Burhan Felek facts for kids

Burhan Felek was a very important Turkish journalist, writer, and sportsperson. He was born in Istanbul on May 11, 1889. He lived a long and active life, passing away in Istanbul on November 4, 1982, at the age of 93. He is remembered for his big contributions to both sports and journalism in Turkey.

After finishing law school in Istanbul in 1910, Burhan Felek worked in different jobs. He was a legal advisor for the Ministry of Commerce. He also taught at high schools and worked as a lawyer on his own. He was buried in the Karacaahmet Cemetery.

A Champion of Sports

Burhan Felek loved sports from a young age. He practiced many sports, including wrestling, athletics, and football. He even ran in 1500-meter races and played football. In 1907, he helped start the Üsküdar Anadolu Sports Club.

His Role in Sports Organizations

Even after he stopped playing sports actively, Burhan Felek stayed involved. He became a football referee. He also helped create big international sports events like the Balkan Games and the Mediterranean Games.

From 1938 to 1952, he was the secretary general of the Turkish Olympic Committee. Later, he served as its president for many years, from 1960 to 1964, and again from 1965 until his death in 1982.

In 1922, he joined Ali Sami Yen and Yusuf Ziya Öniş to found the Turkish Athletic Federation. He was the president of this federation until 1936.

A Long Career in Journalism

Burhan Felek started his journalism journey in 1909. He began by writing for a sports magazine called İdman. His professional career started the next year when he wrote for Donanma (The Navy) magazine.

Writing for Major Newspapers

In 1918, he worked as a sports editor and photo reporter for the daily newspaper Tasvîr-i Efkâr. He wrote columns and funny stories for many different publications. These included Tan, Vakit, Vatan, Yeni Ses, Alemdar, Dün ve Bugün, and Tetebbu.

He then wrote for the newspaper Cumhuriyet for 29 years! On September 1, 1969, Burhan Felek moved to Milliyet newspaper. He continued to write there until he passed away in 1982. He had a popular humor column called "Recebin Kahvesi" (Recep's Café), which was published every Sunday.

Leading Journalists

Burhan Felek also led the "Association of Journalists in Istanbul" for 26 years. This organization later became the Association of Turkish Journalists (TGC). His very last column was published in Milliyet on November 5, 1982, the day after he died.

Honored for His Work

Burhan Felek received many awards and honors for his amazing work.

Special Awards and Titles

• He received the "Diplome de Merite Olimpic" from the International Olympic Committee. This was for his important contributions to the Olympic movement.
• In 1974, he was given the special title "Şeyh-ül Muharririn." This means "Leader of the journalists."
• The "Association of Turkish Journalists" (TGC) now gives out the "Burhan Felek Prize" every year. This award honors journalists for their outstanding service.
• On May 8, 1980, Istanbul University gave him an honorary Doctor degree.
• The French government honored him after his death with the Legion of Honour, a very high award.

Places Named After Him

A large sports complex in Istanbul is named the Burhan Felek Sports Complex. It has indoor arenas and swimming pools. Streets in the cities of Eskişehir and Mersin are also named after him.