Burhan Felek

Burhan Felek (May 11, 1889, in Istanbul – November 4, 1982, in Istanbul) was a Turkish journalist, columnist, sportsperson and writer.

Biography He was born on May 11, 1889, in Istanbul. After graduating in 1910 from Istanbul Law School, later the Faculty of Law at Istanbul University, he worked as a legal consultant at the Ministry of Commerce, a high school teacher, and an independent lawyer.

Burhan Felek died on November 4, 1982, at the age of 93 in Istanbul. He was buried in the Karacaahmet Cemetery.

Sportsperson During his youth years, Burhan Felek practiced sports including wrestling, athletics and football. He took part in 1500 metres middle distance running events and played football. In 1907, he co-founded the Üsküdar Anadolu Sports Club. Vakit, Vatan, Yeni Ses, Alemdar, Dün ve Bugün and Tetebbu, he continued to write at Cumhuriyet 29-years long. On September 1, 1969, Burhan Felek transferred to Milliyet, where he wrote until his death in 1982. He wrote a humor column, "Recebin Kahvesi" (Recep's Café), published on Sundays.

Felek served for 26 years as the president of the "Association of Journalists in Istanbul" (İstanbul Gazeteciler Cemiyeti), the forerunner of the Association of Turkish Journalists (TGC).

His last column was published in Millyet on November 5, 1982, the day following his death.

On May 8, 1980, he received an honorary Doctor degree from Istanbul University.

The French government awarded him posthumously with the Legion of Honour.

A sports complex comprising indoor arenas and swimming pools, situated in Altunizade neighborhood of Üsküdar district in Istanbul, is named Burhan Felek Sports Complex. A street In Eskişehir and Mersin is named after him.