The Legend of  İpsiz Recep (Emice): The Fearless Hero of the Turkish War of Independence

WISE NEWS PRESS / RİZE, TÜRKİYE

The epic life of Recep Reis, widely known as "İpsiz Recep" or "Emice"—a name that struck terror into the hearts of enemies and brought hope to the oppressed during the Turkish War of Independence—continues to be a symbol of national defiance.

Born in Rize—with records stating 1862 while contemporaries claim 1855—Recep Reis was a man of action, high marksmanship, and deep religious conviction. Known for his rebellious yet charitable nature, he rose from a humble sailor to a legendary militia commander. His alias "İpsiz" (meaning "penniless" or "unattached") came from his selfless act of selling all his assets in Rize to donate the proceeds to a local mosque and his imprisoned friends. During the National Struggle, he was affectionately called "Emice" (Uncle) by his comrades due to his seniority and fatherly leadership.

From Siberian Exile to the National Struggle

Recep Reis’s journey was marked by early conflict and survival. After a clash with Armenian committees in Batum, he was captured by the Russians and sent to a labor camp in Siberia, where he worked in stone quarries. He escaped in 1917, returning to Rize during the Russian occupation to join the local Liberation Committee. Following the sinking of his 250-ton vessel near Kefken, he settled in the region and formed a formidable militia force.

Protector of the Bosphorus and the Karakol Society

As the occupation of Anatolia deepened, Recep Reis became a pivotal figure in the secret intelligence and resistance networks:

• Secret Operations: He joined the Karakol Society, the first major resistance group providing intelligence and smuggling weapons and senior officers to Anatolia.

• The "Andon" Raid: In a famous operation, he entered a tavern in Istanbul disguised as a waiter to eliminate the notorious Greek gang leader Andon, effectively dismantling his group.

• Maritime Heroics: He successfully hijacked a French ship and the famous "Alemdar" vessel, delivering them to the national forces in Ankara.

• Honorary Rank: For his successes, the Ankara Government honored him with the rank of Militia Captain.

The Battle of Sakarya: Fighting with Curved Blades

Recep Reis eventually integrated his 1,200-strong militia into the regular army, forming the "Kocaeli Battalion." During the Battle of Sakarya, his unit fought with legendary bravery:

• Hand-to-Hand Combat: When their ammunition was exhausted, the militia charged the Greek lines with only their curved knives ("yatağan").

• Wounded in Action: Recep Reis was wounded during these fierce clashes but continued to support the national cause until victory.

• Logistics Specialist: Throughout the war, he ensured the safe passage of key figures from Istanbul to Ankara and managed the critical flow of weapons across the Black Sea.

"A Fox has no business in the market"

Following the victory, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk invited Recep Reis to Ankara, greeting him warmly as "Emice." When offered a role in politics, the legendary leader declined, famously stating, "A fox has no business in the market." He also donated his war veteran's pension to the Aviation Association (Tayyare Cemiyeti) and gave away most of the land granted to him by the state to those in need. When awarded the Medal of Independence, he initially refused, saying, "I fought for my nation, not for a medal."

Death and Legacy

"İpsiz" Recep spent his final years in the Yenimahalle district of Karasu. He passed away on June 11, 1928, due to typhoid fever. Per his request, he was buried in the Karasu Cemetery, where his grave stands today as a monument to one of the most selfless and courageous figures of the Turkish Revolution.

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