Cengiz Topel (2 September 1934 – 8 August 1964) was a heroic pilot officer in the Turkish Air Forces. During an air operation in 1964 against Greek Cypriot attacks on Cyprus, his aircraft was shot down, he was captured, and died as a result of torture. He is remembered in history as the first Turkish pilot to be martyred on Cyprus.

Cengiz Topel was born in 1934 in İzmit as the third child of a family from Of, Trabzon. His father, İsmail Hakkı Bey, was a tobacco expert, and his mother, Mebuse Hanım, was a homemaker. Due to his father’s public service duties, the family frequently moved between cities, causing Topel’s childhood to be spent in various locations such as İzmit, Muş and Şanlıurfagibi. After his father’s death in 1943, Topel became an orphan at a young age and settled in Istanbul with his family.

Topel completed his primary education in Bandırma, Gönen and Istanbul, and graduated from Kadıköy Yeldeğirmeni Second Middle School. During these years, Cengiz was known by his peers as calm, hardworking and helpful. He began his high school education at Haydarpaşa High School and later transferred to Kuleli Military High School after successfully passing the competitive entrance examinations for military schools. After graduating in 1953, he entered the Army War College and graduated in 1955 with the rank of second lieutenant.

Cengiz Topel. (TRT)

In 1955, Topel applied to join the Air Forces, passed the medical examinations successfully, and was selected for pilot training. He conducted his first flights at the Flight School in Gaziemir, İzmir, using Miles Magister and T-6 aircraft.

In 1956, he was sent to Canada, where he first underwent a six-month advanced English language course in London, Ontario, followed by basic and advanced pilot training on T-6, T-33 and F-86 aircraft at Moose Jaw and Gimli air bases. After successfully completing his training, he returned to the Turkish Air Forces and served in critical squadrons such as the 143rd Squadron (Merzifon) and the 112th Squadron (Eskişehir).

While serving in the 1st Squadron, Topel adapted to the F-100 aircraft and quickly attained combat-ready pilot status. Known for his calm demeanor and sportsmanlike character in social life, Cengiz Topel led a modest life in Eskişehir with his mother. His passion for flying compelled him to continue his duties despite suffering from severe sinusitis. The phrase “Flying is everything to me” encapsulates his character.

The escalating events in Cyprus in 1963 prompted the Turkish Air Forces to mobilize. On 8 August 1964, Captain Cengiz Topel, as leader of a four-aircraft mission, took off from Eskişehir to support the Erenköy resistance. Their objective was to attack Greek Cypriot ships at Gemikonağı Harbor and prevent reinforcements. Fakat during the mission, his aircraft was hit by intense anti-aircraft fire, forcing Topel to eject by parachute. He landed behind enemy lines and was captured by Greek Cypriot forces shortly after.

It has been documented that after landing, Topel resisted until he ran out of ammunition, burned his military maps, and defended himself with his weapon. Despite being captured, he refused all demands by the Greek Cypriots to make statements against Türkiye.

According to various sources, he was taken to the Güzelyurt Monastery, where he was tortured and severely injured. Despite international agreements prohibiting such treatment, Topel, who was captured alive, suffered extreme abuse and died in a Greek Cypriot hospital on 9 or 10 August 1964. Autopsy reports clearly revealed evidence of torture:

"Upon examination of the autopsy report conducted at Lefkoşa Turkish General Hospital, bruising and subconjunctival hemorrhage were found on the right eyelid, along with lacerations and abrasions covering the entire right side of the neck, and extensive bruising affecting the entire right shoulder and scapula region. A 0.5 cm diameter, inflamed skin wound was identified on the upper outer third of the right arm. All these signs of trauma were confirmed to have been inflicted while Cengiz Topel was still alive. The lower half of the right scapula was fractured. The posterior ends of ribs six through eight on the right side were broken. Four bullet wounds were found, fired from various directions. Two bullet wounds were present on the back: one at the level of the eleventh rib on the right side and another eight centimeters from the spine at the level of the eighth rib on the left side. The bullets entering the back traveled from rear to front and from above downward. Two bullet wounds were also found on the left leg, fired from close range, traveling from rear to front but from below upward. A 0.5 cm diameter hole of unknown origin was found on the right arm. Under all these findings, it was determined that Cengiz Topel was subjected to torture at the place he was taken to; he was beaten, and the injuries to his neck and scapula occurred during this period; the 0.5 cm hole in his right arm was also determined to have been inflicted as part of the torture. The bullet wounds on his back and legs were likely inflicted while he was lying face down, with shots fired from multiple directions. Since all the blunt force injuries were concentrated on the right side of his body, it is probable that these tortures occurred while he was lying on the ground. The two bullets that entered his back and shattered his lungs were the cause of his martyrdom."^【1】

Interview with the doctor who recovered Topel’s body (TRT)

Topel’s body was brought to Lefkoşa Turkish General Hospital and honored with a large funeral ceremony. Subsequently, with the assistance of the United Nations, it was transferred to Türkiye, first to Adana, then to Ankara, and finally to Istanbul.

The funeral ceremony held on 14 August 1964 at Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Camii is recorded as one of the largest gatherings in Istanbul since Atatürk’s funeral. Hundreds of thousands of citizens poured onto the streets to pay their final respects to Cengiz Topel, who was laid to rest at Edirnekapı Martyrs’ Cemetery.

(TRT)

Cengiz Topel’s name has been given to streets, schools, barracks and hospitals across Türkiye. A hospital in Northern Cyprus, an air base in Türkiye, and numerous monuments keep his memory alive.

Topel is the first pilot in the history of the Republic of Türkiye to be martyred through torture. He is remembered for his sense of duty, courage, calmness and exemplary character, serving as an inspiration to young officers. He has earned a lasting place in the memory of the Turkish nation.

Cengiz Topel in Archive Records (TRT)

Documentary on Cengiz Topel (Presidency of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye)