Founding of the Naval Aviation School

The Naval Aviation School, known as Bahriye Tayyare Mektebi, was established in June 1914 as part of the Ottoman Empire's efforts to enhance its military aviation capabilities. This institution was a significant step in the development of naval aviation, aiming to train pilots specifically for maritime operations. The founding of the school coincided with a period of increased interest in aviation technology and its applications in military strategy. The establishment of the Naval Aviation School was intended to create a specialized cadre of aviators who could operate aircraft in support of naval operations, thereby integrating air power into the broader military framework of the Empire. However, the onset of World War I had a profound impact on the Ottoman military aviation program. The war halted the modernization efforts that had been underway, and the focus shifted to immediate military needs. Ottoman Aviation Squadrons, which had been formed prior to the war, were deployed across various fronts, including Galicia, the Caucasus, and Yemen. These squadrons played a crucial role in reconnaissance and support missions, despite the challenges posed by the war. The establishment of the Naval Aviation School marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of military aviation in the Ottoman Empire, laying the groundwork for future developments in this field, even as the war disrupted many of its initial plans.