Raşit Yakalı was born in 1943 in Tire, İzmir, Turkey. He taught in a primary school for 5 years. He started caricature with the encouragement of M. Semih Balcioglu, a master of the art of caricature. His first caricature was published in 1962 in Tercüman - a daily newspaper. 

His work as a professional caricaturist appeared in several newspapers and magazines, namely Yeni Asır (1964-68), Pardon Mizah Magazine (1969-70), Dünya (1970-87), Hürriyet (1987-92), Fotospor (1993-94), as well as BRT TV (1995-96). He is currently affiliated with "Bizim Gazete" newspaper.
Mr. Yakalı has put on five personal exhibitions. In 1980 he founded the Çarşaf School of Caricature and directed the School until 1992. Semih BALCIOĞLU was also the co-director of the School for some time. Together, they put on 15 exhibitions called "Biz de varız (We exist too)". Two of the artist?s books and two of his caricatures have been on exhibition in the museums of caricature in Bulgaria and Canada.
Raşit Yakası is married with two children. He is a member of the Caricaturists Society, Turkish Journalists Society, Turkish Sports Writers Society, and Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club.