Pioneer in Turkish Aviation: Vechihi Hurkus
Vecihi Hürkuş, a Turkish aviation pioneer, was born on January 6, 1896, in Istanbul's Arnavutköy district. His life was marked by significant achievements that shaped the course of Turkish aviation history.
At a young age, Vecihi lost his father and his mother, Zeliha Niyir, who had come to Istanbul at the age of three, raised him. Despite these challenges, Vecihi's passion for flying was undeterred. He entered the mechanics school with aspirations to become a pilot, but due to his age, he was unable to fulfil this dream directly.
Vecihi's life took a turn when he was assigned to take a passenger plane that landed in Edirne by mistake. The plane was later purchased and named "Vecihi." This event sparked his interest in aviation, and he eventually switched to civil aviation after being punished.
Vecihi's contributions to Turkish aviation began in earnest during the War of Independence. He shot down a Russian plane during the First World War, making him the first Turkish aviator to do so. He also participated in the Balkan War under the supervision of his uncle Colonel Kemal.
In 1923, Vecihi produced the first Turkish aircraft, based on the engines of a Greek aircraft he seized. This was a significant step forward for Turkish aviation, as it marked the beginning of indigenous aircraft design and manufacturing efforts.
Vecihi opened the first Turkish Civil Aviation School, Sivil Tayyare Mektebi, in 1932. Here, he trained the first Turkish female pilot, Bedriye Gökmen, and 12 pilots. He also worked as a pilot instructor at Izmir Seydiköy Hava Mektebi.
In 1930, Vecihi built the first Turkish civil aircraft, Vecihi XIV, in just three months. He made his first flight with the Vecihi XIV on the route Yesilköy - Ankara, taking off from Kadikoy. However, his accomplishment was met with punishment for making an unauthorized departure.
Vecihi's influence continues to be felt in modern Turkish aviation. The TAI Hürjet advanced jet trainer, a symbol of his continued inspiration to Turkey’s aerospace industry, made its first flight on April 25, 2023.
Vecihi's legacy is also honoured at aviation events like the SHG Airshow 2025, reflecting ongoing gratitude and recognition for his foundational role in Turkish aviation. His 56th death anniversary was noted in 2025, underscoring his enduring status as a historic figure who shaped Turkish aviation and industry.
References:
[1] "Vecihi Hürkuş and the Vecihi XIV." Turkish Aerospace Industries. https://www.t-a-i.com.tr/en/news/history-of-turkish-aviation/vecihi-hurkus-and-the-vecihi-xiv
[2] "TAI Hürjet." Turkish Aerospace Industries. https://www.t-a-i.com.tr/en/products/military-aircraft/tai-hurjet
[3] "Vecihi Hürkuş." Turkish Aerospace Industries. https://www.t-a-i.com.tr/en/history/vecihi-hurkus
[4] "Vecihi Hürkuş's 56th Death Anniversary." Turkish Aerospace Industries. https://www.t-a-i.com.tr/en/news/vecihi-hurkus-56th-death-anniversary
[5] "SHG Airshow 2025." Turkish Aerospace Industries. https://www.t-a-i.com.tr/en/events/shg-airshow-2025
- Vecihi Hürkuş's contributions to aviation history extended beyond Turkish borders, inspiring the growth of the country's aerospace industry, thus shaping the finance and technology aspects of the aviation and industry sectors.
- The first Turkish female pilot, Bedriye Gökmen, and 12 other pilots were trained under Vecihi Hürkuş at the Sivil Tayyare Mektebi, a school that also played a significant role in shaping the sports of aviation in Turkey.
- Vecihi Hürkuş's impact in aviation continues to be felt generations later, with modern advancements in aviation technology such as the TAI Hürjet, echoing his pioneering spirit and contributions to the aviation industry.
