Deaths on January 11

Nuri Conker, Turkish colonel and politician (b. 1882)

Mehmet Nuri Conker (September 20, 1882 – January 11, 1937) was a distinguished Turkish military officer and a prominent politician, notable for his extensive service in both the Ottoman Army and the Turkish Army. More significantly, Conker is remembered as the oldest childhood and lifelong friend of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. Their profound friendship, forged in youth, would endure throughout their lives and careers, influencing key moments in Turkish history.

Conker's foundational military education was acquired at the prestigious War Academy of the Ottoman Empire (Harp Akademisi), a revered institution that produced many of the empire's future leaders and strategists. He retired from military service with the esteemed rank of Kurmay Albay, or Staff Colonel, a designation indicating advanced training in staff duties and strategic planning, distinguishing him from a regular field officer.

Family and Influential Connections

Mehmet Nuri Conker was married to Nedime Hanım (circa 1890-1969), and their union blessed them with four children: Orhan Conker (1910-1975), Mahmut Cahit Conker (1912-1964), Ali Necip Conker (1914-1973), and Kıymet Tesal Conker (1916-1988). Beyond his immediate family, Conker was connected to other significant figures of his era. His sister, Dürriye Hanım, married Salih Bozok, who was not only Atatürk's childhood friend but also his chief aide-de-camp and a close confidant, underscoring the deep intertwined relationships surrounding Atatürk. Furthermore, according to historian Philip Hendrick Stoddard, Conker was a brother-in-law to Süleyman Askerî Bey, a prominent Ottoman officer known for his role in organizing special forces and establishing the Teşkilat-ı Mahsusa, the Ottoman Empire's special organization involved in intelligence and unconventional warfare.

A Military Career Forged in Conflict

Mehmet Nuri Conker's military career was marked by his participation in numerous critical conflicts that shaped the destiny of the late Ottoman Empire and the nascent Turkish Republic, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and courage on various fronts:

• Libya (Italo-Turkish War, 1911-1912): He served during the conflict where Italy sought to gain control over Ottoman territories in North Africa.
• Manastır (Balkan Wars, 1912-1913): Conker was involved in these devastating wars that led to significant territorial losses for the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans.
• The Dardanelles (Gallipoli Campaign, World War I, 1915): He played a crucial role in one of the most brutal and strategically vital campaigns of World War I, where Allied forces attempted to capture the Ottoman capital.
• The Eastern Front (Caucasian Campaign, World War I): Conker also served on the challenging eastern front against Russian forces.
• Syria (Sinai and Palestine Campaign, World War I): His service extended to the southern fronts, defending Ottoman territories against British advances.
• The War of Independence (1919-1922): He fought for the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey, a defining period in the nation's history.

Conker's bravery in combat came with a personal cost, as he was wounded twice during his service. One injury occurred in Boyalir, and the second, more famously, was sustained during the ferocious fighting at Conk Bayırı (Chunuk Bair) in the Dardanelles. Conk Bayırı was a strategically vital ridge during the Gallipoli Campaign, the scene of intense and bloody battles. It was in enduring memory of this specific location and Conker's valor there that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk personally bestowed upon him the surname "Conker," a profound tribute to his friend's heroism and shared experiences on the battlefield.

Political Service and National Contribution

Following his distinguished military career, Mehmet Nuri Conker transitioned into significant political roles within the newly formed Turkish Republic:

• Governor of Adana (1921): In a critical period during and immediately after the Turkish War of Independence, Conker was appointed as the Governor of Adana. This was a vital administrative role, particularly given that Adana had only recently been liberated from French occupation, and its governance was essential for consolidating the Republic's authority in the region.
• Member of the Grand National Assembly: He served multiple terms as a representative in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the legislative body of the Republic.
• He represented Kütahya from 1923 to 1927.
• Later, he was elected as the representative for Gaziantep in both 1932 and 1935.
• Parliamentary Leadership: Conker's capabilities and trustworthiness were recognized within the assembly, leading to his election as the Deputy Chairman of the Grand National Assembly during its 5th session. In 1935, he further demonstrated his leadership by serving as Acting Chairman, underscoring his pivotal role in the early legislative processes of the young Republic.

For his invaluable contributions to the establishment and defense of the Turkish Republic, Mehmet Nuri Conker was awarded the prestigious Medal of Independence (İstiklal Madalyası). This high honor was conferred upon those who significantly contributed to the Turkish War of Independence.

Beyond his military and political achievements, Mehmet Nuri Conker was also a man of notable intellectual breadth. He was proficient in French, German, and Arabic. These linguistic skills would have been highly advantageous, enabling him to engage with foreign literature, diplomatic communications, and understand broader international affairs, which was crucial during the formative years of the Republic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mehmet Nuri Conker

What was Mehmet Nuri Conker's relationship with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk?

Mehmet Nuri Conker was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's oldest childhood and lifelong friend. Their bond was profound and enduring, influencing both their personal lives and their shared contributions to the establishment of modern Turkey.

How did Mehmet Nuri Conker get his surname?

His surname, "Conker," was personally bestowed upon him by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It was given in memory of Conk Bayırı (Chunuk Bair), a strategically vital and fiercely contested hill during the Gallipoli Campaign where Mehmet Nuri Conker was wounded while fighting valiantly. The name is a tribute to his bravery and the shared experience of that pivotal battle.

What was Mehmet Nuri Conker's highest military rank?

He retired from the military as a Kurmay Albay, which translates to Staff Colonel. This rank denotes extensive strategic training and capability beyond typical field command.

Which significant conflicts did Mehmet Nuri Conker participate in?

He served in numerous major conflicts, including the Italo-Turkish War (Libya), the Balkan Wars (Manastır), World War I (Dardanelles, Eastern Front, Syria), and the Turkish War of Independence.

What were Mehmet Nuri Conker's key political roles?

He served as the Governor of Adana in 1921 and was elected multiple times as a Representative to the Grand National Assembly for Kütahya and Gaziantep. He also held significant leadership positions within the Assembly, including Deputy Chairman and Acting Chairman.