Brig. Mat Sakir: Erdogan Appoints Turkey’s First Female General
Brigadier General Mat Sakir with the gendarmerie force (Image X.com)
Amid his hardline image, Erdogan with the appointment of Brigadier General Sakir seeks to do an image makeover within his country.
By TRH Global Affairs Desk
NEW DELHI, July 31, 2025 – In a historic move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appointed Brigadier General Mat Sakir as the country’s first female general in the gendarmerie force, marking a significant milestone for gender equality in Turkey’s military.
The decree, signed by Erdogan, promotes Sakir from colonel to brigadier general, a decision celebrated across Turkey-based media outlets. Turkey-based media, including Anadolu Agency, reported, “This appointment reflects a new era for the Turkish Gendarmerie, showcasing the inclusion of women in high-ranking military roles.”
Similarly, Hurriyet Daily News highlighted, “Brigadier General Mat Sakir’s promotion is a testament to the evolving role of women in Turkey’s defence forces under Erdogan’s leadership.”
Mat Sakir, born in 1968, has had a distinguished career in the Turkish Gendarmerie, previously serving as head of the Directorate for Combating Domestic Violence and the Department for Children. The gendarmerie, a branch of the Turkish Armed Forces under the Ministry of Interior, oversees border security and coast guard operations.
“This appointment follows years of gradual integration of women into the military, with Erdogan’s administration pushing for greater representation,” said Ankara-based analysts. The move comes amid Turkey’s complex political landscape, including recent military purges and efforts to modernize the armed forces following the 2016 coup attempt.
The appointment of Brigadier General Sakir symbolizes a shift toward gender inclusivity in Turkey’s traditionally male-dominated military, potentially inspiring future generations of women to pursue military careers.
It also aligns with Erdogan’s narrative of empowering women within a conservative framework, countering criticisms of his government’s stance on gender roles. However, the significance is tempered by ongoing debates about the military’s politicization and the broader context of authoritarian governance, raising questions about whether this move is symbolic or substantive. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as progress and others as a strategic political gesture.
Erdogan has built an image of an Islamist hardliner. He has recently launched a massive crackdown against dissenters and Opposition leaders. Amid his hardline image, Erdogan with the appointment of Brigadier General Sakir seeks to do an image makeover within his country.
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