Mehmet Fesa Evrensev (1878–1951) was the first pilot of the Turkish Air Force and the founding general manager of the State Airlines Administration (later known as Turkish Airlines). Having received flight training in France in 1911, he became the first Turkish pilot to conduct a flight in the country’s airspace. He served actively during the Balkan Wars and World War I.^【1】 

^{Mehmet Fesa Evrensev (TRT)}

Youth and Education

Mehmet Fesa Evrensev was born in 1878 in the Gedikpaşa district of Istanbul. His father was Mr. Mustafa Cami, and his mother was Mrs. Zeliha Münevver. After completing his primary and secondary education in Istanbul, he enrolled at Galatasaray High School in 1887, where he received a modern and advanced education. In 1897, he entered the Ottoman Military Academy (Mekteb-i Harbiye) and graduated in 1899 with the rank of cavalry second lieutenant. In the early 20th century, he served in various positions within the Ottoman Army, including in the 1st and 6th Cavalry Regiments.

Career and Achievements

In 1911, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev won a state-sponsored exam administered by the Ministry of War to receive pilot training abroad. He was subsequently trained at the Blériot Flight School in France. On March 10, 1912, he was officially certified as a pilot by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). His flight on April 26, 1912, in Yeşilköy was recorded as the first flight by a Turkish pilot in Turkish airspace. Since 2000, this date has been observed as “Pilots’ Day” in Türkiye and, following a 2013 application by Türkiye, has also been recognized as “World Pilots’ Day” by the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) since 2014.

During the Balkan Wars, Evrensev served as the Commander of the Aircraft Detachment and conducted reconnaissance flights over Edirne, Çatalca, and the Thrace fronts. During World War I, he was captured while on a mission over the Black Sea and was sent to Siberia. After nearly six years of captivity, he escaped and returned to Turkey via Moscow in 1920. During the Turkish War of Independence, he served on the Western Front (Batı Cephesi) and was promoted to the rank of major during this period.

Following the proclamation of the Republic, he worked at the Air Undersecretariat from 1925 to 1933. During this time, he contributed to the establishment and development of Turkey’s aviation infrastructure. In 1933, he was appointed as the first general manager of the State Airlines Administration, where he undertook key responsibilities in establishing flight safety protocols, organizing the aircraft fleet, and structuring administrative operations.¹

Personal Life

In addition to his military and civil aviation roles, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev had diverse personal interests. He is known to have enjoyed horseback riding, playing tennis, and driving automobiles in his spare time. His fluency in French, English, Greek, and Arabic provided significant advantages in the various duties he undertook. Sources describe him as a composed and determined individual. Although information about his family life is limited, it is evident that he dedicated most of his life to public service and aviation-related endeavors.

Later Years and Death

In 1943, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev began experiencing health problems and was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis at the Heybeliada Sanatorium. Despite an extended treatment period, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away in Istanbul on April 9, 1951. He was buried at Karacaahmet Cemetery. In the years following his death, his name was commemorated only to a limited extent relative to his pioneering role in aviation history.

^{The Grave of Mehmet Fesa Evrensev}

Legacy and Impact

Mehmet Fesa Evrensev is regarded as one of the founding figures in the history of Turkish military and civil aviation. The initial steps toward institutionalizing aviation in Türkiye were taken during his service. His distinction as the first pilot of the Turkish Air Force, his contributions to the organizational development of civil aviation, and his role as the first general manager of Turkish Airlines define the key aspects of his aviation career.

The flight he conducted on April 26, 1912, remains recorded as the first flight by a Turkish pilot in the country’s airspace. Since 2000, this date has been celebrated in Türkiye as “Pilots’ Day” and, since 2014, recognized globally by IFALPA as “World Pilots’ Day.” Today, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev’s name continues to be referenced in aviation institutions, museums, and training programs across Türkiye.