Kâzım Özalp 1880 – 1968

Biography

Kâzım Özalp was born on December 1, 1880, in Veles, a city that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire during his youth. He would go on to become a distinguished military officer and statesman, dedicating much of his life to service during a transformative period in Turkish history. His career spanned decades of significant change, witnessing the empire’s final years and the birth of the modern Turkish republic.

Throughout his professional life, Özalp held positions of responsibility that drew upon both military expertise and political acumen. He navigated the complex challenges of his era with the dedication characteristic of those who helped shape the nation’s institutions and governance during its foundational years. His contributions extended across both military and civilian spheres of leadership.

Kâzım Özalp spent his final years in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, where he remained connected to the nation he had served. He passed away on June 6, 1968, at the age of 87. He was laid to rest at the Turkish State Cemetery in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara, a place of honor befitting his lifetime of public service and dedication to his country.