Mustafa Şekip Birgöl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mustafa Şekip Birgöl
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|---|---|
| Born | 1903 Üsküdar, Istanbul, Ottoman Empire |
| Died | 11 November 2008 (aged 105) Haydarpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey |
| Buried |
Karacaahmet Cemetery, Istanbul
|
| Allegiance |  Turkey |
| Service/ |
Turkish Army |
| Years of service | 1921–1952 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Turkish War of Independence |
| Awards | Medal of Independence with red ribbon |
Mustafa Şekip Birgöl (born 1903, died 11 November 2008) was a brave Turkish colonel. He was also the very last soldier who fought in the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923) to pass away.
Life Story of Mustafa Şekip Birgöl
Mustafa Şekip Birgöl was born in 1903 in Üsküdar, a part of Istanbul. His family had many naval officers. He went to Işıklar Military Secondary School in Bursa. Later, he studied at Kuleli High School in Edirne.
After finishing the Military Academy in Istanbul, he joined the Kuvayi Milliye. This group was led by Mustafa Kemal. They fought against the Allied powers. These powers were trying to divide the Ottoman Empire after World War I.
As a second-lieutenant, he served in the 45th regiment. He fought in the western Anatolian area of Afyon. He also helped take back Izmir from Greek troops. This important event happened on September 9, 1922.
After the War
After Turkey became a republic in 1923, Birgöl returned to his unit. He was stationed in Samsun, a city on the Black Sea. He stayed there until 1928.
He also served in places like Sarıkamış, Bayburt, and Muğla. During this time, he helped put down some small rebellions. These happened after the War of Independence. Later, he worked in Çanakkale, Ezine, and Gelibolu.
He retired from the army on September 13, 1952. By then, he had reached the rank of colonel. In 1927, he received the Medal of Independence. This special medal had a red ribbon.
His Final Years
Mustafa Şekip Birgöl passed away on November 11, 2008. He was 105 years old. He died at the GATA Haydarapaşa Military Hospital in Istanbul.
Since he was the last veteran of the Independence War, he received a special honor. A state funeral was held for him on November 13. It took place at the Turkish Parliament in Ankara.
Many important people attended his funeral. These included President Abdullah Gül and Parliament Speaker Köksal Toptan. The Chief of the General Staff, Gen. İlker Başbuğ, was also there. Leaders of political parties and other officials came to pay their respects.
His body was then brought to Istanbul. He was buried on November 14 at Karacaahmet Cemetery. A religious ceremony was held at Selimiye Mosque before his burial.
See also
- Son Buluşma (Turkish documentary film, 2007)
