Famous Turks
It is home to the oldest known human settlement in the world, and its borders have been populated
by Ottomans, Hittites, Persians and Byzantines. But who are some of the most famous Turks of
yesterday and today? This “short list” of famous Turks includes musicians, politicians, actors and
athletes… even Ottoman sultans! And while some may be unfamiliar (and difficult to spell) all have
helped to shape this fascinating country, and the world! For a more comprehensive list and biographical information,
search Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Turks. You may also want to have your students complete
the “Famous Turks” activity on page 66 of this guide.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - (born 1881) Turkish army officer, statesman and the Founder and first President of
the Republic of Turkey. He led to the liberation of the country and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
Ahmet Necdet Sezer - (born September 13, 1941) Tenth President of the Republic of Turkey. The Grand
National Assembly of Turkey elected Sezer in 2000 after Süleyman Demirel’s seven-year term expired.
Azra Akın - (born December 12, 1981) Turkish model who was crowned Miss World 2002 at the annual
pageant, held that year in London, England.
Barbarossa - The ferocious and feared “pirate” who became admiral of the Ottoman fleet in 1534.
Ahmet Ertegün - (1923-2006) Legendary founder of Atlantic Records. When Turkish Ambassador Münir Ertegün
and his family moved to Washington, DC in 1936, his two sons, Ahmet and Nesuhi, already had a collection of
25,000 blues and jazz records. With a $10,000 loan from his Turkish dentist, Ahmet launched Atlantic Records
and, in doing so, changed the music industry forever, introducing the world to such names as Ray Charles, Aretha
Franklin, Wilson Picket, the Rolling Stones, and many others.
Halil Mutlu - (born July 13, 1973) Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, having won three Olympic championships,
five World Championships and nine European Championships, who also broke more than 20 world records.
Hidayet (Hedo) Türkoğlu - (born March 19, 1979) NBA Orlando Magic small forward, and the first Turkish
NBA basketball player. Selected 16th pick by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft.
Mehmet II (The Conqueror) - (born March 30, 1432) The 15th century Ottoman sultan who safeguarded
freedom of worship and successfully captured Istanbul in 1453 as his Empire’s new capital city.
Mehmet Okur - (born May 26, 1979) Star center basketball player for the NBA Utah Jazz, formerly with the
NBA championship Detroit Pistons.
Nasreddin Hoca - Famous 13th century folk philosopher and humorist whose memorialized as a legend. His
anecdotes are quoted throughout Turkey among all classes and levels of Turkish people.
Tunch Ilkin - (born September 23, 1957) Former offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1980 - 1992) and
Green Bay Packers (1993), earning two Pro Bowl appearances.
Yunus Emre - (born approximately 1238) The 13th century philosopher poet and one of Turkey’s national
treasures, who promoted basic themes of love, friendship, brotherhood and divine justice.
