Mehmet Kıvık (born 1994, Menderes, İzmir) was a Turkish military officer. He completed his primary, middle, and high school education in Menderes, İzmir, and later earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University. After graduation, he joined the Turkish Armed Forces as a reserve officer.

Military Career and Martyrdom

Mehmet Kıvık’s Graduation (Source: Samet Poyraz)

Following his university education, Mehmet Kıvık took his first step in military service on 29 January 2018 as a cadet at the Eğirdir Mountain Commando School.

On 26 April 2018, he began his first assignment as a platoon commander in the 49th Commando Brigade in Bingöl with the rank of Second Lieutenant. While continuing his national service in the Commando Brigade, he attended the Fourth Basic Officer Course. After completing his second training at the Eğirdir Mountain Commando School, he fully integrated into the Turkish Armed Forces and continued his military career as a commando.

After completing the Basic Officer Course, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. His first assignment as a Lieutenant was with the 2nd Border Brigade in Çukurca, Hakkari. Lieutenant Mehmet Kıvık also served in Operation Claw Eagle and Operation Thunder.

On 26 April 2021, while conducting ground surveillance in the Nirvaseytü Base Area, he was killed when an explosive device planted by a terrorist organization as a trap detonated.

Funeral and Commemoration

Funeral Ceremony of Mehmet Kıvık (Republic of Turkey İzmir Governorship)

Lieutenant Mehmet Kıvık was laid to rest with honors attended by his family, close relatives, and numerous political figures. Among them were Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli, İzmir Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, Acting Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Suat Çağlayan, Commander of the Aegean Army General Ali Sivri, CHP Member of Parliament for İzmir Atilla Sertel, and Acting Chairman of the AK Party İzmir Provincial Branch Ali Aslan. ^【1】

His body was brought to İzmir and buried at Özdere Orta Mahalle Cemetery. Since his martyrdom, his name has been preserved through numerous initiatives by his loved ones and fellow soldiers. One such effort is the book “Yet I Was the Entire Sky,” written by his comrade Samet Poyraz. Libraries named in his honor have also been established at Fatih Middle School and Karakaya Primary School in Çarşamba, Samsun.