The U.S. Engineering Group began construction of the base located approximately 250 miles southeast of Ankara, Turkey, in the spring of 1951. The U.S. Air Force initially planned to use the base as an emergency staging and recovery site for medium and heavy bombers. The Turkish General Staff and the U.S. Air Force signed a joint use agreement for the new base in December 1954. Fact Sheet

Turks are very proud of their history and the founder of their country, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. They show a great respect to Ataturk's name, pictures and statues. Do not act disrespectfully to Ataturk's name, pictures or statues, including Turkish money, which has Ataturk's picture on it.