Mehmetçik


Mehmetçik is a general term used affectionately to refer soldiers of the Ottoman Army and Turkish Army. It is similar to the colloquialisms Tommy Atkins, Doughboy, and Digger used for the British, U.S., and Australian armies. Although it is used for especially infantryman, terms such like Piyade Mehmetçik and Süvari Mehmetçik, Topçu Mehmetçik have occasionally been seen.
It is considered that "Mehmetçik" was coined after Ottoman Army Sergeant Bigalı Mehmet Çavuş, who fought during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.