One of the earliest black military pilots in global aviation history, Ahmet Ali Çelikten earned his flying wings between 1914 and 1915. Born in 1883 in the Ottoman Empire’s Vilayet of Aidin, he navigated a career through the transition from the Ottoman military apparatus to the newly formed Republic of Turkey, ultimately retiring with the rank of Colonel.
Early Career and Naval Training
Born to parents of Afro-Turkish origin, Çelikten pursued a maritime path early in his life. In 1904, he entered the Naval Technical School, known as Haddehâne Mektebi. He graduated four years later, receiving the rank of First Lieutenant. By June 1914, his focus shifted toward aviation when he began courses at the Naval Flight School established in Yeşilköy, marking the beginning of his service with the Ottoman Air Force.
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By 11 November 1916, Çelikten reached the status of a military pilot. His progression continued into 1917, when he was promoted to Captain on 14 February. Later that year, on 18 December 1917, he traveled to Berlin to participate in further aviation training. Following this instruction, he returned to serve with the İzmir Naval Aircraft Company, where he operated under the call sign Çelik Kara Kartal.
Conflict and Service in the New Republic
During the Turkish War of Independence, Çelikten joined the Turkish National Movement. In 1922, he participated in an operation to recover airplanes from Ottoman warehouses for transport to the port of Amasra, facilitating coastal surveillance. Following the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, he transitioned to new administrative and operational roles, including an appointment to the Air Undersecretariat in 1928. In 1924, he received the Medal of Independence, numbered 480, for his contributions during the war.
Retirement and Legacy
Çelikten served in the Turkish Air Force until his retirement in 1949 as a Colonel. His historical significance is frequently debated in the context of early black aviators, with comparisons made to contemporaries such as Eugene Jacques Bullard and Domenico Mondelli. He spent his final years living in the Balçova district of İzmir, where he died on 24 June 1969.
Fast facts
- Born: 1883, İzmir
- Died: 24 June 1969, İzmir
- Military Rank: Captain; Colonel
- Education: Naval Technical School
- Service: Ottoman Air Force; Turkish Air Force
- Burial Place: Balçova district
- Spouse: Hatice Hanım
- Award: Medal of Independence, Nr: 480
Questions readers ask
When did Ahmet Ali Çelikten become a pilot?
He earned his wings between 1914 and 1915 and became a military pilot on 11 November 1916.
What was his military rank upon retirement?
He retired in 1949 with the rank of Colonel (Albay) in the Turkish Air Force.
Achievements
- Worked as aircraft pilot and military personnel
