29.05.2026 21:10
Commemorative ceremonies were held on the 33rd anniversary of the tragedy in which 5 Turks lost their lives in a house set on fire by racists on May 29, 1993, in Solingen, Germany. AK Party Deputy Chairman Zafer Sırakaya, Türkiye's Consul General in Essen Ali İhsan İzbul, Solingen Mayor Daniel Flemm, and many citizens attended the ceremonies. Speeches conveyed a message of unity against racism and hate crimes.
On May 29, 1993, in the city of Solingen, Germany, five Turkish citizens lost their lives in a racist arson attack organized by far-right neo-Nazis, and they were commemorated with ceremonies on the 33rd anniversary of the massacre. Prayers were recited both at the memorial in Solingen, where the tragedy occurred, and at the graves of the victims in Taşova district of Amasya, their hometown.
Despite 33 years having passed, under the shadow of racist massacres such as the NSU murders, Hanau and Halle attacks, the pain in the memory of Turks living in Europe remains as fresh and deep as the first day.
FIVE INNOCENT LIVES MASSACRED IN THE FLAMES
In the city of Solingen in North Rhine-Westphalia, on the night of May 29, 1993, the house of the Genç family on Untere Werner Street was set on fire by racists. In this hate massacre that sparked outrage worldwide, Gürsün İnce (28), Hatice Genç (19), Gülüstan Öztürk (12), Hülya Genç (9), and Saime Genç (5) tragically perished in the flames.
IDENTITIES OF THE PERPETRATIONS CHANGED
The perpetrators caught after the incident—Markus Gartmann, Felix Köhnen, Christian Reher, and Christian Buchholz—were released after serving the prison sentences handed down by the court. Today, the criminals' identities have been changed and kept secret. The fact that the perpetrators continue to live freely in Germany continues to deeply undermine faith in justice.
"HATE IS SOWN AGAIN TODAY, WE MUST NEVER FORGET SOLINGEN"
At the ceremonies organized by the Mevlüde Genç Association in front of the burned house and by the Solingen Municipality at the city monument, the Genç family, who lost five family members in the tragedy, as well as AK Party Deputy Chairman Zafer Sırakaya, Turkey's Consul General in Essen Ali İhsan İzbul, Solingen Mayor Daniel Flemm, German politicians, and non-governmental organizations participated. Speaking at the ceremony where the Quran was recited and prayers were offered, AK Party Deputy Chairman Sırakaya emphasized the need not to become "blind" in the face of racist hatred, saying:
"Even today, 33 years later, people are attacked because of their beliefs, origins, and names. Hate is sown again today. That is precisely why we must never forget Solingen. People of different origins, religions, and cultures should live together in peace. Let us all work together to ensure that Solingen not only remains a place of remembrance but also serves as a living example of how humanity can overcome hate."
"WE HAVE LOST MORE THAN 50 OF OUR CITIZENS IN GERMANY"
Consul General of Essen Ali İhsan İzbul stated that the events in Solingen and Mölln are etched in the collective memory of the Turkish community, drawing attention to the scale of the danger:
"To date, we have lost more than 50 of our citizens in such attacks in Germany. Even today, attacks on our mosques and places of worship continue. These wounds are not just a thing of the past; their effects are still felt today."
Solingen Mayor Daniel Flemm also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy that occurred 33 years ago, conveying a message of unity and solidarity on behalf of the city.
COMMEMORATED AT THEIR GRAVES IN AMASYA: THE WISE MOTHER WHO TAUGHT HUMANITY A LESSON
On the 33rd anniversary of the tragedy, the five Turkish citizens who lost their lives were also sadly remembered at their graves in Mercimek village of Taşova district, Amasya. Amasya Governor Önder Bakan, who attended the commemoration program, remembered Mevlüde Genç, who rejected hate speech throughout her life despite losing her children.
Governor Bakan stated:
"Our aunt Mevlüde Genç truly gave a lesson in humanity to the entire world after that heinous attack in Germany. All of us, including foreigners, were deeply affected by her. She truly demonstrated all the qualities of being a Turkish citizen and a believer. May the souls of all our deceased citizens rest in peace."
Mevlüde Genç, who lost her two daughters, two grandchildren, and her niece in the attack, yet sent messages of reconciliation to the world and became a symbol of peace in Germany, passed away on October 30, 2022, and was buried next to her loved ones in her hometown of Amasya. The memorial ceremony in Taşova was attended by relatives of the Genç family, District Governor Salih Kartal, Mayor Ömer Özalp, and many citizens, who once again shared the sorrow.