Yakup Satar, Turkish World War I veteran(b. 1898)

Yakup Satar, born on March 11, 1898, with the Ottoman Turkish name يعقوب ستاﺮ, lived a remarkable life spanning over a century, passing away on April 2, 2008. At the impressive age of 110, he was widely regarded as the last surviving Turkish veteran of the First World War, an era-defining global conflict. His journey through pivotal moments in history, from the waning days of the Ottoman Empire to the birth of the Turkish Republic, offers a unique perspective on the 20th century.

Early Life and Military Service

Hailing from Crimea, a region with deep historical ties to the Ottoman Empire, Yakup Satar embarked on his military career relatively young, joining the army of the Ottoman Empire in 1915. This was a critical juncture for the Empire, as it had aligned with the Central Powers during World War I. Satar’s service began amidst the turmoil of a global war that would reshape the geopolitical landscape.

A Century of Service: From Empires to Republic

His military service saw him engaged in some of the most intense campaigns of the First World War. On February 23, 1917, a date etched in history for many, Satar was taken prisoner by British forces during the devastating Second Battle of Kut, a significant engagement within the larger Baghdad campaign. This campaign was a series of military operations by the British Empire in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) against the Ottoman Empire, and the fall of Kut was a major setback for the Ottomans.

After the armistice and the official end of the First World War, Yakup Satar's military journey was far from over. He found himself answering the call to arms once more, this time serving under the charismatic leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk, a pivotal figure in Turkish history, spearheaded the Turkish War of Independence, a conflict waged from 1919 to 1923 against the Allied occupation and the partitioning of Ottoman territories following WWI. Satar’s participation in this crucial war helped forge the modern Republic of Turkey, a testament to his enduring commitment to his homeland.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

In his twilight years, Yakup Satar became a living bridge to a bygone era. Shortly before what would have been his 110th birthday, he received treatment for a minor infection at a military hospital, a poignant reminder of his lifelong connection to the armed forces. He was subsequently discharged and returned to his home, where he lived with his daughter in the Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir, enjoying the quiet comfort of family life after a lifetime of extraordinary service. He passed away peacefully soon after celebrating his 110th birthday.

Satar's invaluable memories, particularly those from the Turkish War of Independence and his daily life, along with those of two other esteemed veterans, Ömer Küyük and Veysel Turan, were meticulously captured in the moving documentary film Son Buluşma (2007), known in English as The Last Meeting. Directed by Nesli Çölgeçen, this film serves as a vital historical record, preserving the firsthand accounts of individuals who lived through and shaped some of the most transformative periods in Turkish and world history. Yakup Satar's life story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, duty, and the profound impact of individual lives on the grand tapestry of history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yakup Satar

Who was Yakup Satar?

Yakup Satar was a Turkish military veteran, notably believed to be the last surviving Turkish veteran of the First World War. He also served in the Turkish War of Independence.

When was Yakup Satar born and when did he die?

Yakup Satar was born on March 11, 1898, and passed away on April 2, 2008, at the age of 110.

What wars did Yakup Satar fight in?

He fought in the First World War as part of the Ottoman Empire's army and subsequently served in the Turkish War of Independence under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

What is the significance of the Second Battle of Kut in his story?

During the Second Battle of Kut in 1917, part of the Baghdad campaign, Yakup Satar was taken prisoner by British forces.

Is there a documentary about Yakup Satar?

Yes, his memories and daily life, along with those of two other veterans, are featured in the 2007 documentary film Son Buluşma (The Last Meeting) by Nesli Çölgeçen.

Where was Yakup Satar from?

Yakup Satar was born in Crimea.

Who was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk?

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey.