From 1911 To Turkish Stars

Double Headed Eagle

According to the Central Asian Turks’ beliefs, the creatures that accompany people in their terrestrial and celestial journeys are in bird form. This motif, which is thought to be a symbol of the guarding spirit, is also the symbol of power, nobility and sovereignty. Turks have used wolf, horse and double headed eagle figures on sword handles in the past.

The eagle, particularly when used as double-headed, is believed to be representing the increased power coming from unification. One of the eagles looks through far past and the other looks through endless future; and it represents the Anatolia’s sovereignty over the East and the West as well, when geographical location of Anatolia is considered.

As we think of the location of Anatolia also it is thought that one looking through west and the other is looking through east. For these characteristics, it has been accepted as an emblem of valor in Turkish literature and has been used on banners and many other artifacts as with either double or a single head. The most beautiful samples are those on the bas-reliefs engraved during the dynasty of Anatolian Seljuks. The Turkish Air Force has embraced the single headed Seljuk eagle as its symbol and emblem. 

A Retrospective: The Turkish Air Force And The First Aerobatic Flights

Founded in 1911, the TURKISH AIR FORCE enters a period of many great wars to come. This period, which began with the Balkan Wars, continued with World War I and was followed by the War of Independence.Undertaking important missions during World War I in vast regions from Gallipoli to Yemen and to the Caucasus, the Turkish Air Force also successfully accomplished important tasks during the victorious War of Independence under the command of M.Kemal Atatürk.

Besides accomplishing its duties, the Turkish Air Force is eager to develop and catch up with the world standards. Thus, a few years after its foundation, an aerobatic team was founded in 1914. Following the Pilot Lieutenant Fazıl Bey’s performing of a vertical spin maneuver in an altitude of 400 m on March 5 1914, other pilots started performing various Aerobatics maneuvers as well. During the Republican period the Turkish Air Force would be restructured and accomplish many more successful missions.

On July 1, 1932 the Air Force personnel has become an independent combat branch and from 1933 onwards the Turkish Air Force pilots have started wearing their blue uniforms, which is the symbolic color of aviation. As the developments advanced at a fast pace after 1923, the number of planes reached 500 in 1940s; and on January 31 1944, all Air Force units were gathered together under a single chain of command: the Turkish Air Force Command was established.