A first in the Turkish Armed Forces after 183 years: The Donizetti Pasha detail

A first has occurred in the Turkish Armed Forces, as 'Band Colonel' Özcan Özhun has been promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Promoted at the 47th position, Özcan Özhun has become the first general in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to come from the military band branch. 

The Italian composer Giuseppe Donizetti, who established the first military band in the Ottoman Empire's army and directed it for 28 years, was also granted the title of 'mirliva' (brigadier general) by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1841.

He composed the Mecidiye March

According to the report by Emin Özgönül from Sözcü; born in Italy in 1788, Donizetti introduced the Ottoman Empire to Western music in the 19th century. He founded the Mûsikâ-i Hümâyûn, which is today's Presidential Symphony Orchestra. He served the Ottoman State for 28 years and was given the title of "Pasha." Donizetti composed the "Mahmudiye March" for Sultan Mahmud II and the "Mecidiye March" for Sultan Abdülmecid.

CHP Deputy Chairman and Retired Rear Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu, while congratulating Özhun, also expressed a grievance.

No medical generals

Bağcıoğlu stated, "Our band colonel was promoted to the rank of general by the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) decision. If there is a need, it can be done; it is at the discretion of the command echelon. But what is truly sad is that there is no medical colonel who has become a general. Because we no longer have a military health system."

He was a soldier of Napoleon

Giuseppe Donizetti, who was Italian, served in the French Army during the Napoleon Bonaparte era. He was later invited to Istanbul by Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, arriving in 1828 to establish the first military band. After Sultan Mahmud II, his successor Sultan Abdülmecid granted Donizetti the rank of "Miralay" (Colonel) in 1841, and subsequently "Mirliva" (Brigadier General). Donizetti, who died in Istanbul in 1856, had his remains kept at the Santa Maria Church in Beyoğlu for three weeks before being laid to rest at the Saint Esprit Church cemetery in Şişli.

News Source: 12punto