Place of Death(Text) | Ankara | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year of Birth(Text) | 1903 | ||||||||
Place of Birth(Text) | Erzurum | ||||||||
Date of Death(Text) | 29 October 1964 | ||||||||
Aide-de-Camp Duration | Atatürk Era: 8 years 2.5 months İnönü Era: 4 months | ||||||||
Medal | Independence Medal with Red Stripe | ||||||||
Burial Place | Cebeci Asri Cemetery | ||||||||
Position(s) | National Guard Command Military Judiciary Presidential Aide | ||||||||
Profession(s) | Soldier Presidential Aide | ||||||||
Education | War School Ankara Faculty of Law | ||||||||
Ahmet Naşit Mengü served as a Turkish military officer and aide-de-camp, becoming one of the longest-serving aides to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Born in 1903 in Erzurum, he participated in the War of Independence and held senior military positions during the early years of the Republic. He was wounded during the Battle of Sakarya and awarded the Red Stripe Independence Medal. Mengü remained by Atatürk’s side until his death and is recognized for his service during and after the war; his memoirs have become an important source of eyewitness accounts from that era.
Ahmet Naşit Mengü was born in 1903 in Erzurum. His father was Tütüncüzade Akif Bey. He joined the Military Academy on 1 July 1920 and graduated on 1 November 1920 as a second lieutenant. He was appointed commander of the 8th Platoon of the National Assembly Guard Battalion and promoted to lieutenant on 1 March 1921.
He participated successively in the Second Battle of İnönü, the Kütahya-Eskişehir Battles, and the Battle of Sakarya. On 10 September 1921, he was wounded in his right arm. On 25 August 1922, he was awarded the Red Stripe Independence Medal. He also took part in the Great Offensive and served on the Mudanya Armistice delegation.
He was promoted to first lieutenant on 30 August 1922, to captain on 30 August 1929, and to senior captain in 1935. From 30 August 1930 to 10 November 1938, he served as Atatürk’s aide-de-camp. After Atatürk’s death, he continued briefly in the same role under İnönü until 27 February 1939.
After leaving active military service, he enrolled at the Ankara Faculty of Law and graduated in 1940. His request for a change of class was accepted. On 27 May 1942, he was recalled to military service due to World War II and assigned as a judicial officer at the Ankara Central Command. His second and final separation from the army occurred on 16 June 1946.
Mengü was one of the individuals present at Atatürk’s death. Because of this, various sources cite his accounts of Atatürk’s final words. The account stating “What time is it?” has been attributed to Mengü by İsmail Habib Sevük. He also recorded his observations of Atatürk’s 1927 visit to Istanbul and his interactions with the public.
Ahmet Naşit Mengü is described in records as a precise, obedient, loyal, and responsible officer. He was noted for his attention to etiquette and discipline, and for his gentle and sensitive character. Married and a father of one child, Mengü spoke French. On 6 October 1960, he was declared unfit for service due to health issues. He died on 29 October 1964 and was buried at the Ankara Cebeci Cemetery.
Atatürk Ansiklopedisi. "Ahmet Naşit Mengü (1903–1964)." Atatürk Kültür, Dil ve Tarih Yüksek Kurumu. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://ataturkansiklopedisi.gov.tr/detay/152/Ahmet-Na%C5%9Fit-Meng%C3%BC-(1903-1964)
Kimoneo. “Atatürk’ün Yaveri Ahmet Naşit Mengü.” *mustafakemalim.com*. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://mustafakemalim.com/ataturkun-yaveri-ahmet-nasit-mengu/
Place of Death(Text) | Ankara | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year of Birth(Text) | 1903 | ||||||||
Place of Birth(Text) | Erzurum | ||||||||
Date of Death(Text) | 29 October 1964 | ||||||||
Aide-de-Camp Duration | Atatürk Era: 8 years 2.5 months İnönü Era: 4 months | ||||||||
Medal | Independence Medal with Red Stripe | ||||||||
Burial Place | Cebeci Asri Cemetery | ||||||||
Position(s) | National Guard Command Military Judiciary Presidential Aide | ||||||||
Profession(s) | Soldier Presidential Aide | ||||||||
Education | War School Ankara Faculty of Law | ||||||||
Life and Military Career
Legal Education and Second Service in the Army
Eyewitness Accounts and Memoirs
Personality and Private Life
Wars Participated In and Decorations