Pioneer of Turkish aviation: Vecihi Hürkuş
Vecihi Hürkuş, who made his mark on Türkiye's aviation history, was born in Istanbul on January 18, 1896.
- Turkey
- Published Date: 10:24 | 16 July 2025
- Modified Date: 10:28 | 16 July 2025
He was sent to the Baghdad Front as a mechanic during World War I, but returned to Istanbul after being injured in a plane crash on February 2, 1916.
After recovering, Hürkuş enrolled in the Tayyare Mektebi (Aviation School) in Yeşilköy, where he made his first flight on May 21, 1916, and graduated on November 15, 1916, receiving his pilot's license.
During the war, he became the first Turkish pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft by downing Russian planes.
He was the only person to be awarded the Red Ribbon Independence Medal three times for his heroism.
Focusing on aircraft design, Hürkuş utilized aircraft materials left behind by the Greeks during the war to produce the first Turkish aircraft, the "Vecihi K-VI," in 1924.
Continuing to design new aircraft models and types, Hürkuş manufactured the "Vecihi XIV" aircraft in just three months.
The two-seater, single-engine sports and training aircraft made its first flight on September 27, 1930. The "Vecihi XIV" was Turkey's first civilian aircraft and the second aircraft he had produced.
At Atatürk's request, he began teaching at the Turkish Aviation Association.
Vecihi Hürkuş, who dedicated his life to the development of Turkish aviation, passed away on July 16, 1969.