professional legacy.