Honoring a Hero – Erdal Kabatepe’s Tribute to Major Ali Faik Bey
Honouring the Legacy: A Journey into the Gallipoli Campaign
Erdal Kabatepe masterfully preserves history, honoring his grandfather’s legacy with meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, inspiring future generations.
Erdal Kabatepe, acclaimed author and grandson of Gallipoli hero Major Ali Faik Bey, offers a heartfelt exploration of his grandfather’s legacy in an interview originally published on Reader’s House magazine. Kabatepe delves into the inspiration behind his writing and the Major Ali Faik Bey Exhibition, sharing insights into his meticulous research and the profound impact of his family’s history on his work.
Inspiration Behind the Story
Kabatepe’s inspiration to write about Major Ali Faik Bey and his experiences during the Gallipoli Campaign stems from a deeply personal place. A postcard from Enver Pasha, treasured by his grandmother, served as a poignant connection to his grandfather. At nearly 13, Kabatepe’s curiosity about his grandfather’s role in the Gallipoli War was piqued, leading to fragmented but emotionally charged recollections from his grandmother.
With his father Colonel Ahmet Naci Kabatepe translating the postcard from Ottoman to Turkish, Kabatepe began documenting these family memories. Major Ali Faik Bey, who served as the Commander of the 33rd Regiment, died a martyr at Gallipoli on April 30, 1915. The heroism in Kabatepe’s lineage also includes his great-uncle and great-grandfather, who fought valiantly in various battles, including the Dömeke Pitched Battle and the Soroviç Battle.
Learning these family stories ignited Kabatepe’s desire to write a book about his grandfather, not only as a tribute but also to ensure that the sacrifices and heroism of his ancestors are not forgotten.
Creating the Exhibition
Kabatepe’s motivation to create the Major Ali Faik Bey Exhibition was rooted in his personal connection to his grandfather’s belongings. Items such as his ceremonial uniform, leather military tag, inkwell, pen, Quran, wallet, cigarette case, and the seal of the 1st Battalion of the 33rd Regiment were once part of Kabatepe’s childhood war games. Realizing their historical significance, he decided to share these treasures with the public. These artifacts are now displayed at the Çanakkale Epic Promotion Center in Kabatepe, providing a tangible connection to the past for visitors.
Translating and Documenting History
Retiring from business in the 2010s, Kabatepe dedicated himself to collecting and translating Major Ali Faik Bey’s documents and diaries. As a qualified researcher rather than a historian, he aimed to present his grandfather’s story in his own words. Translating the diary from Ottoman to Turkish, he meticulously documented every detail, from orders received to losses recorded, painting a comprehensive picture of his experiences.
Kabatepe’s dedication extended to creating maps illustrating army movements during the 1st Balkan War. This task proved challenging due to the changing names and disappearance of many locations, but it was crucial for accurately depicting historical events.
Ensuring Historical Accuracy
Kabatepe faced numerous challenges in accessing and verifying historical resources. With only 20% of war documents archived and translated in Türkiye, and many restricted from copying, he turned to reliable foreign sources. This extensive research process took nearly a decade, culminating in his book I, Major Ali Faik Bey, a testament to his perseverance and commitment to uncovering the truth.
Major Ali Faik Bey’s diary from the Gallipoli War, captured by the Anzacs and translated into English, provided invaluable insights. Although the original diary remains elusive, Kabatepe’s determination to find it underscores his dedication to preserving his grandfather’s legacy.
Bonds Among Soldiers
Kabatepe reflects on the camaraderie among soldiers during the Gallipoli Campaign, noting that while acts of chivalry occurred, the battlefield was predominantly marked by intense violence and bloodshed. However, there was mutual sympathy and admiration between the opposing sides, adding a layer of humanity to the harrowing conflict.
Recognizing Gallipoli’s Heroes
Kabatepe highlights a significant historical oversight: while Gallipoli War Medals were awarded to all participants on the losing side, the victorious Turks were not similarly honored. To address this, Kabatepe introduced a bill titled Awarding Medal of Honor to the Participants of the Gallipoli War to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye in 2020. Although still under review, Kabatepe remains hopeful that this long-overdue recognition will soon be realized.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Kabatepe is working on a feature film based on his book, following the preparation of a documentary. This project aims to further honor the legacy of Major Ali Faik Bey and the Kabatepe family, ensuring their heroic stories continue to inspire future generations
