Mehmetçik

Mehmetçik (Turkish pronunciation: [mɛhmɛt'd͡ʒɪk])(lit. 'little Mehmet', "little" denoting diminutive endearment rather than actual age) is a term generally used to affectionately refer to soldiers of the Turkish Army. It is similar to the colloquialisms Tommy Atkins, Doughboy, and Digger used for soldiers of the British, U.S., and Australian armies.^[1][2]

Mehmetçiks during the Turkish War of Independence in the trenches, with bayonets fixed on their rifles

For the town in Cyprus known as Mehmetçik in Turkish, see Galáteia.

It is believed that the term is based on Ottoman Army Sergeant Bigalı Mehmet Çavuş (1878–1964), who fought during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.^[3][4][5][6]

See also

• Respect to Mehmetçik Monument
• Poilu
• Johnny Turk