Lieutenant Colonel Songül Yakut was born in the Akçadağ district of Malatya province and served as a Turkish officer in the rank of lieutenant colonel within the Turkish Armed Forces. She holds a significant place in military literature as the first woman to serve as district commander of the Gendarmerie in its history. On 31 May 2017, she was martyred alongside 12 fellow soldiers in a helicopter crash that occurred in the Uludere district of Şırnak. ^【1】

^{Lieutenant Colonel Songül Yakut} (Anadolu Agency)

After completing her military education, Songül Yakut began her professional career in the armed forces and emerged prominently as an educator. For many years, she held positions as platoon and team commander within the Ankara Gendarmerie Schools Command. During this period, she was directly responsible for the adaptation and basic training of civilian candidates selected in the Gendarmerie General Command’s first-ever recruitment of female non-commissioned officers between 2002 and 2004. Following her educational duties in Ankara, she was assigned to the Beypazarı District Gendarmerie Command.^【2】

At a certain stage of her career, she was subjected to a trap orchestrated by terrorist organizations, leading to legal proceedings and her removal from duty. As a result of the legal battle she initiated, her innocence was established and she was reinstated to her military position by court order. After returning to duty, she continued to advance through the ranks and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.^【3】

^{Funeral Ceremony of Songül Yakut} (Anadolu Agency)

While serving in the rank of lieutenant colonel, she was assigned to Şırnak province, where she actively participated in counter-terrorism operations. As part of the region’s military activities, she oversaw and managed operational processes. Until her final mission on 31 May 2017, she remained one of the senior officers embedded within the region’s security structure.^{【4】 【5】}

On 31 May 2017, she was martyred when a military helicopter that had taken off from the Şırnak Şenoba Tugay Command crashed shortly after departure. In the crash, a total of 13 military personnel, including Songül Yakut, lost their lives. The incident occurred during an operational transfer in the region. Songül Yakut’s body was transported to her hometown of Malatya and buried in an official ceremony held there. In addition to her family and close relatives, several political figures attended the ceremony.

^{Funeral Ceremony of Songül Yakut} (Anadolu Agency)

Among those present were then Minister of Family and Social Policies Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, AK Party Deputy Chairman Öznur Çalık, Minister of Customs and Trade Bülent Tüfenkçi, CHP Deputy Chairman Veli Ağbaba, Governor Mustafa Toprak, Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Çakır, Deputy Commander of the Gendarmerie General Command Lieutenant General İbrahim Yaşar, and Provincial Gendarmerie Regiment Commander Colonel Şerafettin Yılmaz. ^【6】

Following her martyrdom, her name has been preserved by her family and admirers. The educational institution in Ören, her birthplace and childhood home, was renamed Şehit Yarbay Songül Yakut Primary and Secondary School. Additionally, the Ministry of National Education named the modern library established within the school after her under the Z Library initiative. Among the tributes to her memory are commemorative events and facilities opened in her name.^【7】