General Izzeddin Calislar's life and his activities (1882-1951)

Izzeddin (Calislar) Bey was born in 1882 in Ioannina. He started his education in Ioannina and then continued in Istanbul. Having completed his education in Engineering High School, he graduated from Artillery School in 1903 and then graduated from Army Staff College in 1906 as the second in the artillery class. He started his service in the 3rd Ottoman Army with the rank of Staff Captain. He was appointed as the Commander of First Battalion in 17th Mobile Gendarmerie Regiment in 1906. His rank was raised to Senior Captain on 7 October 1908. His friendship with Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) Bey also grew stronger in the 3rd Ottoman Army. Izzeddin Bey served in the Army of Action established to suppress the 31 March Incident in 1909. After that event, he continued his service in the 3rd Ottoman Army. The first war that Izzeddin Bey participated in was the 1st Balkan War which was rehearsal of the World War I. As a result of this war, Ottoman Empire lost its whole lands in the Balkans which is of great importance for the Turks. Izzeddin Bey took place in the 1st Balkan War until the last moment. The last defense that Izzeddin Bey took part was in Ioannina where he was born. After the Treaty of London that ended the 1st Balkan War was signed, Izzeddin Bey returned to Istanbul with the army headquarters. He served in the 3rd Branch of the Ottoman General Staff on 9 August 1913 after he served in some military units as Chief of Staff. He was promoted to the rank of Major on 12 April 1914. He was appointed to the Edirne Castle Command as the member of the staff on 9 August 1914. The World War I began shortly after the Balkan Wars. Ottoman Empire participated in this war with the Central Powers and fought on many fronts. Izzeddin Bey was appointed as the Chief of Staff at the 19th Division Command with the demand of the 19th Division Commander Mustafa Kemal Bey and he first fought in the Canakkale Front in the World War I. He was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Anafartalar Group Command on 16 August 1915 then was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the 16th Corps in the Caucasus Front on 21 February 1916. He was promoted to rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 14 September 1916. He was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ottoman Army Command on 16 June 1917 then was appointed as a member of the staff of the Ottoman General Headquarters on 5 November 1918. After the World War I ended, he started to serve in the Staff Office on 25 May 1920. Anatolia was occupied by the armies of the Allied Powers after the World War I. Turkish people started the National Struggle movement under Mustafa Kemal Pasha and his friends' leadership. Izzeddin Bey came to Mudanya on 1 July 1920 to participated in the National Struggle. He was appointed as the Deputy Commander of the 20th Corps on 24 July 1920. After the 20th Corps was abolished, he was appointed as the Commander of the 23th Division and he participated in the Usak Battle with this duty. He was appointed as the Commander of the 61th Division and he participated in Gediz, Kutahya and Inonu Battles. He was promoted to rank of Colonel on 10 January 1921. Later, he was appointed as the Commander of the 1st Group and he participated in Kutahya-Eskisehir and Sakarya Battles with this duty. He was appointed as the Commander of the 1st Corps on 15 September 1921 and he participated in the Great Offensive. He was promoted to rank of Major General and he became a Pasha on 31 August 1922. He entered Izmir with his corps on 9 September 1922. He was also appointed as the Izmir Military Governor on the same day. He became a member of Izmir Court-Martial on 23 July 1923. He was elected as Aydin Deputy in the general elections on 13 February 1923. He resigned from the Parliament on 31 November 1924 and only continued his military duty. He was appointed as the 3rd Army Inspector on 20 June 1925. He was promoted to rank of Lieutanent General on 30 August 1926 and then was promoted to rank of General on 30 August 1930. He was appointed as the 2nd Army Inspector on 22 November 1933. He was retired on 20 December 1939. He was awarded with many medals during his military career. He returned to politics when he was elected as the Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy of Muğla for the 6th Period of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in by-elections on 3 March 1940. He was elected as the Deputy of Muğla for the 7th Period of the Parliament in 1943 and then was elected as the Deputy of Balikesir for the 8th Period of the Parliament in 1947. Izzettin Calislar who was nominated for Erzurum Deputy but couldn't be elected passed away on 20 August 1951 in Istanbul. His funeral was buried in Edirnekapı Martyrdom and then was transferred to Ankara State Cemetary on 25 October 1988.