11.02.2026 17:59
University student Özgecan Aslan, who was murdered 11 years ago on the minibus she took to return home from school in the Tarsus district of Mersin, was commemorated with a ceremony held at her grave on the anniversary of her death. During the ceremony, it was observed that family members struggled to stand and could not hold back their tears.
Özgecan Aslan, who became a symbol of societal awakening against femicides and whose murder shocked Turkey, was commemorated at her grave in Mersin on the 11th anniversary of her death. The ceremony held for Özgecan, a university student whose dreams and future were taken away at just 20 years old, was filled with pain and sorrow.
SAD MEETING AT THE CITY CEMETERY
To commemorate Özgecan Aslan, who was killed by the driver Ahmet Suphi Altındöken after getting off class in Tarsus in 2015, her mother Songül, father Mehmet Aslan, and relatives gathered at her grave in Mersin City Cemetery. Her family and loved ones prayed for Aslan and left flowers at her grave. Those attending the ceremony struggled to hold back their tears.
FATHER MEHMET ASLAN: 11 YEARS HAVE PASSED
Father Mehmet Aslan, who feels the pain of his daughter as fresh as the first day, expressed during his speech at the ceremony that they could not comprehend how time has passed. Aslan said, "Today is the 11th year. It feels like we are in a dream. 11 years have passed. I thank all the friends who have not left us alone from distant and nearby lands," expressing his gratitude to those who supported them.
MOTHER SONGÜL ASLAN: SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN THE BEST PSYCHOLOGIST IN THE WORLD
The words of mother Songül Aslan, who spoke about her daughter's unfulfilled dreams, broke the hearts of those attending the ceremony. Describing her daughter's goals, mother Aslan used the following expressions:
"It has been 11 years since Özge left us. May God not show this pain to any mother or father. My child had no fault. She had dreams and goals. She used to say, 'Mom, I will study and become the best psychologist in the world.' She was a very honest, principled, and positive child. She was a smiling girl, dedicated to her work and studies. I pray that God makes those who caused her this pain experience the same pain. Our innocent, blameless children are leaving one by one. May God make them experience the same."