Burhan Cahit Morkaya emerged as a prominent figure during the Republican era for his simple style and prolific output in journalism, novel writing, and folk storytelling. Earning his livelihood through his pen, Morkaya pursued a multifaceted career spanning humorous journalism, novel publishing, historical writing, and political commentary.

He was born in 1892 in the Silivrikapı neighborhood of Istanbul. His father, Ömer Fahrettin Efendi, was a member of the Emvâl and Dârüleytam Council and the sheikh of the Balâ Tekke; his mother was Havva Lütfiye Hanım. He received his primary education at Balâ Mektebi and continued his secondary education through private tutoring at home. He completed his high school studies at Mercan İdadisi and graduated from the Mülkiye Mektebi in 1912, completing his higher education. Even during his student years, he began engaging with journalism and wrote articles for Yeni Gazete. Over time, he also worked for leading press organs of the era, including the Ottoman National Agency and Servet-i Fünun.

In 1918, he assumed responsibility as managing director and chief writer of the humor newspaper Karagöz. He steered the publication toward a political and populist direction, using his writings to shape public opinion in support of the National Struggle. In 1928, he left Karagöz and founded his own newspaper, Köroğlu. Through its accessible language and direct appeal to the Anatolian people, Köroğlu reached wide audiences. Published for two decades, it became one of the most widely read provincial newspapers of its time.

Morkaya’s literary career was shaped by novels, short stories, plays, and analytical books. His first work was Bizans Akşamları (1922). This was followed by novels such as Coşkun Gönül (1925), Aşk Bahçesi (1925), Ayten (1927), Kızıl Serap (1926), and Harp Dönüşü (1928). Written in a simple style, these works explored post-World War I social transformations, Westernization, and personal relationships. His female characters were typically educated, refined, and urban. Central themes in his novels included love, family, patriotism, reformism, and populism.

Among his works directly addressing the National Struggle and the Reforms were Gazi Mustafa Kemal (1930), İzmir’in Romanı (1931), Gazi’nin Dört Süvarisi (1932), Mudanya-Lozan-Ankara (1933), and Atatürk’ün İki Cephesi (1939). These books were collectively known as the “İnkılap Serisi.”

In the 1946 elections, he was elected as a member of parliament, but his credentials were rejected due to the absence of documentation regarding his military service. After suffering a stroke in 1947, he traveled to Europe for medical treatment. His health deteriorated further in 1948. He died at his home in Istanbul on 20 January 1949. His funeral was held at Zincirlikuyu Asrî Mezarlığı.