May 15 Memorial Day for Air Force Martyrs

Memorial Day for Aviation Martyrs is observed annually on May 15 to honor Turkish aviation personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties. This date was established by a decision of the Turkish Aeronautical Association in 1935 and is commemorated through ceremonies that remember all aviators who died in service, beginning with the first martyrs of Turkish aviation.

Historical Background

The first martyrs of Turkish aviation were aviators who lost their lives in aircraft accidents during the “Istanbul–Alexandria Air Journey” in 1914. This flight was planned to demonstrate the Ottoman State’s presence in aviation, spanning from Istanbul through Anatolia and the Middle East to Egypt.

Two aircraft were assigned for the mission. The Bleriot aircraft named “Muavenet-i Milliye” carried Major Mehmet Fethi Bey and First Lieutenant Sadık Bey, while the Deperdussin aircraft named “Prens Celalettin” was piloted by Pilot Lieutenant Nuri Bey and Major İsmail Hakkı Bey. The aircraft departed from Istanbul on February 8, 1914.

The first aircraft followed the route from Istanbul through Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar, Konya, Tarsus, Aleppo, Homs, Beirut, and Damascus, reaching its destination. However, on February 27, 1914, due to technical problems during the flight from Damascus to Jerusalem, the aircraft crashed near Lake Tiberias, resulting in the deaths of Major Mehmet Fethi Bey and First Lieutenant Sadık Bey.

Pilot Lieutenant Nuri Bey and Major İsmail Hakkı Bey, aboard the second aircraft, reached Damascus via Homs and attended their comrades’ funeral. Continuing the journey, Nuri Bey lost his life on March 11, 1914, when his aircraft crashed into the sea during takeoff from Jaffa.

The three aviators who died in these accidents were buried in the cemetery adjacent to the Tomb of Saladin.

The First Aviation Martyrs and the Memorial

Major Mehmet Fethi Bey, First Lieutenant Sadık Bey, and Pilot Lieutenant Nuri Bey are recognized as the first aviation martyrs of Turkish aviation history. A memorial was erected in their honor in the Saraçhane neighborhood of Istanbul’s Fatih district. Designed by architect Vedat Tek and constructed from white marble and bronze, the monument stands approximately 7.5 meters tall.

The broken column motif on the monument symbolizes the uncompleted nature of the air journey.

Origin of the Memorial Day for Aviation Martyrs

The tradition of commemorating aviation martyrs in Turkish aviation history began after a crash on January 27, 1923. Tayyareci Binbaşı Fazıl, a veteran of the War of Independence, lost his life in an accident when the engine of the aircraft he was flying with a student failed. Following this incident, January 27 was officially recognized as “Memorial Day for Aviation Martyrs.”

Regular commemorative ceremonies were held on this date starting in 1926. However, due to the difficulties of organizing ceremonies during winter months, a change of date was considered. In accordance with a decision made by the Turkish Aeronautical Association in 1935, it was decided that commemorative ceremonies would be held on May 15.

Since then, aviation martyrs have been commemorated annually on May 15 through official ceremonies.

Commemorative Ceremonies

On May 15, commemorative ceremonies are held in various cities across Türkiye and abroad. One of the most significant centers in Türkiye is the Edirnekapı Martyrs’ Cemetery in Istanbul. Each year, ceremonies held there include a moment of silence, the laying of wreaths, and visits to the graves of the martyrs.

Representatives from aviation organizations, pilots, civil society groups, families of the martyrs, and officials from various institutions participate in these ceremonies.

These commemorative activities are not limited to Türkiye. Ceremonies are also held at the Turkish Aviation Martyrs’ Cemetery in Damascus, where the first aviation martyrs of Turkish history are buried. During these ceremonies, passages from the Quran are recited and prayers are offered.

Aviation Martyrs in Turkish Aviation History

Since the first aviation martyrs in 1914, numerous personnel have lost their lives while performing duties in Turkish aviation history. Among Turkish Air Force personnel, many officers, non-commissioned officers, cadets, and civilian staff have died in the line of duty.

These losses occurred due to aircraft accidents during flight operations, training flights, and military operations.

Martyrs’ Cemeteries

The graves of the first aviation martyrs of Turkish history are located in the cemetery adjacent to the Tomb of Saladin in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

In Türkiye, a dedicated aviation martyrs’ section exists at the Edirnekapı Martyrs’ Cemetery, where commemorative ceremonies are also held.