1. Ilker Başbuğ Biography
2. Military Career
3. Azerbaijan Visit
4. Başbuğ's Statement

Ilker Başbuğ Biography

Early Life and Career

Ilker Başbuğ was born in 1943 in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, to Albanian immigrants from Bitola.

Military Career

Başbuğ rose through the ranks of the Turkish Armed Forces, eventually becoming the 26th Chief of the Turkish General Staff.

Azerbaijan Visit

Başbuğ's first foreign visit as Chief of Staff was to Azerbaijan.
Ergenekon Allegations
2009 Incidents

In December 2009, Başbuğ faced criticism from Turkish journalists over a possible assassination attempt on Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç. Two officers under Başbuğ's command were spotted near Arınç's residence, and a notebook containing his address was found in their car. The officers were arrested, raising suspicions about their involvement with the alleged terrorist organization Ergenekon.

Başbuğ's Statement

In response to the allegations, Başbuğ issued a statement on the General Staff's website denying any involvement in illegal activities.

General