TURKMEN MARTYRS WERE COMMEMORATED

TURKMEN MARTYRS WERE COMMEMORATED

The Turkmen Martyrs Cemetery was visited by officials on the 16th of January on Turkmen Martyrs Day. Those participating in the visit to the cemetery commemorated the martyrs with respect and mercy.


Members of the Turkmen leading cadre Colonel Abdullah Abdurrahman, Assistant Professor Dr. Necdet Koçak, Dr. Rıza Demirci, Adil Şerif and their comrades were executed by the former regime on the 16th of January 1980.

The Turkmen political party and movements, youth organizations and non-governmental organizations convened at martyr Necdet Koçak’s gravesite at the Musalla Cemetery in Kirkuk.

The Head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front Erşat Salihi and Executive Board Member Münir Kafili also attended the commemoration ceremony. A Fatiha was recited at the grave of the martyr and wreaths were placed on the gravesite.

The Honorary Head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front Dr. Sadettin Ergeç made a speech at the cemetery saying, “We have reached the point we are today with the blood of our martyrs. We must take ownership of our history. Let’s take ownership of our land”.

The Head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front and Kirkuk MP Erşat Salihi said that the Turkmen owed their existence to the struggle of the martyrs.

Deputy Head of the Turkmen Decision Party Yavuz Ömer Adil, Head of Turkmen Veterans Association Yaşar Vindavi and ITF Kirkuk Province Directorate Organization Officer Muhammet Saman were among those attending the ceremony.

We Shall Not Forget Them

We Shall Not Forget Them

The date of 16^th January 1980 has a very important place in the history of the struggle of the Iraqi Turkmen.

Exactly 33 years have passed since the great Turkmen Leaders Assistant Professor Dr. Necdet Koçak, Retired Colonel Abdullah Abdurrahman, businessman Adil Şerif were executed and scientist Dr. Rıza Demirci died under torture by the old regime of Iraq. The great Turkmen leaders who were executed by the old regime of Iraq who are unforgettable heroes of the national cause the Turkmen walked to the execution stand with their heads held high.

Assistant Professor Dr. Necdet Koçak who was innocent of any crime and was executed as a result of the  intimidation policy practiced by the Baas Party was an extraordinary personality, a valuable community leader. Assistant Professor Dr. Necdet Koçak who was devoted to his nation and cause spent his life in protecting the national identities of Turkmen and fighting to gain their political and cultural rights.

Retired Colonel Abdullah Abdurrahman who has executed was the head of Turkmen Brotherhood Group for many years. He traveled from village to village, town to town and was deeply involved in the problems of Turkmen. He enlightened the people regarding the national cause of the Turkmen everywhere he went.

Business Adil Şerif made many large material and spiritual sacrifices on behalf of the Turkmen national cause. He was a very beloved, respected and admired man.  

The research carried out by esteemed scientist Dr. Rıza Demirci who succumbed to inhumane torture put the Turkmen population and their settlement areas onto the agenda. He was a man devoted to his nation, a courageous and enterprising man. 

The execution of the leaders of Iraqi Turks has drowned the Turkmen community in infinite pain and sorrow. However history has shown us that national causes can only be won by the presence of those who believe that the cause is worth dying for. Like the great Turkish author and poet Mithat Cemal Kuntay said in one of his poems "Territory is a homeland when it has been died for."

Our esteemed leader Dr. Necdet Koçak addressed his family and compatriots a few hours before his execution with the following words:  

“Friends, a tree will produce leaves when it is pruned. I ask that you do not forsake the cause and continue. At the moment I am more at peace than ever. I go to God with peace in my soul. I am handing the flag to you. I am confident that you will bear it with honor. Do not stray from the path of truth and God. Be with God.”

We bear the flag handed over by our leaders with honour. We commemorate these honourable people with mercy and gratitude. The Turkmen community will never forget them.

May their souls rest in peace.

Dr. Hicran Kazancı
Iraqi Turkmen Front
Turkey Representative