Ahmet Ali Çelikten: The World’s First Black Fighter Pilot

A Trailblazer in the Ottoman Air Force

Ahmet Ali Çelikten, born in 1883 in Izmir, holds a significant place in history as one of the world's first Black fighter pilots. Of Afro-Turkish descent, his mother, Zenciye Emine Hanım, was of Nigerian origin, while his father, Ali Bey, was of mixed African and Turkish heritage. Çelikten began his career in the Ottoman military by attending the Naval Technical School in 1904, where he graduated in 1908. He later transitioned to aviation in 1914, undergoing pilot training at the Ottoman Naval Flight School. By 1916, he had earned his wings, thus becoming one of the first Black military aviators, predating notable figures such as Eugene Bullard.

Throughout World War I, Çelikten served in the Ottoman Air Force, playing a key role in both military aviation operations and contributing to Turkey's subsequent War of Independence. He participated in significant missions, including smuggling planes from Ottoman depots to the nationalist forces during the independence struggle. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in the formation of the Turkish Air Force, where he continued his service after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. He retired as a colonel in 1949 after a long and distinguished military career.

Ahmet Ali Çelikten's contributions to aviation and his role as a pioneering Black military pilot have been largely overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. Nevertheless, his legacy continues to inspire, particularly within his own family, many of whom also pursued careers in aviation. His story highlights the diversity within the Ottoman Empire's military ranks and his achievements stand as a testament to his skill and determination in breaking racial and cultural barriers during a time of global conflict.

Sources:

1. "Ahmet Ali Çelikten." Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmet_Ali_Çelikten. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

2. Fikes, Robert. "Ahmet Ali Çelikten (1883-1969)." BlackPast. www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/celikten-ahmet-ali. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

3. "World’s First Black Fighter Pilot – Ahmet Ali Çelikten." Aviation File. www.aviationfile.com/2024/02/27/the-historic-life-story-of-ahmet-ali-celikten-the-first-black-pilot-in-the-world/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.