Turkish military dentist Fuat Çık remembered after 1994 attack

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ELAZIĞ, TURKEY — Military dentist Major Fuat Çık is remembered as a Turkish Armed Forces officer who was killed in an armed attack in Elazığ on December 14, 1994.

Born in Edirne in 1958, Fuat Çık devoted his life to both dentistry and military service. After completing his education in dentistry and later becoming a dental prosthetics specialist, he served in several military medical posts across Turkey. He was killed at the age of 36 in an attack attributed to DHKP-C militants while working at his private dental clinic in Elazığ after duty hours.

A life that began in Edirne

Fuat Çık was born on May 28, 1958, in Edirne, a historic city in northwestern Turkey. He completed his primary and secondary education there before choosing a career in healthcare.

In 1975, he entered Istanbul University’s Çapa Faculty of Dentistry, one of Turkey’s leading institutions in dental education. His years at the faculty shaped the professional foundation of a career that would later combine medical service with military duty.

Although dentistry became his academic path, Çık also had a strong desire to serve as an officer. In 1979, during the final year of his dental education, he transferred to the Turkish Armed Forces as a military student. This decision changed the direction of his life and placed his medical skills within the framework of military service.

From dental education to military medical service

After joining the Turkish Armed Forces, Fuat Çık continued his professional development within the military health system. In 1981, he completed his internship at the Gülhane Military Medical Academy, known as GATA, and graduated with the rank of lieutenant.

His early assignments took him to different parts of Turkey. He served at the Tuzla Infantry School infirmary and later at Amasya Military Hospital. These posts gave him experience in providing dental and medical support within the disciplined structure of the armed forces.

Military dentists play a vital role in the health system of the armed forces. Their work is not limited to routine clinical care. They support the health readiness of military personnel, provide treatment in military hospitals and infirmaries, and contribute to the broader medical capacity of the institution.

Çık was one of the officers who carried this responsibility with professional commitment.

He became a dental prosthetics specialist

Fuat Çık continued to advance in his profession. In 1990, he began further training at GATA in Ankara and successfully completed his education as a dental prosthetics specialist.

Dental prosthetics requires technical precision, clinical care and long-term treatment planning. By gaining this specialty, Çık strengthened his role as a military dentist and took on more advanced professional responsibilities.

After completing his specialization, he was assigned to Elazığ Military Hospital with the rank of major. In this post, he served military personnel and continued his work as a dental officer and specialist.

His career reflected both professional discipline and public service. From Edirne to Istanbul, from GATA to different military hospitals, and finally to Elazığ, his path was marked by education, service and dedication.

The attack in Elazığ

On December 14, 1994, Major Fuat Çık was killed in Elazığ. According to the account provided, he had completed his duty at the military hospital and was working at his private dental clinic in the city.

At the time, he reportedly did not yet have an assistant and was alone in the clinic. Near the end of the working day, militants entered the clinic disguised as patients. They claimed to be suffering from severe dental pain and asked for help.

As a dentist, Çık responded to what appeared to be a medical need. He was unarmed and in a civilian clinical setting when the attackers opened fire. The assault killed him at the age of 36.

The attack was attributed to DHKP-C, a militant organization. The killing left a deep mark because it targeted a medical officer in a place associated with care, treatment and trust.

A doctor and an officer

Fuat Çık’s life is remembered as the story of a man who combined two callings: medicine and military service. He was not only an officer in uniform, but also a dentist whose professional duty was to relieve pain and restore health.

His path shows the role of medical officers within the armed forces. They serve not only in hospitals, but also in the daily health needs of soldiers and staff. Their contribution is often quiet, technical and essential.

Çık’s work as a dental prosthetics specialist reflected years of training and dedication. His service in Tuzla, Amasya, Ankara and Elazığ showed a willingness to work wherever he was assigned.

The circumstances of his death added another painful dimension to his memory. The attackers entered his clinic under the appearance of patients, exploiting the trust at the heart of the medical profession.

Remembered with respect and gratitude

Major Fuat Çık is remembered among the Turkish Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in terrorist attacks while serving their country. His name continues to be associated with sacrifice, duty and professional dedication.

His death also stands as a reminder that terrorism has targeted not only soldiers in combat zones, but also medical personnel, public servants and civilians in vulnerable environments.

For his family, colleagues and the wider Turkish public, Fuat Çık’s memory remains part of a broader national remembrance of those who lost their lives in service.

He is remembered with mercy, gratitude and respect.

May his soul rest in peace, and may the memory of all fallen service members remain honored.

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