Cengiz Topel: An Individual of Interest
Cengiz Topel, a renowned Turkish Air Force pilot, gained national recognition for his role in the 1964 air operation in Cyprus. His life and tragic death have left an indelible mark on Turkish history.
Born on September 2, 1934, in Izmit, Topel began his schooling at II. Bandırma Primary School. He later attended Kadikoy Yeldegirmeni School for his primary and secondary education. In 1953, he graduated from Kuleli Military High School and joined the Turkish Military Academy, graduating in 1955 as a second lieutenant.
Topel chose the aviation department in the army and was trained within the scope of NATO, first in Gaziemir, Izmir, and then in Canada. His dedication and skills were evident, and he was soon serving as a fighter pilot in the Turkish Air Force.
In August 1964, Turkey launched an air operation over Cyprus in response to intercommunal violence on the island and attacks on the Turkish Cypriot community. During this operation, Topel's plane was shot down by ground fire. He managed to eject with a parachute, but his fate remained uncertain.
Attempts were made by the Turkish side to save Topel after his parachute landing near the Greek village of Peristeronari, between the Turkish settlements of Gaziveren, Elye, and Camlikoy. However, these efforts were unsuccessful. Topel was taken to the Nicosia Greek Hospital, where he was reportedly subjected to torture and died from his injuries while in captivity.
After his death on August 8, 1964, Topel's body was taken to the Nicosia General Hospital. It was later returned to Turkey on August 12, 1964, and was buried on August 14, 1964, at the Sakizagaci Air Cemetery in Edirnekapi.
Topel's death became a symbol of Turkish resistance and sacrifice, and he is remembered as a national hero in Turkey. Several places and institutions have been named in his honour to commemorate his sacrifice. This account aligns with widely accepted historical documentation of Topel's biography and role during the 1964 Cyprus conflict.
Cengiz Topel, as an aviation pioneer in the Turkish Air Force, played a significant role in aviation history during the 1964 air operation in Cyprus. His life and tragic death have not only left an indelible mark on Turkish history but also resonated within the aviation industry, inspiring future generations in the realm of transportation and aviation finance.
