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Ismail BerkokTurkish general, publicist, active member of Caucasian diaspora organizations
Date of Birth: 01.01.1889
Country:  Turkey |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- World War I and the Caucasus Campaign
- Turkish War of Independence
- Military and Political Career
- 1936: Chairman of the Council of Military History
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Ismail Berkok was born in the Yagli Pinar district of Kayseri, Turkey, to a family of Circassian descent. His father, Ali Berkok Zereshty, was a prominent figure in the Caucasus diaspora and served as an ata lyk to the famous Balkar prince Ismail Urussbiev.
Despite losing his parents at a young age, Berkok excelled academically, graduating from both the village school and a high school in Istanbul. In 1907, he entered the Ottoman Military Academy, graduating in 1910 as a captain.
World War I and the Caucasus Campaign
Berkok served on the Balkan, Caucasian, and Middle Eastern fronts during World War I. In 1918, he led an expeditionary force of 652 soldiers to Dagestan to support the independent Caucasian forces.
After the Bolshevik Revolution, Berkok returned to the Northern Caucasus to assist in the formation of the Islamic Army of the Caucasus. He fought alongside Circassian forces until 1920.
Turkish War of Independence
In 1920, Berkok joined the Turkish War of Independence under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He fought valiantly throughout the conflict.
Military and Political Career
After the war, Berkok served in various military missions and held several high-ranking positions, including:
1936: Chairman of the Council of Military History
1937: Brigadier General of the Turkish Republic1943: Member of the Military Cassation Court
1946: Member of the Supreme Military Court
In 1950, he entered politics and was elected as an MP from the Democratic Party.
Later Life and Legacy
Berkok passed away in 1954 after an operation in London. He was buried with honors in the Cebeci Asri Cemetery in Ankara.
Berkok received numerous decorations for his service, including the Liyakat, Imtiyaz, Istiklal, and Osmani Medals. He remains a respected figure in Turkish history, remembered for his military prowess and his dedication to the Circassian diaspora.
