British Kemal, Atatürk’s Spy Bouncer: Ahmet Esat Tomruk

Espionage Its activity has been one of the subjects that aroused curiosity in every period of history. During the Ottoman and Republican periods, this intelligence Of course, there were people who carried it out. AKA “British Kemal” Ahmet Esat Tomruk was one of these names.

Although British Kemal was imprisoned many times during his espionage activities, he was always escape and managed to to the national struggle He was a name that provided important services. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s spy bouncer Let’s look together at the heroic story of British Kemal.

Who actually was Ahmet Esat Tomruk, codenamed “English Kemal”?

When Ahmet Esat was born in 1887 Sultan II. AbdulhamidIt had been about 10 years since he ascended the throne.

What the ’93 War gave to the Ottoman Empire economic and social problems, While it is felt all over the country; Ahmet Esat lost his father when he was only 5 years old. This from bitter loss Ahmet Esat, who later started living with his uncles with his mother, completed primary school. in Emirgan He studied in a school.

Ahmet Esat’s journey to Mekteb-i Sultani

After successfully completing primary school, he went to Mekteb-i Sultani, as it is known today. To Galatasaray High School Ahmet Esat, who left, is here in french thoroughly developed.

In 1908, shortly after his education at Galatasaray High School. who decided to go to England Ahmet Esat is here to Navy College started. Besides French English Ahmet Esat, who also improved his knowledge, professionally boxing started doing it.

World War I, which broke out in 1914, changed its fate.

With Ahmet Esat’s return to the country from the unionists via Drama Rıza and Kara Kemal Beyler To Teşkilat-ı Mahsusa It was one thing to join.

Thanks to superior foreign language knowledge organization Ahmet Esat, who was thought to be beneficial for the team, did not disappoint the expectations.

British forces in Kut al-Amara the commander in chief from General Townshend Ahmet Esat managed to obtain some secret information. espionage It was actually one of his first steps in the field. Even though he was later caught and sent to the prison in Beyoğlu, this was never the end for Ahmet Esat.

Where does the nickname “English Kemal” come from?

Ahmet Esat, typological He looked like the British and could speak English at least as well as them. This is actually where the story of his nickname comes from.

Able to disguise quickly and instantly to any environment it is in. adaptable Ahmet Esat went to Ankara shortly after his escape. Both his excellent knowledge of foreign languages ​​and his previous successful experiences At the General Staff Intelligence Branch paved the way for his appointment.

He managed to infiltrate the Greek generals during the War of Independence.

Ahmet Esat’s new duty is in Izmir. to the Greek occupation was to act against it. However, there were not enough resources in the state treasury. Since there is no cash power to pay him, from gambling 45,000 francs won and from Antalya under Greek control to Rhodes Island passed.

His new role was to be a wealthy American.

He considers himself an American journalist Ahmet Esat, who introduced himself as the leader, quickly became close to high-level Greek commanders.

On the island in a short time make you love yourself And regulars of nightlife Ahmet Esat, one of them, thus had the opportunity to become friends with Greek generals.

Even though he was imprisoned many times, he managed to escape each time and did not give up!

Ahmet Esat, who made very important contributions to the War of Independence movement, learned the necessary information about the occupation of Anatolia on the Island of Rhodes. intelligence immediately without wasting time To Mustafa Kemal Pasha delivered.

He left his position in the intelligence branch in 1924.

With the declaration of the Republic Ahmet Esat, who left his post together, perhaps changed his fate with his knowledge of foreign languages. interpreting He continued to earn his living by doing this.

Lightweight boxing championships Ahmet Esat, who was also a surname, was born after the Surname Law was passed. Log took his surname.

The achievements of the “English Kemal”, also known as “English Kemal”, were also the subject of films.

In the director’s chair by Ömer Lütfü Akad sitting “Against British Kemal Lawrence” The movie is actually very famous. Successful actor to Ahmet Esat Ayhan Işık’s The film he created is about the events of the Turkish spy British Kemal in occupied Istanbul in 1919.

A law was passed regarding the monthly payment of Ahmet Esat from the National Service Scheme.

In old age living difficulties With the law passed on 26 June 1964, Ahmet Esat Tomruk was discharged from the National Service Scheme. 500 lira salary connected.

Ahmet Esat passed away on February 14, 1966.

Thanks to many unnamed heroes, our country, which was saved from enemy occupation and came to this day, is known as “British Kemal”. We owe it to names like Ahmet Esat Tomruk.