Fevzi Çakmak, Turkish field marshal and politician, Prime Minister of the Turkish Provisional Government (d. 1950)

Mustafa Fevzi Çakmak, born on 12 January 1876 and passing away on 10 April 1950, was an exceptionally distinguished Turkish field marshal (Mareşal) and a prominent politician whose career spanned the tumultuous final years of the Ottoman Empire and the formative era of the Turkish Republic. His remarkable military and political contributions place him among the foundational figures of modern Turkey.

Early Life and Illustrious Military Career in the Ottoman Empire

Fevzi Çakmak's journey began with a rigorous military education. He graduated from the prestigious Ottoman War College (Harp Akademisi) as a Staff Captain, a testament to his early promise, and was subsequently assigned to the 4th Department of the General Staff. His early career saw him deeply involved in the numerous conflicts that marked the prolonged decline of the Ottoman Empire, a period characterized by significant territorial losses and internal upheavals.

• First Balkan War (1912-1913): Çakmak played a crucial role in this conflict, which saw the Ottoman Empire lose most of its remaining European territories. His participation in engagements like the pivotal Battle of Monastir (Bitola) provided him with invaluable combat experience under challenging circumstances.
• Gallipoli Campaign (1915-1916): During one of the most brutal and strategically vital campaigns of World War I, the Dardanelles Campaign (Çanakkale Savaşı), Fevzi Çakmak served with distinction as the Commander of the V Corps. This epic defense against Allied forces was a defining moment for the Ottoman military. Tragically, it also brought personal loss, as his younger brother was killed during the fierce fighting at the Battle of Chunuk Bair, highlighting the immense sacrifices made.

Following World War I, Fevzi Çakmak was elevated to the rank of Pasha, a high military and administrative title in the Ottoman Empire, and appointed as the Chief of General Staff of the Ottoman Empire. In 1919, under the directive of Grand Vizier Ahmet Tevfik Pasha, he was further appointed as the commander of the First Army Troops Inspectorate. However, as the political landscape shifted, he made a pivotal decision. After a brief tenure as War Minister in 1920, Fevzi Çakmak chose to align himself with the burgeoning nationalist movement. He resigned from his imperial post and joined the emergent, dissident Grand National Assembly in Ankara, representing Kozan as a Member of Parliament. This move marked his decisive break from the beleaguered Ottoman government in Istanbul and his commitment to the nascent Turkish nationalist cause.

Pivotal Role in the Turkish War of Independence

Fevzi Çakmak's leadership became indispensable during the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1922). His military acumen and strategic insight were instrumental in securing critical victories for the Turkish nationalists.

• Partnership with Mustafa Kemal Pasha: In 1920, Mustafa Kemal Pasha (later Atatürk), the visionary leader of the nationalist movement, appointed Fevzi Çakmak as both National Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the provisional Ankara Government. This appointment solidified a powerful partnership at the helm of the nationalist military and political efforts.
• Strategic Military Successes: Çakmak commanded numerous successful military operations throughout the War of Independence. His leadership was particularly decisive during the Battle of Sakarya (August-September 1921), a monumental defensive victory that halted the Greek army's advance towards Ankara and significantly shifted the momentum of the war in favor of the Turks.
• Prime Minister and Field Marshal: In 1921, he succeeded Mustafa Kemal as Prime Minister. Demonstrating his unwavering dedication to military success, he temporarily resigned from this political post in 1922 to directly engage in the planning and execution of the successful Battle of Dumlupınar. This climactic engagement in August 1922, part of the Great Offensive (Büyük Taarruz), effectively sealed the fate of the Greek forces and secured Turkish victory. In recognition of his unparalleled contributions and at the recommendation of Mustafa Kemal, he was promoted to the exceptionally rare rank of Field Marshal (Mareşal) in 1922, an honor bestowed upon only two individuals in the history of the Republic of Turkey.

Fevzi Çakmak had already taken over from İsmet İnönü as the Chief of General Staff in August 1921, a role he continued to hold even after the formal declaration of the Turkish Republic in 1923, symbolizing continuity and stability in the new nation's defense establishment.

Leadership in the Republic and Later Political Engagement

With the adoption of the Surname Law in 1934, which mandated all Turkish citizens to adopt a surname, he chose 'Çakmak' (meaning 'flint' or 'strike a light'), a fitting name for a man who ignited hope and led decisive military actions.

• Presidential Succession Consideration: Following the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of Turkey, in 1938, Fevzi Çakmak was considered a prominent candidate to succeed him. However, in a display of political pragmatism and unity, he ultimately stood down in favor of İsmet İnönü, who became the second President.
• Longest-Serving Chief of General Staff: Çakmak's tenure as Chief of General Staff was remarkably long, extending until 1944. His leadership provided crucial stability and professionalization for the young Turkish Armed Forces for over two decades, navigating the nation through the complex geopolitical landscape leading up to and during World War II, ensuring Turkey's neutrality.
• Post-Military Political Career: After retiring from military service, Fevzi Çakmak continued his public service in the political arena. He became a Member of Parliament for Istanbul, initially representing the Democrat Party (DP), a significant opposition force that emerged in the multi-party era. He later resigned from the Democrats and was a co-founder of the Nation Party (Millet Partisi), alongside Osman Bölükbaşı, further demonstrating his enduring commitment to shaping Turkey's democratic future.

Enduring Legacy

Fevzi Çakmak remains an iconic figure in Turkish history. Alongside Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, he holds the unique distinction of being one of only two individuals ever to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal (Mareşal) in the Turkish Armed Forces. His unwavering dedication, strategic brilliance, and steadfast leadership were instrumental in both the defense of the crumbling Ottoman Empire and the successful establishment and early consolidation of the Turkish Republic. He is remembered as a military mastermind and a dedicated statesman who helped forge modern Turkey.

When was Fevzi Çakmak born and when did he pass away?

Mustafa Fevzi Çakmak was born on 12 January 1876 and passed away on 10 April 1950.

What was Fevzi Çakmak's highest military rank?

His highest military rank was Field Marshal (Mareşal), the highest military rank in Turkey, shared only with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

What key roles did Fevzi Çakmak hold during the Ottoman Empire's final years?

He served as Chief of General Staff (1918-1919) and Minister of War (1920) for the Ottoman Empire.

How was Fevzi Çakmak involved in the Turkish War of Independence?

He joined the Grand National Assembly, serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense, and later Prime Minister (1921-1922). He commanded crucial victories, notably the Battle of Sakarya and the Battle of Dumlupınar, and became the second Chief of the General Staff of the Ankara Government.

When did Fevzi Çakmak become the Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Turkey?

He continued to serve as Chief of General Staff after the Turkish Republic was declared in 1923, having already taken the position in August 1921. He held this role until 1944, making him the longest-serving Chief of General Staff in Republican Turkey.

Why did Fevzi Çakmak adopt the surname 'Çakmak'?

He adopted the surname 'Çakmak' in accordance with the 1934 Surname Law, which mandated all Turkish citizens to choose a family name.

Was Fevzi Çakmak a candidate for the presidency after Atatürk's death?

Yes, he was a candidate to succeed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as President in 1938 but ultimately stood down in favor of İsmet İnönü.

What was Fevzi Çakmak's involvement in post-1944 Turkish politics?

After retiring from military service in 1944, he became a Member of Parliament for Istanbul from the Democrat Party and later co-founded the Nation Party.