18.01.2026 21:10
Breaking his silence on the death of Atlas, who was taken from life at a young age, Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı stated that Turkey is undergoing a test of justice. Ortaylı characterized the tragedy as a societal destruction beyond an individual crime, saying, "This case is now a matter not only for Atlas's family but for everyone who stands up for justice."
Turkey is once again experiencing a deep shock with the death of Atlas, who passed away at the age of 17, while a striking statement came from historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı. In a post on his social media account, Ortaylı evaluated Atlas's death through the increasingly visible climate of "brutality" and impunity in the country.
In his post, Ortaylı recalled other young people who had previously lost their lives, stating, "Ahmet Minguzzi, Ata Emre, Hakan, Berkay, and now Atlas... We have sacrificed another young person to the brutality that is covered up in this country."
"A LIGHT IN A HOUSE HAS GONE OUT, A MOTHER'S LIFE IS LEFT UNFULFILLED"
Ortaylı emphasized that Atlas's death cannot be viewed merely as an individual crime, indicating that there is a deeper mentality issue behind the events. He drew attention to the social dimension of the pain with the words, "A light in a house has gone out, a mother's life is left unfulfilled."
"WE FACE A ARROGANT AND RECKLESS MENTALITY"
In his statement, Ortaylı argued that an understanding that disregards law and conscience is gaining strength, saying, "It is unknown what this state, which cares neither for the law nor has any connection to conscience, leans on."
Ortaylı expressed that the murder of Atlas has gone beyond being merely a matter for his family and close circle, stating that the case is now directly connected to the society's sense of justice. "This case is no longer just about Atlas's family, but about everyone in this country who stands up for justice," he said.
"A FAIR DECISION WILL BE A BALM FOR THE SOCIETY'S CONSCIENCE"
Ortaylı emphasized that no court decision can alleviate the pain of families, yet he expressed that a clear and unequivocal ruling could contribute to the wounded sense of justice in society.
"TURKEY IS BEING TESTED BY THE DETERRENCE OF LAW"
Ortaylı stated that Atlas's death cannot be seen as a singular murder, saying, "This is a test of the deterrence of law in Turkey, the public's conscience, and the will to say 'it will not happen again,'" and warned that otherwise, losses would increase.