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

Early Life and Education

Cengiz Topel was the third child of a family from Of, born in İzmit in 1934. His father, İsmail Hakkı, was a customs officer, and his mother, Mebuse Hanım, was a homemaker. Due to his father’s government service, the family frequently relocated, which caused Topel’s childhood years to be spent in İzmit, Muş and Şanlıurfa. After his father’s death in 1943, he became an orphan at the age of nine and settled with his family in Istanbul.

Topel completed his primary education in Bandırma, Gönen and Istanbul, and graduated from the Kadıköy Yeldeğirmeni Second Middle School. During these years, Cengiz was known among his peers as calm, hardworking and helpful. He began his high school education at Haydarpaşa Lisesi and later transferred to Kuleli Military High School after passing the entrance examinations for the Turkish Military Academy. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1955 with the rank of second lieutenant.

Cengiz Topel. (TRT)

Beginning of Military Career and Pilot Training

In 1955, he applied to join the Air Forces, successfully passed medical examinations, 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; first completing 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).

Years in Eskişehir and Preparation for War

Topel adapted to the F-100 aircraft while serving under the 1st Squadron and achieved combat-ready pilot status within a short period. Known for his calm demeanor and sportsmanlike character in social life, Cengiz Topel lived with his mother in a house in Eskişehir. Despite suffering from severe sinusitis, his passion for flying prevented him from leaving his duties. The phrase “Flying is everything to me,” encapsulates his character.

Cyprus Mission and Final Flight

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

Captivity and Martyrdom

It is documented that after landing, Topel resisted until his ammunition was exhausted, 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. In violation of international agreements, despite being taken alive, Topel endured extreme brutality and died in a Greek Cypriot hospital on 9 or 10 August 1964. Autopsy reports clearly reveal signs of torture:

"Upon examination of the autopsy report conducted at the Nicosia Turkish General Hospital, bruising and hemorrhage beneath the eyelid of the right eye were observed, along with lacerations and skin abrasions covering the entire right side of the neck, and extensive bruising affecting the entire right shoulder and scapular region. A 0.5 cm diameter wound with inflamed edges was found on the upper outer third of the right arm. All these trauma signs were emphasized as having occurred while Cengiz Topel was alive. The lower half of the right scapula was fractured. The posterior ends of the sixth to eighth right ribs were broken. Four bullet wounds from different directions were identified. Two bullet wounds were located on the right side of the back at the level of the eleventh rib and on the left side of the back two centimeters from the spine at the level of the eighth rib. The bullets entering the back were fired from behind to front and from above downward. Two bullet wounds were also found on the left leg, fired from close range, from behind 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 first, and the injuries on his neck and scapula occurred during this period; the 0.5 cm hole on his right arm was also assessed as inflicted for torture purposes. The bullet wounds on his back and legs were likely caused while he was lying face down, with shots fired from various directions. Because all the blunt force injuries were concentrated on the right side of his body, it is likely that these tortures were inflicted while he was lying on the ground. The two bullets that entered his back and shattered his lungs were the cause of Cengiz Topel’s martyrdom."^【1】 

Interview with the doctor who retrieved Topel's body (TRT)

Funeral Ceremony and National Adoption

Topel’s body was brought to the Nicosia Turkish General Hospital and honored with a large funeral ceremony. Subsequently, it was transferred to Türkiye through United Nations mediation, first arriving in Adana, then Ankara, and finally 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, and Topel was laid to rest at Edirnekapı Martyrs’ Cemetery.

(TRT)

Legacy and Memory

The name of Cengiz Topel 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 under torture. He is remembered for his sense of duty, courage, calmness and exemplary character, serving as an inspiration to young officers. He has become an enduring symbol in the memory of the Turkish nation.

Archive Records of Cengiz Topel (TRT)

Cengiz Topel Documentary (Presidency of Communication, Republic of Türkiye)